Brooklyn Bears Gather in the Hill Center
Saturday, Feb. 7 saw former student-athletes from St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Brooklyn Campus reunite for its annual Alumni Day. It was a day of friendship, family, reunion and friendly competition as alumni spanning nearly five decades came together to reminiscence and play in the University’s yearly basketball game.
During this year’s game, the white team secured victory over the blue team, 59-48.
Held in the Hill Center on the Brooklyn Campus, the event had more than 80 attendees registered, with multiple generations of SJNY’s alumni legacy under one roof. Breakfast and snacks were provided to those arriving early. Participants in the alumni game included former players of the Brooklyn Bears’ Men and Women’s basketball teams as well as faculty. Meanwhile, their spouses, children, parents, friends and former professors cheered them on from the stands.
Although the match was friendly, while the game clock ticked on, the competition remained fierce. In the end, the white team secured victory over the blue team, winning 59-48.
Outside the game, visitors could enter raffles for the chance to win New York Knicks tickets or purchase SJNY beanies with all proceeds supporting University athletics.
Honoring Coach Cocozello ‘95
The event didn’t end with the final buzzer of the alumni game. This year’s Alumni Day was also an opportunity to honor the career of SJNY Men’s Basketball Coach Joseph Cocozello ’95, who officially retired after 26 years and 25 seasons at St. Joseph’s.
The SJNY alumni, former Bears’ point guard and head coach was joined by his wife and daughter. During a special luncheon, former players, coaches and administrators reflected on their experiences working alongside or playing under Coach Cocozello.
“Your contributions to the athletic program and this University are part of its history. However, it is the respect and appreciation of all of the players who experienced your leadership and dedication that truly make this your legacy,” said Sherrie Van Arnam, former special assistant to the president for Student Life at SJNY.
SJNY Brooklyn Men’s Basketball Coach Joseph Cocozello ’95 was honored throughout the day.
Other speakers included Brooklyn Athletics liaison and associate professor Joseph Pascarella, Ph.D.; and Joe Ross, Ph.D., who served as head coach when Cocozello joined on as assistant coach, in addition to former players Ayo Deas, Ph.D. ’05, Alec Willis ’18 and Lukasz Cygan, Ph.D. ’07.
In recognition of his many years of service, Coach Cocozello was presented with a plague by Vice President of Institutional Advancement Rory Shaffer-Walsh before speaking to a room of his friends, family, former players and colleagues.
“St. Joseph’s will always carry a deep love in my heart,” Coach Cocozello said.
Following the alumni event would be a double header that saw the men’s and women’s basketball teams go up against SUNY Maritime and UMSV respectively.
During halftime of the men’s game, Coach Cocozello would be honored a second time, this time before fans and supporters of the SJNY Brooklyn Bears.
Additional photos from Alumni Day 2026
All photos were taken by Sean Colgan
