Iona College Magazine Summer 2015

SUMMER 2015

75

A group of students under the ginkgo tree in 1948, eight years after the College's opening.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

FLASHBACK

MEMORY LANE We are looking for your memories and photos to continue the celebration of our 75th anniversary.

View our historical photo gallery at www.iona.edu/75.

Email your photos to us at iona75years@iona.edu.

IN THIS ISSUE

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President's Message

4

Letters to the Editor & Iona in the News

UNDER THE GINKGO TREE 6

On Campus

14

Sports Report

17

Faculty Focus

20

Feature: Moving the World with Vision, Passion and Leadership

28

On the Job

30

Alumni

SUMMER 2015

22 14 WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Find more stories, photos, video and other content online at www.iona.edu/magazine — just look for this symbol throughout the magazine.

No one image can capture the rich history of Iona College, nor can these 10. But throughout this magazine, at www.iona.edu/75 and elsewhere, we're doing our best to commemorate this milestone anniversary with moments in time from our past. Help us by sharing your images and memories at Iona75@iona.edu. 1. Iona students at Brooklyn Bridge Park with lower Manhattan in background, 2015. 2. The Dalai Lama and Br. John G. Driscoll, then-president of Iona, 1984. 3. Students in campus quad, 1963. 4. Students on campus, 1999. 5. Men's basketball team during a game, 2015. 6. Students outside Doorley Hall, 1951. 7. Iona College Pipe Band member, 1986. 8. Women from first co-educational graduating class, 1974. 9. Students in campus quad, 1947. 10. The Celtic cross on the lawn between Doorley and LaPenta Student Union, a commemoration of the College’s 50th anniversary in 1990.

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million BTUs of energy compared to printing on virgin paper. *Source: Environmental Paper Network

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This issue is printed on Rolland Enviro100 Print, which contains FSC certified 100 percent post-consumer fiber, is EcoLogo and Process Chlorine Free certified and is manufactured using renewable biogas energy. By selecting this eco-friendly paper, Iona College saved the equivalent of 170 trees, 163,944 gallons of water, 16,778lbs. of waste, 55,124lbs. of CO2 and 141

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From the President

President Nyre presents a diploma to a graduate at Commencement at Madison Square Garden– see more photos from Commencement 2015 on p. 13.

It has been nearly 75 years since Iona College welcomed its first class of approximately 90 young men. Grounded by our mission and guided by our vision, our beloved Iona College has experienced monumental growth and change well beyond what could have been imagined by our Christian Brother founders in 1940.

This issue of Iona College Magazine focuses on the celebration of our rich history, provides insights into our Iona today and looks to our future. The College continues to make significant strides forward for our students and alumni. Academically, we are investing in programs at the forefront of their fields, including cyber security, health care analytics and speech language pathology. We are also actively recruiting top faculty with a special focus on the

Commencement 1963 at Spellman Hall.

humanities, business, sciences, technology, and math. Our campus learning and living environments continue to grow and thrive with renovations and new construction.

And, we are working diligently to curb tuition increases and raise funds in support of student scholarships to help ensure an affordable Iona education.

In 75 years, Iona has graduated 71 classes of scholars who have gone on to join more than 40,000 alumni in moving the world in extraordinary ways. This year’s Commencement was a particularly proud moment for me as we celebrated the Class of 2015. Having just begun my journey as president alongside them in the fall of 2011, we spent four years together growing academically and spiritually.

The Class of 2015 has left a mark on me and the history of Iona College – just as the 70 classes to graduate before them did and each class moving forward will in its own way. The College’s rich history is a testament to our scholars, alumni, faculty, administrators, Christian Brothers and the entire Iona College community.

Congratulations, members of the Iona College community, for 75 years of excellence. I hope to see you on campus soon and I look forward to celebrating this milestone with you over the next several months – and as we embark on the next 75 years.

Wishing all good things to you,

Joseph E.Nyre, Ph.D. President 2

Iona College Magazine

Summer 2015

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MAGAZINE

Suzanne Flood Editor Suzanne Augustyn Design and Creative Services Todd A. Wilson Senior Director Tsahai Amazan Brian Beyrer ’01 Kelly Dombrowski ’16 Dawn Insanalli ’99MS, ’15MS Michelle Rojas ’15 Lisa Romano Contributors Paul J. Sutera Senior Vice President for Advancement & External Affairs Elizabeth Faia Orgera ’10MBA Director of Alumni Relations Iona College Magazine is printed twice a year, and is distributed to alumni, faculty, staff and friends. © 2015 Iona College The magazine may be viewed online at: iona.edu/magazine Address correspondence to: magazine@iona.edu or Suzanne Flood Iona College Joyce Advancement House/ DeSantis Alumni House 715 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801

As we celebrate 75 years, we share the success of this past year.

806

graduates walked across the stage at Madison Square Garden

1,546

students are living the Christian Brothers mission through service volunteerism projects

98%

of freshman students received scholarships or financial aid to ensure their Iona experience will continue

6,292 Gifts were made by

members of the Iona community.

The collective impact is very powerful.

$6,226,441

in total cash dollars for The Fund for Iona College. Every gift matters, every year.

Please help Iona accomplish even more over the next 75 years.

Make your gift today! www.iona.edu/support I (914) 633-2412

HOW ARE YOU MOVING THE WORLD? Iona students, alumni, faculty and staff are all moving the world… Are you?

Magalie Makhraz ’15 is prepared to move the world because of the coursework, leadership positions, internship and community service she undertook at Iona.

James Laurentius ’15MBA is moving the world thanks to Iona’s personalized and exible M program which allowed him to juggle work, family and studies.

NEXT ISSUE Iona College Magazine is planning its next issue already and we’re interested in the personal stories of Iona alumni.

Jessalyn Marconi ’14 found an opportunity to move the world by educating students in Zambia on a mission trip while a student at Iona.

View stories, and submit your own, at www.iona.edu/movetheworld

We invite you to send a summary of your story, as soon as possible, preferably 50100 words, to magazine@iona.edu.

Glenn Horine ’84, ’91MBA helps move the world of sports and entertainment marketing by working in the field and preparing his students at Iona for success.

Please include your full name, Iona degree(s) and class year(s), and daytime phone number.

See these inspiring stories and more on our Move the World website. How are YOU moving the world? Let us know by submitting your own story – we want to hear from you!

Summer 2015

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YOUR TURN To the Editor:

IONA IN THE NEWS

I still possess my Iona yearbook – 1949 ICANN. God has blessed me and my family and God has blessed Iona. I read that the Summer issue will be about the story of Iona and I await receipt of it soon. In summary, I thank God for the war to end – of course I entered Iona in 1946, just discharged at age 18. God and Iona have been with me, and of course with family. God bless you.

Eugene O’Brien ’49

Photo by KEYS

Rob Silvan ’71 was highlighted by Christian Science Monitor for establishing Kids Empowered by Your Support (KEYS), a nonprofit group that brings music to schools in Bridgeport, Conn.

REUNION & GRADUATION SPECIAL If you were to ask me when I first came to Iona, the chubby, shy and timid freshman, if I would be receiving an Iona Commencement award, I would look you silly in the eye. The past four years have been filled with an immense amount of transformation. At Iona, I grew in love, compassion and sel essness. Not a day goes by when I don t thank God for allowing me to have become the person I am today. As grateful as I am to have received this award and other Iona awards, they don’t measure one’s success. There are seniors out there who are more deserving of them. I think I can speak on behalf of all seniors that Iona will always be our home away from home.

Vincent J. Calluzzo, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, was featured in an article in both the estchester and airfield County Business Journals in regard to enrollment rates at business schools.

My wife, Diane, and I would like to thank you for the spectacular time we had this past weekend at Iona. I knew we would have a wonderful experience, but to be treated like royalty for two days was over the top! I want to thank everyone at Iona who had anything to do with the reunion, and I know there are many. Every person was warm, receptive, patient and always available to meet any need we may have had. Returning to Iona this weekend was warm and inspiring to me and I am not ashamed to say brought me to tears on several occasions. GO GAELS! Gerald N. Porricelli ’65 I’m writing to tell you what a wonderful time my wife and I had at the 50-year Reunion for the Class of 1965. All the events were well-planned and carried out very professionally. The staff was extremely helpful and solicitous, always asking if there were something they could do for us. We especially appreciated the people who drove the golf cart to assist my wife in moving between locations. Our thanks for making the reunion a truly memorable weekend.

Steve Connors ’65

Amanda Saccomanno ’13 is one of 13 finalists in the sixth season of the reality show competition, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Tough Enough.

She is featured on the WWE website, The Journal News, New Rochelle Patch, and other outlets as she competes for a WWE contract.

Read these and other news stories.

WRITE TO US! We welcome your letters in response to the content of the magazine, and about all things relating to Iona College. Please address letters to: Iona Magazine, Joyce Advancement House/DeSantis Alumni House, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY, 10801, or to magazine@ iona.edu. Please include your full name, Iona class year(s) and degree(s), address, email address, and daytime phone number.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

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Iona College Magazine

Photo by WWE

Kyle Byrne ’15

on campus | sports report | faculty focus

NOTEWORTHY BELOVED GINKGO An iconic centerpiece to the campus quad, the ginkgo tree has been growing longer than the College. In 1919, when Brother Joseph Ignatius Doorley purchased the 18-acre estate from the Rev. Thomas Hall, the ginkgo tree was already on the property – meaning our beloved tree is likely more than 100 years old and certainly has aged beautifully!

Photo from the 1946 ICANN Yearbook

Summer 2015

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ON CAMPUS Economic & Service Impact Report January 2015

COLLEGE HAS POSITIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT ON REGION

Anand Shetty, Ph.D., Chair & Professor of Finance John Manley, Ph.D., Professor of Finance

Earlier this year, Iona College issued an Economic & Service Impact Report (ESIR), which was commissioned to quantify the economic impact that Iona has on the City of New Rochelle and the local region. The report was largely based on the findings from a study conducted by two Iona business professors – Anand Shetty, Ph.D., and John Manley, Ph.D. An additional study was also conducted on behalf of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) by the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) – which found that Iona College’s economic impact totals as much as $250 million annually for New York State.

Results from both studies indicate that Iona has a positive impact on the region in many ways – through core spending of the College, students and visitors, volunteer service, as well as being the second-largest private employer. The ESIR report from Iona was more conservative in its multipliers and estimated the College’s total economic impact on the region to be $117.5 million. Additionally, the service impact component of the study reveals 22,500 hours of community service were provided by students to the region.

Iona's total estimated impact is as much as $250 million annually.

Iona’s study also notes the College’s contributions to an educated workforce in the region and nation at large.

The study describes how workforce spending makes further contributions to the community in terms of income, employment and tax revenue to local and state governments.

Iona College continues to be recognized for its role in the regional and local economy, and was recently approved to participate in Start-Up NY – a program intended to help start, expand or relocate qualified businesses to tax free ones in New ork State.

Read the full news release and the Economic & Service Impact Report.

COLLEGE BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW NORTH AVENUE RESIDENCE HALL n May , Iona College hosted the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Avenue Residence Hall. The ceremony took place at the site of the future residence hall, on the corner of North and Summit Avenues, across from the main entrance of the College. Students, faculty, staff, Board of Trustee members, alumni and the New Rochelle community were in attendance to celebrate this achievement.

The North Avenue Residence Hall will increase the quality and quantity of residential housing options for students while also helping revitalize North Avenue. This new building will be styled to re ect a modern Iona with a vibrant streetscape and design complementary to nearby College and community structures. The first oor will feature taxable retail and restaurant space open to the public with adjacent on-site parking.

Iona College is working hard to be a good neighbor to our good neighbors, said President oseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., calling upon the words of Brother riscoll, Iona s sixth president. This new residence hall is a groundbreaking development on North Avenue for both Iona College and the City of New ochelle. s Iona celebrates its 75th year, we celebrate our partnership with New Rochelle, in the spirit of positive town-gown relationships – working together to move our corner of the world.

The North Avenue Residence Hall is expected to open in fall 2016.

Stay up-to-date with the progress on the North Avenue Residence Hall – and see a real-time web cam of the construction site.

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Iona College Magazine

Top: Architect's rendering of the North Avenue residence hall.

Bottom: Andrew J. Dolce ’57, James P. Hynes ’69, ’01H, President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., Mayor Noam Bramson, CJ Funaro ’15.

TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD GALA On April 10, Iona College hosted its 2015 Scholarship Award Gala and Diamond Jubilee Celebration – a truly momentous evening. Nearly 700 guests gathered to recognize two deserving Ionians for their remarkable contributions to the College and community.

The 2015 Legacy Award was presented to James P. Hynes ’69, ’01H and the 2015 Blessed Edmund Rice Humanitarian Award was presented to His Eminence, Timothy M. Cardinal Dolan ’14H. More than $1.2 million dollars were raised to support Iona’s student scholarship programs.

The evening also officially commenced Iona s yearlong celebration of its 75th anniversary.

Photos by John Vecchiolla Photography

Read more about the gala and view photos and videos from the event.

Summer 2015 7

Heritage Week

ON CAMPUS Heritage Week, a long-standing Iona College tradition that grew out of Founders' Day, celebrates the multi-layered history of the College and invites the Iona community to explore new ways of fulfilling the founding Brothers’ vision. This annual week starts off with an opening Mass, and features lectures, panels, film and more – including a vow renewal by the Christian Brothers.

OPENING CEREMONY This year’s Heritage Week opening ceremony paid special tribute to Iona College’s 75th anniversary. Led by pipers from the Iona College Pipe Band, students entered the ceremony bearing signs marking each year in the College’s history. Attendees were treated to re ections from several members of the Iona College community, performances of song and dance from student groups and employees and more.

At the end of the ceremony, a commemorative 75th anniversary time capsule was started with items including a special Iona lapel pin, a book about Iona Athletics and more. Special birthday-themed cupcakes and a cake concluded the event.

HANDS AROUND IONA At the annual fundraiser hosted by the College’s Tara Knights Society, members of the Iona community gathered on Mazzella Field to hold hands and raise money for this year's chosen cause, The Lotus Project – a Christian Brothers program that helps underprivileged children in India attend school. Hands Around Iona has been a staple event at Iona for several years and asks attendees to contribute a nominal gift to support that year’s cause.

RELAY FOR LIFE During Heritage Week, Iona College hosted its second Relay for Life fundraising event benefiting the merican Cancer Society. The event was organi ed by a committee of Iona students and sponsored by the ffice of Student evelopment. More than 500 individuals participated on 37 teams to raise more than $62,000 for cancer research and patient services.

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Iona College

aga ine

Loftus Dinner

Three of the longesttenured faculty members of the evening – Joseph A. Cussen, CFC, ’57; Kurt J. Engemann, Ph.D., ’74MBA; and Hugh Short, Ph.D. – achieved milestones of 40 and 50 years of commitment to Iona College.

Joseph A. Cussen, CFC, ’57 50 Years of Service “I consider myself truly fortunate to have taught at Iona for 50 of the 75 years of the history of the College. During this time it has been a privilege for me to see Iona grow in stature, diversify its student body, enrich its curriculum and in so many occasions prosper on the athletics field.”

Brother Cussen and President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. Hugh Short, Ph.D., President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., and Kurt Engemann, Ph.D.

Hugh Short, Ph.D. 40 Years of Service “Anyone, starting out in life, should pray to find a way to do what they love to do, what may be very difficult and painstaking, but what they believe is important and meaningful. And of course they would hope to do their life’s work in the company of others equally devoted. Well, I’m one of the lucky ones; my prayers have been answered. That’s what Iona has been to me.”

Kurt J. Engemann, Ph.D., ’74MBA 40 Years of Service

Heritage Week

Each year during Heritage Week, the Iona College community recognizes faculty and staff who have dedicated 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years of service to the College. In total, 38 employees were honored with service awards. An additional component of the dinner is the presentation of the Br. Arthur A. Loftus Award, which is given to one member of the Christian Brothers. This year, Eugene O’Brien, CFC, Ph.D., (at right) was the honored recipient of the award.

“During my time as a professor at Iona, I have had the opportunity to fulfill my professional goals and to work with great colleagues and students. Iona has given me the freedom to develop new curricula and the possibility to do research in areas that I am most interested in.

After 40 years, I still look forward to teaching every class.”

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ON CAMPUS LAB RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY In May, Iona College unveiled three new science laboratories in Cornelia Hall that will contribute to the ongoing scientific advancements taking place at the College. These new labs for physics, chemistry and biology were created by transforming two classrooms and an underutili ed student lounge.

The labs include the Neuroimmunology and Tissue Culture aboratory and the aboratory for iomimetic Soft Materials Chemistry.

acility, the Planetary Science and

ptics

esearch

Iona s first building becomes one of its most technologically advanced, as we dedicate three new laboratories for physics, chemistry and biology, said President Nyre. These new facilities will allow Iona students to benefit from, and create, an array of opportunities in science fields. tili ing the labs, Iona students will gain a greater understanding of scientific inquiry as they engage in hands on research with faculty. Iona provides research opportunities for students as early as their freshman year.

Left: Peter Milianta ’16 demonstrates equipment in one of the new laboratories. Right: Sunghee Lee, Ph.D., cuts the ribbon for the chemistry laboratory.

DANCING FOR A CAUSE Iona students danced the night away at the inaugural IonaTHON at the beginning of the spring semester. The event was co founded by seniors evin Green and manda oyle and benefited Maria areri Children s Hospital, a Children s Miracle Network affiliate, in alhalla, N. . dditionally, several Iona alumni donated their services and time to help bring the event to fruition. The night included dance offs, auctions and special appearances by children who told their stories and experiences with the hospital.

In total, Gaels raised more than $15,000 in donations for the hospital to support life saving care and treatments for children.

It was an awesome experience to be a part of such a fantastic event for a cause bigger than any one of us as an individual.

– Natalie iskin 1 , member of IonaTH N planning committee 10

Iona College Magazine

“It really gave Iona students a reason to keep going through the night. Standing for six hours is nothing compared to what those kids have gone through in their short lives.

– ouis allojacono 15

VS. CAMBRIDGE DEBATING SOCIETY This spring, Iona College was honored to host the Cambridge Union as part of the Union’s spring American debate tour. Founded in 1815, the Cambridge Union is the oldest continuously running debating society in the world. The event was a special Iona 75th anniversary event.

Iona and the Cambridge Union jointly debated the topic “Force should be used to protect human rights abroad.”

Debaters from Iona included students Timothy Cerrito ’18, Tiffany Henderson ’16, Neiko Hicks ’16, Ashley Hubaykah ’16 and Zahann Nelson ’16.

WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT Each spring, in conjunction with Women’s History Month, Iona’s Women’s Studies program presents the Woman of Achievement Award to a faculty, staff, alumni or administrator who has had significant achievements and contributions to Iona College. The 2015 award was presented to Tresmaine Grimes, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. Among her many achievements, Grimes is a minister, psychologist, teacher, author, mentor and more.

Her contributions to Iona have been immeasurable and the College was honored to recognize her. In August 2015, Grimes was named chief academic officer of loomfield College in New ersey.

Photo by arbara Hansen

STUDENT GROUPS EARN HONORS WICR, Iona College’s radio station, was a finalist in four categories in the 2015 Intercollegiate roadcasting System awards. The station took home four Golden Microphone awards for being a finalist in the categories of est News Interview, est Sports Talk Program, est Specialty Music Show and est Use of Social Media.

Nick Grippo ’14, Pete Consadori ’14, Rob Boncardo ’16, Joe Archino ’16 and advisor Mike Damergis ’89, ’06MS.

Iona’s student newspaper, The Ionian, was awarded first place in American Scholastic Press Association’s 2015 Scholastic Newspaper Awards. The Ionian was one of 1 first place winners in the category of colleges and universities with enrollment of 2,501 or more.

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ON CAMPUS

RESEARCH & CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS Iona Scholars Day n pril 14, more than 200 Iona students presented nearly 5 different independent research projects as a part of the annual Iona Scholars ay. Several projects were joint ventures of students from multiple departments and showcased the collaborative research efforts that occur at Iona.

Recognizing Undergraduate Research This pril, Iona students attended the National Conferences on ndergraduate esearch NC in Cheney, ash. Iona scholars participated in oral sessions as well as poster sessions and covered the areas of Computer Science, Criminology, Chemistry, English and Psychology.

Mastering Mathematics Two talented scholars, Sam Greenidge 1 and Nicole Gallagher 1 , presented at the 17th nnual Nebraska Conference for ndergraduate omen in Mathematics NC M in anuary. The students presented on their initial progress for what will ideally become their honors theses. Their presentation, Computing Cech ohomology of Sn and a Genus n Surface, was well presented and well attended.

Poster sessions, panel discussions and breakout sessions at the conference were geared to inspire and prepare students for a career in mathematics.

Iona students at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Cheney, Wash.

Presenting Psychology Research Nearly 75 students from the Psychology epartment showcased their original, empirical research in the ifth nnual Psychology Poster Session on campus at the end of the semester. Posters by ndrew Tario 1 and shley u on 15M were selected as most outstanding research studies at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Ashley Luzon ‘15MA showcases her winning poster at the Fifth Annual Psychology Poster Session.

IONA ON THE BIG SCREEN Early in the spring semester, the College treated students to a screening of the 2014 Sundance estival feature film, isten p Philip. The film, featuring li abeth Moss, ason Schwart man and onathan Pryce, includes scenes that were filmed on campus in fall 2013. In fact, several members of the Iona College community filled in as extras during filming.

The screening on campus was even attended by two of the film s location managers who spoke to the students and answered questions.

This is one of several projects and space rentals that was coordinated by the ffice of Conference Services to bring in additional revenue to the College. iew the film trailer and spot Iona s campus.

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Iona College Magazine

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS HOSTS ROUNDTABLE ON BRAZIL In early May, the Hagan School of Business hosted an international business roundtable on conducting business in ra il.

The event was organi ed by Miguel Carbonell, an international student in the M program and featured speakers from the Consulate General of ra il, anco do rasil and Petrobras. The Hagan School of usiness is planning a second roundtable in the fall on conducting business in ast frica.

COMMENCEMENT

2015 Congrats, Grads!

On May 16, Iona hosted its annual undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies at Madison Square Garden. This year's honorary degree recipients included New Yorker Executive Editor Dorothy H. Wickenden, Edward V. Filardi '65 and Patrick J. Martin, Ph.D., '62 (pictured below).

Photos by Dawn Insanalli and John Vecchiolla.

See more photos and videos from Commencement 2015.

Summer 2015

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SPORTS REPORT

COACHES HIGHLIGHTS Water polo head coach Brian Kelly ’94 was one of 11 inductees into the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame for 2015. A proud Iona alumnus, Kelly just completed his 20th year as head coach of the men’s and women’s water polo squads. He is the fourth coach in the history of Iona’s men’s program and founder of the women’s program. Congratulations, Coach Kelly!

Tim Cluess, men’s basketball head coach, was named one of 1 finalists for the 2015 Skip Prosser Man of the Year award, which was presented by CollegeInsider.com. It was an honor for Cluess to be nominated as the award recognizes individuals who achieve success on the court and display moral integrity off the court.

HALL OF FAME GROWS Iona College’s Goal Club Hall of Fame inducted three new members in June at the annual event hosted at Wykagyl Country Club. The 2015 inductees included Matthew J. Guiliano ’94 (baseball), Sean McGuirk ’88 cross co ntr trac and field and homas P. c lderr ’ 5 soccer .

Mc lderry is the first men s soccer player in Iona history to be included in the Goal Club Hall of Fame. The event also honored Vincent T. Beni, Ph.D., ’71, ’74MS, with the Donald E. Walsh ’66 Award. The award is given each year to a person who has demonstrated loyal support and service to Iona College Athletics through exceptional volunteerism.

Keep up-to-date on all the latest happenings in Iona Athletics on our official website ICGaels.com Watch live and on-demand features and events on IonaInsider.com.

Follow us on Facebook (Iona College Athletics), Twitter (@ICGaels) and Instagram (ICGaels).

Get your official Iona Gear on ICGaelsGear.com.

Search Iona Gaels in the pp Store or Google Play Store to find Iona thletics official mobile apps.

HONORING IMPACT Iona College men’s basketball junior Isaiah Williams was honored by the Three Doctors Foundation with the 2015 Youth Impact Award. Williams was recognized for his incredible story of tremendous perseverance, faith and family support as he journeyed from the streets of Newark to NCAA Division I basketball to continue his educational and athletic career.

Williams was honored alongside actress Keisha Knight Pulliam and ill Packer, a successful Hollywood film producer.

Photo courtesy of ICGaels.com

Isaiah Williams ’16, second from left, receiving his award.

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Iona College Magazine

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Three Doctors Foundation provides opportunities for young people to participate in positive activities. The foundation’s mission is to inspire and motivate youth through education, and to achieve leadership and career success in their community through the formation of positive peer and mentor relationships.

Learn more about Isaiah's story.

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS BASEBALL Recent graduate Mariano Rivera was named 2015 MAAC Pitcher of the Year for his performance during the 2015 season. After graduating in May, Rivera was selected by the Washington Nationals in the fourth round as the 134th pick overall of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft. Junior Vinny DeMaria and junior Travis Mistretta were named to the All-MAAC Second Team, while eight Gaels were named to the MAAC All-Academic Team for their performance in the classroom.

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD

Men’s outdoor track senior Andrew Kowalsky clinched the IC4A 10k Championship in May. owalsky earned his first IC4 individual title after medaling in several other indoor and outdoor IC4A events during his Iona tenure. The women’s track duo of graduate student Rosie Clarke and rising senior Kate Avery advanced to the NCAA Championships in June after Avery ran the second-fastest time in the 5,000-meter semifinal and Clark secured top honors in the second heat of the 1,500 meter quarterfinal. very was also named the 2015 1 M C emale Student thlete of the Year, earning the honor for the second straight season and becoming only the second female athlete in the award's history to repeat this accomplishment. In 2014, very became Iona s first female national cross country champion.

WATER POLO Photo courtesy of ICGaels.com

Women's water polo freshman Hannah Schultz was awarded MAAC Rookie of the Year at the 2015 Women's Water Polo Awards Show with a freshman record of 112 goals.

COURSE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP Golf freshman Kevin Kramarski has a lot to celebrate after a successful first season as a Gael. ramarski managed to capture the 2015 MAAC Championship in April after a sudden-death playoff hole to break a 54hole tie. He also shot a third-round low three-under 69 to help lead the Gaels to a second place finish behind St. Peter s. hile ramarski clinched first with an even par 21 , senior Evan DeLuca tied for fifth overall 221 and earned ll MAAC honors. Senior Tom McHugh was 11th (227) while graduate student Taylor Bellemare finished 23rd, and sophomore Brian Fitzpatrick finished 25th.

Along with the championship, Kramarski also received the 30th Mc eod Memorial ward, becoming Iona s first McLeod Award winner since Doug Hoppe in 2010. The McLeod Award is given by the McLeod Award Foundation and named after Charles Scott Mc eod, a 19 0 graduate of Iona, who passed away in 19 5 after a life long fight with kidney-related ailments.

Additionally, a quintet of Iona College golf players were among the 28 student-athletes named to the 2014-15 MAAC Men’s Golf All-Academic Team. Graduate students Taylor Bellemare and Robert Winters, along with seniors Evan DeLuca and Tom McHugh, and sophomore Stefan Cygan were recognized for their standout efforts in the classroom.

Iona, along with airfield niversity, led all schools with five members each named to the team.

Photo courtesy of ICGaels.com

Kevin Kramarski ’18 is awarded with the 2015 MAAC Championship medal in April.

Summer 2015

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SPORTS REPORT

MAGANTO JOINS LA GALAXY ecent rad ate and soccer midfielder nacio "Nacho" Maganto joined the LA Galaxy after being selected as the final pick in the first round, 21st overall, during the 2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft in January. An international student from Madrid, Maganto becomes the first draftee in Iona s program history.

A four-year standout for the Gaels, Maganto appeared in 70 games for the Maroon & Gold, registering 27 goals and 14 assists for a total of 68 points. In the Iona record books, he is fourth all-time in goals, sixth in assists and third in points. During his career as a Gael he was a three-time NSCAA All-Region selectee and a four-time All-MAAC honoree. Maganto was honored as one of Iona’s most outstanding senior student-athletes with a Joseph E. O’Connell Award in May. Born in Madrid, Spain, Maganto spent time with Getafe CF’s Academy before he attended Iona. He also was a member of Reading United A.C. in the Premier Development League in 2014. In 2014, Maganto was named an NSCAA Scholar All-American for his dual accomplishments on the field and in the classroom, the first player in program history to earn the honor.

Maganto – who is known as Nacho by most – earned his first M S start on May 2 and scored his first career MLS goal on May 31 against the New England Revolution. Way to go, Nacho!

Photo courtesy of ICGaels.com

RECORD BREAKING Senior women’s basketball guard Damika Martinez claimed the title as all-time leading scorer in MAAC history on February 20. She entered the game two points shy of the 20-year standing record and quickly triumphed. Martinez ended her time as a Gael with 2,581 career points – ranking 44th all-time in ivision I history, first all time in Iona history, first in M C women s basketball history and third all time in the New ork Metropolitan area.

Martinez earned All-Met First Team honors and was named MAAC Player of the Year, both for the third consecutive season. She was also honored as one of Iona College’s most outstanding senior student-athletes with a Joseph E. O’Connell Award at the 2015 Senior Awards Banquet.

Congratulations, Damika!

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FACULTY FOCUS Jeffrey W. Alstete, Ed.D., ’87MBA, ’90MS (Management) had his fifth book, Revenue Generation Strategies: Leveraging Higher Education Resources for Increased Income, published in December 2014. He also wrote a review of Eisenhower in Command at Columbia by Douglas E. Clark that was published in The Review of Higher Education.

Frances Bailie, Ph.D., (Computer Science had her article, omen Who Make a Difference: Role Models for the Twenty-First Century, published in the une 2015 issue of ACM Inroads.

David Carlyon, Ph.D., (Fine and Performing Arts) wrote the article rom the roadway Tabernacle to the Gettysburg attlefield id dwin orrest In uence braham incoln which was published in the scholarly journal Theatre Survey.

Paolina Centonze, Ph.D., (Computer Science) co-authored several scholarly papers with different researchers from IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center. The paper, abyrinth Mobile ata leakage Detection with Visually Configurable Confidentiality Sources, was accepted for publication in the proceedings of the 16th IEEE International Conference on Mobile Data Management in June. Another paper, pplication and ser Sensitive Privacy Enforcement in Mobile Systems, was accepted for publication in the proceedings of the 2nd ACM International Conference on Mobile Software Engineering and Systems in Florence in May. Additionally, ccess ights nalysis in the Presence of Subjects was accepted for publication in the proceedings of the 29th European Conference on Object-Oriented Programming in Prague in July.

Christina Costa, Ph.D., (Chemistry) published an article, Potential Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer: Recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin Expressing Prostate Specific Molecules, in The American Journal of Cancer Biology.

PUBLISHED AND PRESENTED Teresa G. D’Aversa, Ph.D., (Biology) published an article in the Austin Journal of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology titled Current Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: A rief eview. Melvin Hydleburg, a former Iona student, is a co-author on the paper.

Sr. Kathleen Deignan, Ph.D., (Religious Studies) served as a lecturer at the 2015 Faith & Life Lecture Series in February.

In addition, Deignan and Paul O’Connell, Ph.D., (Criminal Justice) were quoted in the article ather Merton at 100: Still Inspiring People to get Closer to God in Catholic News Service.

Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., (Religious Studies) was a featured speaker at the Princeton Theological Seminary’s Spring Diversity Colloquia. Her presentations included acing to ustice Elements to Building a Fair and Inclusive Community and oing Justice Differently - An Act of Transformation. She also presented a lecture at the College of Wooster’s 49th Wooster Spring Academy of eligion titled oving Sex atina Mente: Exploring a Relevant Catholic Sexual Ethic Through the ens of atino xperience.

In addition, Delgado and Kim Paffenroth, Ph.D. (Religious Studies) co-edited the book Augustine and Social Justice.

Bill Gratzer, Ed.D., and Jim Carpenter, Ed.D., (Mathematics) had an article, Ideas on the alancing of a ata Set, published in The New Jersey Mathematics Teacher.

Dennis Gunn, CFC, Ph.D., ’93 (Education/ Religious Studies) presented at the National Catholic Education Association Annual Convention in April. His presentation was titled ducating for a Faith that Does Justice: pproaches Toward e ection on Service in Catholic Secondary Schools.

Colleen Jacobson, Ph.D., (Psychology) along with several Iona students and alumni, presented empirical research at the 48th Annual Convention for the Association of Behavior and Cognitive Therapy in November 2014.

Sharon D. Kennedy-Nolle (Samuel Rudin Academic Resource Center) had her book, Writing Reconstruction: Race, Gender, and Citizenship in the Postwar South, published this spring.

Joshua R. Klein, Ph.D., (Criminal ustice had his article, National Insecurity Crime, published in the April 2015 issue of Criminal Justice Ethics, the journal of John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Sunghee Lee, Ph.D., (Chemistry) delivered an invited research seminar titled In uence of Membrane Structure on Water Permeability and Crystallization rom a Microdroplet at the Institute of Industrial Science of the University of Tokyo in March.

Joshua K. Leon, Ph.D., (Political Science) had his book, The Rise of Global Health: The Emergence of Effective Collective Action, released in March. His article, The ole of Global Cities in and Grabs, was published in a March issue of Third World Quarterly.

Dorothy Leone, Ph.D., ’04 (Speech Communication) had an article, Standardi ed ersus Naturalized: An Evaluation of Child Morphological and Syntactic ssessments, published in the International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities. Jaclyn Shurman ’14 is a co-author on the paper. Leone also published an article, Children s Perception of American-English Vowels in Noise, in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research with a colleague from Columbia University. Leone and April Castoldi, MS, (Speech, Language & Hearing Clinic) presented an allday workshop titled anguage and Communication: Collaborating for Student Success to the faculty of St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf in February.

Thomas E. Mussio, Ph.D., (Italian) presented his paper, Hypertexts and Teaching the Art and Theater of the Italian enaissance, at the Modern Languages Association Conference in Vancouver in January.

Kara Naidoo, Ph.D., (Education), Br. Dennis Gunn, Ph.D., ’93 (Education/ Religious Studies), Sue Ringler Pet, Ph.D., (Education), Ashley Napoli, MS, ’06 (Success Center) and Thomas Van Cleave, Ed.D., (Service and Experiential Learning) presented at The National ServiceLearning Conference in April along with several students.

Br. Robert Novak, Ph.D., ’72 (Physics) co-authored an article, Strong ater Isotopic nomalies in the Martian Atmosphere: Probing Current and ncient eservoirs, in a March issue of Science Magazine.

Several Iona students were involved in conducting the research that the article was based on.

George V. Priovolos, Ph.D., (Marketing/International Business) chaired a session on management and presented his paper, Maximi ing eturn n Collaboration (ROC) Through Co-Branding: The Case of Business School and Industry Strategic lliances, at the cademy of Business Research Spring Conference.

Elena Procario-Foley, Ph.D., (Religious Studies) has published The lessing of Sitting Together in Interreligious Friendship After Nostra Aetate Teaching, earning, and Relationships: Nostra Aetate and ducation in A Jubilee for All Time: The Copernican Revolution in Jewish-Christian Relations; and a review of John Pawlikowski’s Restating the Catholic Church’s Relationship with the Jewish People: The Challenge of SuperSessionary Theology in Theological Studies.

Carol Shansky, DMA, (Fine and Performing Arts) was the conference host for the College Music Society Northeast Regional Chapter Conference in March.

She also presented a workshop on ute technique at the cademy of Holy Angels High School in March. Additionally, she had two brief pieces, as well as a scholarly discussion, included in the inaugural issue of Musica Est Donum.

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FACULTY FOCUS

Victor Stanionis, Ph.D., ’60, professor of physics, has been teaching at the College for more than 54 years. Stanionis earned his bachelor’s

degree from Iona College, his master’s degrees from New York University and Queens College, and his Ph.D. from Columbia University. During his years at Iona, he has been awarded several recognitions, including the Brother Arthur A. Loftus Award for Outstanding Achievement in Education, the Facere et Docere award from Iona College for 50 years of service in 2010, and the Iona College Recognition Award for Outstanding Academic Accomplishments and Dedicated Service in 2012.

You are an alumnus of Iona – Class of 1960. What made you come back to Iona to teach?

On a Friday afternoon, 54 years ago in September 1961, I came to visit two of my former teachers at Iona, Brother Thomas G. Bullen, chair of the Physics Department and head of the Division of Science, and Brother Edmond R. Kiely, chair of the Mathematics Department and a founder of Iona College.

I was taken aback that afternoon when they offered me a teaching position at Iona. After consulting with my wife, I started teaching the following Monday with Br. Kiely and Br. Bullen, who were my mentors and colleagues, and to whom I owe much. The fact that I had been a student here influenced me greatly. And it was an opportunity to come back and contribute to the advancement of the College. Being young at that time and being offered such an opportunity to become a college teacher seemed very attractive. At that point in time, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I think I wanted to make money – and I wound up teaching.

You have seen Iona grow and change so much over the years.

What changes have you been most excited to see?

Over the years, the campus has certainly changed and grown physically. I was here when many of the buildings were either built or acquired and refurbished.

However, the most exciting changes were in the growth of the academic programs, especially in the sciences.

The science programs at Iona historically have been small but were able to graduate students who were outstanding and successful in a variety of fields. Many went on to graduate with Ph.D.s from a host of institutions, confirming and 18

Iona College Magazine

validating the credibility of their undergraduate education at Iona College. Another major academic accomplishment in the sciences was the establishment of the Scientific and Technological Literacy (STL) program in the 1980s with many grants. Iona’s STL program was cited by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Chronicle of Higher Education as being in the forefront of teaching science for the new millennium. Additionally, in 1989, the [now] Thomas G. Bullen, CFC, Ph.D., Memorial Lecture Series in Science and Technology was inaugurated. To date there have been 88 speakers in the series. Nineteen received Nobel Prizes, five were MacArthur Fellows, two were chairs of the National Academy of Sciences, and a large number were recipients of the US National Medal of Science.

View a full list of past lecture speakers.

Why is the Scientific and Technological Literacy program important and why did you want to be involved with it?

It was a chance to change the way that science was being taught to liberal arts and business students. And basically, the two major differences in this program as opposed to the one that we had, which was the natural science program, were that there was a certain amount of hands-on and there was laboratory experience. I think the students appreciated that.

And the second thing was the emphasis on process as opposed to content. There was no way in two semesters that we were going to teach biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. So what we thought we would do is try to teach the way scientists think, the way they go about solving problems. And, perhaps even our students could use some of this problem-solving ability or strategies that they were taught in their own work.

Can you tell us some of your fondest memories at Iona – either as a student or on faculty?

My visit to Iona 54 years ago on a Friday afternoon to meet with Br. Bullen and Br. Kiely and be offered the opportunity to teach at my alma mater was a memorable occasion. A second iconic moment was February 21, 1980, when Iona College’s basketball team beat Louisville, that year’s national champions, at Madison Square Victor Stanionis (center, at typewriter) working on an issue of The Ionian Garden with Jeff Ruland scoring 30 points and coached by the incomparable with fellow students, 1959.

Jimmy Valvano. Actually, I wasn’t there! I meant to be there but I was at a conference What are your hopes for Iona in the next 75 years? in Hartford, Conn. I didn’t like missing it but when the leaders As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee marking 75 years of of the conference found out – they were all from down south accomplishment and growth, we are also at the beginning – that Iona had beat Louisville, they could not believe it. But of the next 75 years. I hope that Iona will remain constant it was an iconic moment and something that stands out in in its mission as a Catholic college. It is Iona’s mission that Iona sports history. Then, in 1990, Iona’s president, Br. Driscoll, th definitely guided and influenced me in interacting with appointed me as coordinator of Iona College’s 50 anniversary students as a professor. My hopes for Iona College have not celebration, or Golden Jubilee. The first event I organized for changed over the years. From the very beginning I had the 29 faculty and staff was a pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona. Fr. hope and vision of Iona becoming the outstanding college Joseph DeSanto, professor of Criminal Justice, celebrated in the New York metropolitan area, and have done my best Mass for the group in St. Michael’s chapel in the Abbey. to contribute to that goal. In addition, I hope that the new Overcome with emotion and the connection between Iona Iona science facility will finally be built not only with the College and the Isle of Iona, the group spontaneously burst out needed labs to support our core science courses but with into song at the end of Mass, singing the Iona alma mater. dedicated space that will enable our students to collaborate with faculty in doing their research. The acquisition of such space for faculty-student research is the key factor in allowing As the coordinator for the 50th anniversary in 1990, how has it the sciences at Iona College to achieve their goal of joining been to see a 75th anniversary celebration become a reality? an elite group of colleges known as the “Oberlin 50,” known I was gratified and happy to see Iona reach this milestone for graduating science students who rise to the top of their while maintaining its mission. Much has been accomplished disciplines. as Iona College has matured. Times were a little bit th different then [at the 50 anniversary] – we didn’t have the communication apparatus that we have today, which What about Iona do you think is important for the outside makes life a little easier in terms of scheduling things and community to know? putting things on the calendar, and so forth. We have many The most important thing for the outside community to know more people now working on the 75th than we did with the about Iona College is the dedication of its faculty to teaching 50th anniversary. As coordinator of the 50th anniversary, I with its focus on the success of its students. Teaching is still constructed a program based on the many suggestions I foremost in the eyes of faculty. It is teaching informed by received from faculty, staff, administrators and students. I research. However, they should also know that it is all the had Pearl Copeland in Advancement helping me, which was good people at Iona, the Christian Brothers, administrators, very useful in terms of coordinating what the alumni and staff, faculty and all its students that contribute to the the administration were doing in terms of helping out with educational process at Iona. It is not only the core curriculum, the Jubilee. I arranged all of the lectures, musical events, the facilities, the courses, the library but the synergistic celebrations, and whatever took place on campus, and Pearl interaction of all that makes an Iona education. Truly, the took care of the honorary degrees, the convocations, and proof is in the people. things of the nature where Advancement would have to be involved at that level. I think the 75th anniversary is being done well. The vibe is exactly the same.

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MOVING THE WORLD with vision, passion and leadership

In May 2015, after commencement and reunion, current Iona President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., and the only living former president, Brother James A. Liguori, Ed.D., ’65, sat down in the president’s office in McSpedon Hall to reflect on the College’s 75 years. Br. Liguori became president in 1994, serving in the post until retirement and was succeeded by President Nyre in 2011.

The two presidents spoke at length on various topics, the discussion moderated by Joanne Steele ’87, ’93MBA, vice provost and chief information officer – a member of President’s Cabinet who has served under both Br. Liguori and President Nyre.

How would you describe the legacy of those leaders who came before you?

Liguori: I like to talk about building on the shoulders of giants. Jack Driscoll [Brother John Driscoll, Br. Liguori’s predecessor], sat in this office for most of his tenure of 23 1 2 years as president – he was an extraordinary person. He likely never aspired to be a college president, but he did it and he did it well. I also know the people that served before him, who came up through the ranks and therefore were in line for the presidency – they were also extraordinary people. They accomplished goals that were enormous leaps of faith and that’s something to be remembered. We walked down the hallway [in McSpedon Hall] and you see each of them, and of course I knew all of them, except for the first.

They were extraordinary men who realized tremendous achievements for Iona College.

Nyre: When I walk to the campus each morning, I take the path behind the chapel on through to McSpedon and enter McSpedon from the center door because that is how the founders constructed the building. The front stairs afford the opportunity to re ect on a beautiful campus and this remarkable College. Inside, I pass the framed photos in the hallway of former presidents and re ect on the great people, the giants, of Iona – Brothers, faculty, staff and great alumni who built this College. We indeed stand on the shoulders of giants.

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What do you think Iona’s founders would say if they could see how their mission and vision is being realized?

Liguori: I think in the words of the Irish, they would be as pleased as punch. It is not an easy endeavor this man [President Nyre] undertook four years ago, to transition from a community-based leadership to a non-Christian Brother leadership and to retain the core mission. He did all the right things by engaging with the Brothers, working with the Brothers, eating with the Brothers, praying with the Brothers, and appointing Brothers to mission-related tasks. At that point in time, it wouldn’t have taken long for the mission to disappear while that transition took place. It was carefully maintained. It won’t be long now before the few Brothers that are left here will no longer be able to serve the College. Brother Jason Ford, who I just saw in the hallway, is the exception, being in his 30s. If the mission is going to be maintained, it must be maintained by the entire College community. It’s up to the president, and people like you, Joanne, who hold the history of the College in their hands, to make sure it’s continued. s I re ect back, in 1995 I asked rother ack Mostyn [John P. Mostyn, C C 3, 03H to be the first director of mission integration, and that was his task: to do all those things that would enhance the mission by training, by inculcating people into the mission – people who had been here for 40 years as well as people who had been here for 40 days. He did a wonderful job, and the people who succeeded him did a wonderful job. I think the founders would be very pleased.

Nyre: It s often said that time is the best measure. ur mission defines who we are today and our vision helps design our future.

We are grounded by our mission and guided by our collective vision for the College. From staff who attend to the beauty of the campus, to the faculty who attend to the beauty of the mind, all are here in support of students via our mission and our vision. I agree with Brother Liguori, it is our collective responsibility to ensure, whether four years or 40 years from now, that the mission and vision remain front and center in guiding our decision-making and collective efforts at Iona. I don’t know if the future of the College holds another Brother president, but I certainly hope so. Until and after that day, we must ensure the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and our founders is present on our campus, in our actions and in our deeds.

Liguori: And, historically, as you go further and further away from the founding community, whatever the community might be, there is less and less focus on the mission – at least as it was originally constituted. We saw this happen with Harvard, Princeton, Brown and other institutions that were founded as Protestant. The only thing you can do is your best to continue talking about and living the mission and vision of the College.

What one word describes the Iona of yesterday?

Liguori: Hopeful.

Nyre: Dedicated.

So, what is next for Iona? What’s in our future?

Liguori: That’s not for me to say, obviously.

At a time when many colleges and universities are moving away from hiring full-time faculty, Iona is actively recruiting and endowing top full-time faculty with a special focus on science, technology, math and business.

The campus is growing and thriving. Over the last four years, the campus footprint has grown by more than a third. Advances include: a new speech language pathology clinic at Holy Family; renovations and improvements in Vitanza Commons, LaPenta Student nion, more than 50 faculty offices completion of a new residence hall in the center of campus; restoration of the Arrigoni Center thanks to the remarkable generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Arrigoni; and, construction is underway on a new seven-story residence hall at the entrance to campus. The College is in the planning phases for a new business school, enhancing the sciences, arts and athletic facilities. It is clear that Iona is investing in future learning and living environments.

New programs, new faculty, and a beautiful campus would mean nothing if students cannot afford to attend Iona College.

Nyre: Our collective vision, crafted by dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni, has the college focused on addressing the challenges and the opportunities for Iona College and it’s clear we are succeeding. e are making significant investments – investments in our mission, our vision and our core.

We do all of this of course for our students.

New programs, new faculty, and a beautiful campus would mean nothing if students cannot afford to attend Iona College. We are actively curbing costs, raising funds for student scholarships, and providing record levels of scholarships to students.

What does the 75th anniversary mean for you and for Iona?

Liguori: It’s another marvelous milestone. In terms of the age of colleges and universities, 75 is still a teenager. My nephew goes to Yale, which is over 300 years old. By comparison, we’re a young institution, which is to our benefit. or Iona College to be strong and well positioned at 75 is wonderful.

- President Nyre

We are dedicated to our academic programs, faculty and students.

The College is launching new institutes, centers and academic programs like the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies, a new core curriculum, cyber security, and speech language pathology.

Nyre: Standing at the dawn of the next 75 years, we are naturally called upon to rededicate ourselves to the future of the College. In short, the future of Iona College rests in the hands of its alumni, students, faculty and staff. Together, we will tear down the barrier to affordability with endowed scholarships, so that our students will graduate focused on their future, rather than concerned about how to pay for their past; we will recruit and retain 10 endowed professors who will hold endowed chairs graced by the names of loyal benefactors; and we will raise the needed funds to enhance the sciences, business, the arts and athletic facilities of Iona College.

Read more online of the President Nyre and Brother Liguori conversation including: • • • •

The common link between the past and the present at Iona.

What advice they would give to their younger selves about being a college president.

What their hopes are for Iona College during the next 75 years.

What initiatives at Iona they are excited about.

McSpedon Hall and the Quad.

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In 1940, Iona College opened its doors

with nine Christian Brothers and six lay faculty greeting the first class. Iona’s founders had a goal to open new paths to economic and social advancement for the sons of New York’s working class. They gave their new college the name of Iona, after a small island off the west coast of Scotland where St. Columba founded an abbey in 563. As did the monks of St. Columba’s time, Iona’s founders believed in the power of education to move the world.

For 75 years, Iona College has provided young scholars with the academic environment that has prepared them for meaningful lives and successful careers. While the College has grown, changed and expanded over the years, it continues to embody the same values of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers as it did in 1940. As Iona celebrates the 75th anniversary since its founding, we reflect on the rich legacy of the College and recognize the many people and events that have been an integral part of the Iona story.

See our website for a high resolution version of this 75th photo.

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Iona College Magazine

Flashback to the First Fifty Years of Iona College In 1990, the late Brother Charles B. Quinn penned a history of Iona College’s first 50 years as the College celebrated its golden jubilee milestone. As we remember Br. Quinn’s words now in our 75th year, many of his sentiments ring true to this day – proof that while Iona is ever-changing, we remain true to our roots and our founding mission.

“One might hope that the Iona alumni and alumnae have made the world a little better for having lived in it; their gifts of intellect and goodness must surely enhance the roles they are destined to play.”

–First First Fifty Years

See more excerpts from First Fifty Years on the following pages.

Photo by Todd Wilson

Follow along with the 75th celebration on the following pages and see a schedule of upcoming commemorative events at www.iona.edu/75.

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Iona College is producing a 75th anniversary history book, which will use Br. Quinn’s First Fifty Years and the more recent historical compilation by Br. Harry M. Dunkak, Ph.D., ’51, emeritus professor of history at Iona. Look for it in September! Below is an excerpt from Br. Dunkak's manuscript.

“In October 1991, Brother John G. Driscoll, Iona’s sixth president, was interviewed by a monthly publication that covered the higher education scene in the New York area on the status and the future of the College. He was first questioned about the media coverage of institutions of higher education. Various publications have mentioned arguments about tenure, research versus teaching, and discussions on core curriculum. With these controversies it appeared that institutions of higher education had been thrust into the modern world. Brother’s reply was: ‘Isn’t that great?’ For Br. Driscoll it meant the opening of academies to fresh winds of change that brought with it the seeds of renewal.

Br. Driscoll pointed out that the important point in these discussions was whether people were dealing with each other civilly and whether there was mutual respect. As for Iona College, he was certain that ‘This is a very friendly place.’ The faculty, administrators, students, security people, facilities, persons in food services and those in the residence halls respected each other and reached out to help each other. Most importantly, people listened to each other. This charisma, this spirit, came from the founders of Iona in 1940 and would continue into the future.

Whoever reflects upon Iona College is grateful to the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, who founded this wonderful institution of higher learning to continue and spread throughout the world the message of Blessed Edmund. In addition, one is grateful for the continued presence and leadership of the Brothers – over the past 75 years some 160 Christian Brothers have been stationed at the College – and the mission that permeates Iona College. There is also present a dedicated faculty, staff and administration who have accepted the mission of continuing the charisma of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers. These talented and dedicated people work each day to enrich the lives of our students and others in societies throughout the world – Move the World."

Iona College Magazine

Br. William H. Barnes, Ph.D., becomes president.

Br. Richard B. Power, Ph.D., chosen as president; enrollment exceeds 2,000.

1959

1946

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Br. Arthur A. Loftus, Ph.D., becomes president; enrollment balloons to 1,020 – 800 of whom are veterans; and the firs business program - an accounting specialization - begins.

1953

1940

Iona opens as a liberal arts college with 93 students in a single building, subsequently named Cornelia Hall after the College’s first president William B. Cornelia, Ph.D., on an 18-acre campus purchased for $85,000.

1969

FIRST WOMEN’S CLASS AT IONA In 1969, Iona College transitioned from an all-male institution to coeducational and saw the first cohor of women graduate in 1973. This change was a milestone in Iona’s history, and today women have been members of the Iona student body for more than 46 years and comprise 50 percent of enrollment.

Looking back, the Spring 2008 issue of Iona College Magazine celebrated 35 years of Iona College women graduates with profiles of five women from the first cohort. As we celebrate celebr 75 years of Iona College we also say “cheers” to 46 years of women at the College!

“Iona College has progressed, but it has also changed.

Most noticeable, of course, are the newer buildings along North Avenue and the newlyacquired campus in Yonkers. There are intangibles not so easily quantified. The spirit of friendliness and close rapport between student and faculty flourish, as does the insistence on a disciplined approach to learning.”

Read the article celebrating 35 years of women graduates in 2008.

College establishes firs graduate program in Pastoral Counseling.

Br. McKenna speaks with Pope Paul VI at a meeting in Rome during the mid '60s.

1971

1966

Br. Joseph McKenna, Ph.D., becomes president; firs female students attend Iona in summer sessions and cross-register from the College of New Rochelle.

1979

1962

College receives firs invitation to men’s NCAA basketball tournament under coach Jim Valvano.

Br. John G. Driscoll, Ph.D., becomes president and holds that position for the next 24 years.

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GOVERNOR CUOMO’S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH During his first term as governor of New ork, the iconic Mario Cuomo attended Iona’s 1984 Commencement. Not only was he there to address the graduating class as the ceremony speaker, but also to see his daughter, Maria, graduate. Throughout his career, Cuomo gave many speeches, and noted that his Iona speech was his favorite.

Excerpts from Cuomo’s iconic commencement address at Iona College, as quoted in Lend Me Your Ears:

Great Speeches in History by William Safire

“Tell me, ladies and gentlemen, are we the ones to tell them what their instructors have tried to teach them for years? That the philosophers were right. That Saint Francis, Buddha, Muhammad, Maimonides — all spoke the truth when they said the only way to serve yourself is to serve others; and that Aristotle was right, before them, when he said the only way to assure yourself happiness is to learn to give happiness.”

“I’ve been taking a closer look at these graduates. They are actually taller, stronger, smarter than we were, smart enough maybe to take our mistakes as their messages, to make our weaknesses their lessons, and to make our example – good and not so good – part of their education.”

1984

Governor Mario Cuomo gives Iona’s Commencement address as his daughter, Maria, graduates; Murphy Center opens.

“Indeed, as I think about it, I have to conclude that these young people before me today are the best reason for hope that this world knows.”

View Cuomo’s full speech from Iona’s 1984 Commencement.

“The presence of a Brothers community on campus ensures a continuation of the spirit of dedication to teaching and a commitment to student welfare that have been hallmarks of the rothers’ educational philosophy everywhere. The spirit of friendliness and concern fostered in the beginning has continued. Students have been quick to sense it and appreciate it.

Visitors have noticed it and commented favorably on it.”

1980

Rockland Campus opens, offering master’s degrees in education and business.

Iona College Magazine

Groundbreaking for Loftus Hall, Iona’s second residence hall, takes place.

1994

1988

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Students use the outdoor space on campus for a variety of activities from demonstrations to relaxing between classes.

Brother James A. Liguori, Ed.D., ’65 becomes seventh president of Iona.

President Nyre at his inauguration with Trustee Chairman James P. Hynes ’69, ’01H.

“The pioneering cadre of Brothers had set out to meet the needs of higher education in Westchester intelligently, courageously, without perplexing themselves unduly over the shape their actions would give to the future. They trusted in God that if the actions were good, the future would be good. ”

2011

Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., appointed Iona’s eighth president.

2015

2013

The Institute for Thomas Paine Studies – the first an only program of its kind at an academic institution – is established at Iona.

Iona College celebrates the 75th anniversary since its founding on September 19, 1940.

Learn more at www.iona.edu/75.

IONA THEN. NOW. FOREVER. As Iona College celebrates 75 years of rich history, we also look ahead at all that is to come during the next 75 years. Since our founding in 1940, we have remained committed to providing students with a quality education rooted in academics, servicelearning and the values of American Catholic higher education.

Iona’s rich legacy of excellence continues through our talented and successful alumni, faculty, staff and friends who are moving the world in so many ways – and who believe in Iona to invest in our future.

The future of Iona College is paved by the support and generosity of the entire Iona community. Through endowed scholarships, programs, professorships and campus projects, our mission is to continue reaching new heights of academic excellence and providing opportunities for our students to build promising futures and create lasting legacies.

Join us as we remain true to our past, and committed to the future of Iona College. Learn more at www.iona.edu/ ionaforever.

2009

2004

Vision Into Reality campaign ends with more than $82 million raised for campus transformations.

Visions of Excellence: The Campaign for Ryan Library ends with $14.7 million raised.

Summer 2015 27

ON THE JOB Making a Positive Impact on Young Lives For many individuals in pursuit of a master’s degree, a thesis is the capstone to their studies. But for Nesta Felix ’01, her thesis was just the beginning to her life’s work.

gram to Iona for basketball games, and to play on the court during half-time, to provide even more experiences.

As an undergraduate student at Iona, Felix was involved in many activities and organizations, including the Council for Multicultural Leaders and the women’s basketball team. These experiences taught her the art of decision-making, managing budgets and marketing, and put her on a path toward running an organi ation. Iona gave me a lot of tools to run an organi ation as far as leadership skills, said elix. I was acquiring them without even knowing.

For Felix, it is truly all about her kids. When she is out with her NewFlex young ladies and is ever asked if they are her children, her response is simple – eah, every single one of them.

After graduating from Iona, Felix took a job at Monroe College and while there obtained her MBA. For her thesis, Felix wanted to combine two of her passions for a good cause – sports and mentoring. That is where the idea of NewFlex Youth Programs, Inc., was born. Felix presented her program, then called NewFlex Hoops, to the thesis committee and was the first student to receive a stipend to make her vision into a reality. It was then that the program took off.

Over the years, Felix was involved in coaching sports, particularly basketball. Throughout her coaching, she came into contact with many college-age young women who came from broken homes, homes that had a lack of structure or suffered from other social issues. In those experiences, Felix saw an opportunity. I just figured you could start working with children from the ages of ten, nine, eight, seven. You have better chances to produce leaders and you can save them from a lot of the social trauma that they have.

NewFlex Youth Programs provides mentoring, tutoring, workshops and summer camps, as well as opportunities to engage in basketball and other sports, to make a positive impact on young girls in the Mount Vernon, N.Y., area.

Felix continues to grow NewFlex Youth Programs by connecting with as many people as she can. hen you do what I’m doing, you have to, said elix. She views every time she meets someone as an opportunity and admits that she never stands next to someone without starting a conversation.

While coaching at a camp, Felix connected with the mother of one of the students in the camp, who happened to be a producer at ABC. After a few months of staying in touch, Felix found herself needing items for her program and reached out to several contacts by email.

I said I needed 200 shirts for the children in the community and I priced them at $1,600 and I just can t afford it. That s when her contact at ABC jumped in.

I don’t take it for granted, but it’s because of the

in uence, whether directly

Even though the initial plan was to fund shirts, things snowballed and in the end Felix and NewFlex were set to appear on Good Morning America for a “Holiday Hero” segment. This included an on-air visit from football star Tim Tebow, a renovated gym space, supplies for the program, a new car and more. Coincidentally, Felix and NewFlex were awarded a ord lex. e had been craving that truck for years very time we would see it we would say ‘Oh, there goes our truck.’ They didn’t even reali e that when they gave it to us.

or indirectly, of things that we did at Iona.”

Running this program is only one of Felix’s many jobs. hen you re starting a new program, unless you receive major funding right away, you don’t necessarily have money to pay yourself and to pay staff. utside of New lex, elix works nights and coaches. She uses that coaching as a supplement to NewFlex, always bringing several of the children who would not be able to afford the experience with her to benefit. elix even brings children from the pro-

e ecting on the experience, elix is grateful for all that New lex received, but also the impact that the recognition brought to the area.

People couldn t even imagine what it did for the town, said elix. It wasn’t even just about me, so that was the greatest part of it. Even when you watch the show, you wouldn’t even know it was such a positive thing for the community.

Felix continues to carry Iona with her wherever she goes, maintaining many Iona friendships. In fact, a few of NewFlex’s board members are also Iona graduates and she credits the support of her board for the success of New lex. Honestly, all of my closest friends are doing something big with their lives right now, said elix. I don t take it for granted, but it s because of the in uence, whether directly or indirectly, of things that we did at Iona.

Felix credits many of her memories at Iona for grooming her to go out and move the world.

How does she think her fellow Gaels can also move the world? By getting involved in their communities.

I encourage all students to get involved in their communities, to get involved in a young person s life, said elix. e an example to them. Mentor them. e an in uence on somebody else s life.

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THE POWER OF EDUCATION For Kashif Hameed ’99, every day provides an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child.

As principal of the Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy I, a charter-system middle school in the Bronx, he has a hand in changing the lives of hundreds of children on a daily basis.

After playing basketball at Iona, Hameed had the opportunity to continue his basketball career overseas as he worked toward gaining a spot in the NBA. Hameed’s overseas experience took him all over Europe – playing in Macedonia, Portugal, Switzerland, France and several other countries on two separate stints. uring his first overseas opportunity, Hameed began thinking about other careers for himself outside of playing basketball, and several people suggested teaching. Hameed got his first taste of teaching between his uropean stints as a substitute teacher at a school in the Bronx. He ended up teaching there for three years.

While in the classroom, Hameed quickly learned that the experiences that his children were exposed to were limited. Hameed decided to put together a small basketball tournament for some local youth with the little money he had, in order to provide an experience for these children. He credits the level of gratification that he got from seeing those children enjoying the tournament as his inspiration to continue creating even more experiences. From there, Hameed established Saving Inner City Kids (S.I.C.K), a youth program in the Bronx centered on basketball. What started with eight to 10 children morphed into a basketball league serving more than 80. The league embodied a positive spirit and did not allow negative behavior to occur within it – no cursing, no drugs or alcohol.

Students gained not only basketball skills, but character and life skills as well.

Hameed. “It’s like all the things I was able to bring, and the opportunities I was able to afford my students now – it’s not just my classroom that I can do that for.

I can actually do that for the entire school.”

In true Iona spirit, Hameed is moving the world one child at a time by creating unique experiences for the children that they may not have access to otherwise. “I feel like creating those unique experiences and by being a model example of what is possible, hopefully I am opening their minds to the possibility that they would not have known otherwise,” said Hameed.

Hameed goes out of his way to make sure his students are afforded positive experiences – some of which are a result of connections Hameed maintains from his Iona days. Often, Hameed brings students to his alma mater for basketball games and other events on campus – to get them thinking about college and to connect them to individuals at the campus.

“Everything that I was able

Soon after starting S.I.C.K., Hameed was afforded a second overseas basketball opportunity. But the whole time he was overseas, he missed the classroom he had come to love . “I just felt like there was a calling for me in school, definitely teaching inner city kids,” said Hameed. “It just felt so rewarding.”

to do in the classroom, I

feel like I am able to do on a larger scale as a school

At Harlem Children’s Zone, classes are named after colleges, and Hameed proudly notes that Iona is one of those colleges because he wants his students to know where their principal went.

“Iona is that staple and it really was that change for me,” said Hameed. “I was really successful in basketball there and that success made me feel like I could accomplish so much more. Anything Iona, I am so much for.”

In addition to his work at Harlem Children’s one, Hameed still finds time to add other endeavors to his daily life – including writing a novel, and producing and recording an album with his father and brother. He also recently completed a term on Iona’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. For Hameed, every opportunity is a blessing and he steps into new opportunities as much as possible.

He credits his relationships, many of which began at Iona, for getting him to where he is today. Of his relationships, Hameed states the most important one is with his wife, Sonia, who is also an Iona graduate.

They married during Hameed’s senior year at Iona and are celebrating 17 years of marriage.

building leader.”

Hameed made the decision to leave his basketball career in Europe and return to his former classroom in the Bronx. This time, he knew it was for good. He also knew that he wanted to end up in a position that would allow him to make his impact on the students much larger. In 2010, a friend who was a principal at a Harlem Children’s Zone school offered a teaching position to Hameed. That position was the stepping stone he needed, and two and a half years later, he took over as assistant principal of the school.

Today, as principal of Promise Academy I, Hameed is in the position to magnify the impact that he has on his students.

“Everything that I was able to do in the classroom, I feel like I am able to do on a larger scale as a school building leader,” said

Even though he already does so much, Hameed has big plans for the future. “Ultimately, hopefully, my grand plan is to take all of this and actually start my own school,” said Hameed. His vision is to centralize sports, education, art, music and drama with other experiences through an educational facility.

Summer 2015 29

ALUMNI

UPCOMING EVENTS September 11, 2015 9/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE

Join fellow alumni and Iona College administration as we honor and remember the members of the Iona community who lost their lives on September 11.

September 13, 2015 ALUMNI YANKEE GAME

Join the Iona College Alumni Association as the Yankees take on the Toronto Blue Jays!

September 19, 2015

DAY OF SERVICE & 75TH ANNIVERSARY IONA FOREVER CELEBRATION

Join fellow alumni, current students, faculty and staff for a day of service and an evening of celebration, in honor of the College’s 75th anniversary.

IONA ALUMNI GO INTERNATIONAL Earlier this year, Iona alumni and friends experienced the “Best of Italy” through the Alumni Getaway trip. Attendees enjoyed lakes, the Italian Riviera, Milan, Venice and Switzerland, among other highlights. Despite encountering some rainy weather on parts of the trip, the group of 70 attendees had a great time.

Iona’s 2016 Alumni Getaway will present Spain’s Classics, April 7-17, 2016. The getaway highlights Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Valencia, Cordoba, Madrid, Toledo and so much more. For more information on the 2016 Getaway, including a full itinerary, please contact Eydie Jordan at (914) 633-2391 or ejordan@iona.edu.

September 30, 2015 LONG ISLAND ALUMNI COCKTAIL RECEPTION

Join the Iona College Alumni Association for a cocktail reception!

October 16-18, 2015 HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND 2015

oin us for a fun filled weekend with events for the whole family–including celebrating Iona's 75th anniversary.

October 19, 2015

42ND ANNUAL WINGED FOOT GOLF OUTING

Play golf at one of the most prestigious courses in the world while raising funds for student scholarships.

November 10, 2015

VETERANS DAY MEMORIAL SERVICE Join us as we salute Iona's and our nation's veterans.

December 4, 2015

11TH ANNUAL WINTER AUCTION AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Join us for a celebratory evening and auction featuring gifts for the entire family.

December 6, 2015

CHRISTMAS MASS AND SANTA BREAKFAST

Enjoy Mass and breakfast with fellow alumni, family and friends.

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Visit our Alumni Facebook page or www.ionaconnection.com for more information. We look forward to seeing you!

Photos by Monika Graff.

remember relive reignite Reunion Weekend 2015

See more about Reunion 2015 and preview Reunion 2016.

Summer 2015

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ALUMNI

(Years in red indicate a reunion year)

1958

Leo J. O’Rourke Jr. had an active career in sales since graduating from Iona. After retiring in 2000, he has since pursued a career in singing and has performed both nationally and internationally. O’Rourke currently sings with his group, the Cavaliers and with St. Rita’s church choir in the Tampa, Fla., area.

1965

John Ogrodowczyk is a member of the singing duo Spirit n Spice and goes by the stage name, JohnO Sings. On June 14, he had the honor of singing the Canadian national anthem at Fenway Park as the Boston Red Sox played the Toronto Blue Jays.

1969

Francis G. Belardi recently retired as president and CEO of the Guthrie Clinic Medical Group, a 400-provider multi-specialty group practice in Pennsylvania. At Guthrie, he served many roles including program director of the family medicine residency program, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine and executive VP of Clinical Affairs prior to assuming the presidency of the medical group. Belardi received the Faculty of the Year Award multiple times from the resident physicians for teaching excellence. A primary care family physician, he practiced continuously for 41 years prior to his retirement. Belardi has been married to Ann for 44 years and they have three children and three grandchildren.

1975 Mario A. Parise was recently promoted to assistant commissioner of Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities, Solid Waste division. In his spare time, Parise and his wife, Cathy, are enjoying their grandsons Dylan, Cole and Ryder.

1985

John F. Hussey was promoted to brigadier general of the Army Reserve's Great Lakes Training Division, 75th Training Command at a ceremony in early June. The Great Lakes Training Division is responsible for battalion and higher mission command staff training.

1987 Robert J. Marzano, Ph.D., is co-founder and CEO of Marzano Research Laboratory in Colorado. A leading researcher in education, he is a speaker, trainer, and author of more than 30 books and 150 articles on topics such as instruction, assessment, writing and implementing standards, cognition, effective leadership, and school intervention.

1988 Sean P. Fodera is proud to announce that he celebrated his 10th anniversary as associate director of contracts at Macmillan Publishers. Fodera and his wife have been married for 21 years. He is also a brother of Zeta Kappa Chi fraternity, which celebrated

1976

Major Rosanne Visco, Ph.D., retired from the Air Force on June 1, 2015, after serving for 28 years on active duty and reserves, which included Army and Navy service.

She will continue to teach and consult in the psychiatric field and plans to settle in Washington, D.C.

1979 Edward D. Sattler spent 34 years as a high school science teacher and has since been building Energy Solutions LLC as an independent associate of Viridian, the category creator for affordable green energy and the nation’s largest energy company.

He is also a member of the executive team at WeFeedUS, Inc., a start-up helping create sustainable food sources and energy solutions that benefit the community and the environment.

1982 William R. Lalli, CPA, is manager of professional and technical resources for the New York State Society of CPAs. He recently published a book, Handbook for Budgeting, the sixth edition.

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the 30th anniversary of its founding at Iona in September 2014. More than 60 alumni, including the founding brothers and current brothers, were in attendance for a barbecue at Glen Island.

Do you know of a job or internship opportunity?

Please think of Iona’s alumni and students by helping us grow these opportunities and the Gael Network. Send your posting to alumni@iona.edu today.

1989

1993

Michael Zanga ’94MBA was recently appointed chief administrator officer for Royal Bank of Scotland in the Americas, in Stamford, Conn. Zanga is responsible for technology, operations and property.

athleen ’S lli an recently retired from the 52nd precinct of the New York Police Department. O’Sullivan worked for the NYPD for 22 years and is looking forward to spending her retirement coaching track and field and spending time with her family.

1990 Wendy R. Jordan-Catapano, CPA, is proud to announce that her daughter Jordyn was named Mount Saint Mary College’s Aquinas Scholar for 2014-2015. This title was voted on by the faculty, recognizing her intellectual involvement in the life of the college and her overall excellence in academic areas. Jordyn is a member of the Biological Honor society and several other academic excellence groups. She recently graduated magna cum laude. Jordan-Catapano’s daughter Taylor joined the National Society of Collegiate Scholars this year at Liberty University. Not to be left out, daughter Brooke was valedictorian at her high school graduation in June.

Michael M. Orth was recently promoted to deputy commissioner of community mental health by county executive Rob Astorino. Orth has been with the department since 1993 and served as second deputy commissioner.

1991

Allen W. Wood jump-started his health care management career with his master’s degree from Iona. Since graduating, he has been employed in positions dealing with alcoholism and addiction at several institutions and organizations including St. Vincent’s Hospital, the Westchester branch of the Medical Center of New York, the Alcoholism Council of Greater New York, the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Westchester County Medical Center and more. He and his wife currently live in North Carolina where he is a unit director for two counties in a six-county local mental health center.

SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE! Your classmates and fellow alumni want to know what you are doing (not everyone is on Facebook or Twitter)! Send us baby photos, marriage announcements and job updates.

Please submit your text, as well as any photos, to alumni@iona.edu or the Office of Alumni Relations, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801.

Please note: Class Note submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style.

Susom Ghosh ’10 joined Iona’s Board of Trustees this year, adding the perspective of a recent alumnus to the College’s leadership. Ghosh, a double major in economics and international studies, has worked at RBC Capital Markets since graduation.

1997

1994 Harold G. Crocker was recently named athletic director at Ramapo College. Prior to his hiring, Crocker worked at The College of New Rochelle in a similar position.

1995

Denise M. Stefano was recently appointed to the board of directors for the New York State Society of Certified Public ccountants.

Stefano will serve as a representative of the society’s Westchester chapter.

1996 Milder Belalcazar-Vorperian recently married John M. Vorperian, Esq. The couple honeymooned in Italy, touring Rome, Florence and Venice. Belalcazar-Vorperian is currently employed with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.

Keeva Young-Wright, president of the Northern Westchester Hospital Foundation, was recently honored with the Fundraiser of the Year Award at the annual Philanthropy Awards Breakfast hosted by the Association of evelopment fficers. The undraiser of the Year Award is given to an individual who excels in developing relationships with the community, holds high ethical fundraising standards, and is successful in maintaining healthy financials for a nonprofit.

1998

Alison B. Flynn ’02MS is proud to announce her marriage to Scott Douglas Gaffney on December 13, 2014. The couple currently resides in Draper, N.C.

1999 Joseph S. Lento, MSEd, was recognized as an educator during National Arts and Humanities Month in a proclamation from President Obama.

2000

Eva Lokaj and her family opened Old Traditional Polish Cuisine food truck and catering, which has been serving New York City and the surrounding area since 2013.

Lokaj also works full-time for Calvin Klein and in real estate when she has the time.

2010 Kevin Mollema ’12MBA recently completed officer development school for the nited States Navy in Newport, R.I. Lt. Mollema is assigned to the Atlantic Fleet and stationed at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Va.

2015 Patrick Nuanah, CFC, represented Iona as a participant in the merging eaders Multi faith Climate Convergence in ome earlier this summer. Nuanah was one of 100 young religious leaders from throughout the world who were invited to participate.

Summer 2015 33

SHELF LIFE

Tony DeMeo ’71 recently published a book on leadership, Commonsense Rules for Everyday Leaders.

Douglas G. Hearle ’54, ’71MA recently authored the book Outsourced.

William R. Lalli, CPA, ’82 published a book, Handbook for Budgeting, the sixth edition.

John McCormack ’64 authored a young adult novel, Jamaal’s Journey, and mentioned Iona College in the epilogue.

Richard F. Quis ’66 recently co-authored a book Thinking Anew: Harnessing the Power of Belief.

ALUMNI EVENTS ALL AROUND In February, Gaels gathered in Naples, Fla., for Mass and brunch at the La Playa Beach & Golf Resort.

The alumni hosts of the event were James J. Knowles ’60, George W. Landgrebe ’63, James A. Shea Jr. ’66 and Henry J. Vosswinkel ’58.

Peter Aurelio, Alyson Aurelio ’84, President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., Richard Cuneo ’67 and Henry Vosswinkel ’58.

Iona’s Alumni Association and President Nyre visited the Washington, D.C., area in April for a President’s Reception at the Cosmos Club.

The event was hosted by alumnus Richard J. Cummins, Esq., ’61.

L-R: Diane Cummins, President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., and Richard J. Cummins, Esq., ’61.

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The Southern Connecticut/Westchester Chapter hosted a cocktail reception in June which provided an opportunity for alumni networking and updates on the exciting developments taking place at the College.

AN IONA LIFE

Catherine Mapp

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, FINE & PERFORMING ARTS Professor Catherine Mapp, who passed away in late December 2014, was the founder, curator and director of the Iona College Dance Ensemble. She served for almost 30 years on the College faculty. While at Iona, Professor Mapp created more than 37 choreographic works for performances by student dancers at the College and at community venues, and served as chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department for several years. s Catherine Mapp created the dance program and built a foundation that educated generations of students in the value, the power and the beauty that dance could offer the world, having a lasting memorial that recognizes her invaluable contributions is truly a remarkable recognition that re ects her remarkable achievements, said Professor Thomas onnarumma, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department.

In addition to her work at Iona, Professor Mapp’s career in dance performance and choreography included featured solo performances throughout the USA, as well as membership in many New York City dance companies. Her choreographic works have been presented in the Downtown/NYC Arts Festival at Gallery Henoch and Joyce Soho, 550 Broadway Festival, and Carnegie Recital Hall, among other venues.

Earlier this year, Iona College named its dance studio in honor of the late Professor Mapp.

We remember our recently deceased alumni.

Frank P. Acquanita ’66 Louis Agro Jr. ’71 Thomas Bianchi ’86 Eileen C. Brown ’82 Kimberly Brown ’10 Richard J. Burke ’55 Edward J. Cahill ’56 Theresa A. Choolfaian ’83 Eugene P. Conese Sr. ’51 Mary T. Cooper ’75 Frederick H. Corirossi ’59 Vincent M. Cositore ’53 Paul C. Cregan ’62 Daniel D. Crimmins, CFC, ’58 John P. Cullen ’83 Thomas J. Cummings ’73 Dominic J. DiRubbo ’57 Richard M. Drew, Esq., ’63 Gerard M. Duffy ’79 Margaret T. Fitzgerald ’95 Robert A. Gavin, OFM, ’71 Timothy E. Gleeson ’59 Frances A. Gray ’79 Michael J. Greco, Esq., ’51 Janet A. Guarasci, RN, ’74 Marie Hageney ’82 Edward J. Hajuduk ’69 John J. Hayes ’61 John C. Hennelly ’03

Eleanor Herbert ’82 Gary N. Hilliard ’65 Stephen J. Hopkins ’82 Frank K. Jennings ’55 Donald W. Kenny ’55 Mary L. Kerr ’78 Caryl Kling ’89 John J. McDermott ’49 Thomas V. McGinn ’49 Charles J. McLoughlin ’47 Marino F. Michelotti ’58 Frank S. Mondrone ’67 Joseph F. Murphy, Esq., ’50 George T. Nicholson, Esq., ’49 Thomas M. Pollina, CPA, ’72 William J. Powell ’50 Michael J. Powers ’83 John Ragone ’07 Amy Burdette Riggs ’03 Robert S. Ritzcovan ’71 Thomas W. Robb ’53 Daniel L. Spinner ’81 Paula M. Strickland ’82 Andrew J. Swantek ’63 Robert J. Tomkins ’56 William L. Townsend ’87 William J. Walsh ’63 Peter A. Young ’72

COLLEGE RECOGNIZES A MAJOR SUPPORTER Iona College benefactor and former trustee Eugene P. Conese Sr. ’51, ’01H, passed away on March 19. His wife, Anna May, also passed on later in March. Mr. Conese was a sterling example of what it means to be an Ionian, said President oseph . Nyre, Ph. . He fought the good fight and will be forever remembered in the hallowed halls of Iona College.

Mr. Conese served with distinction as a member of the Board of Trustees and the Iona Forever Campaign Cabinet. In 2001, Iona presented an honorary degree to Mr. Conese and in 2008 named the North Avenue student residence Conese Hall to honor him and his wife.

Learn more about late professor Mapp and the Coneses’ legacy, including a video feature.

List as of July 20, 2015 Summer 2015 35

ALUMNI LEAVING A LEGACY THROUGH ESTATE PLANNING RICHARD BOEHNING ’65 Why did you include a gift to Iona College in your estate plan?

My wife and I believe that a person does not succeed in a vacuum, but as the result of untold numbers of persons, organizations and opportunities with which life presents us. My experiences at Iona College, both academically and socially, played an important role in developing my character and preparing me for a successful career. As I have investigated the Iona College of 2015, I am impressed that Iona continues in the mission of providing first generation students, such as I was, with the opportunity to begin on a chosen road to success. We believe that we must now become one of those persons who provides those opportunities for others. I believe Iona College is a wonderful vehicle through which to do that.

What career advice would you provide to current students?

Certainly hard work and perseverance come to mind. However, I would also stress team work. I know that my ability to assemble a team under me to accomplish specific goals was a secret to my success. It is vital to select the right members for the team to accomplish the task. Do not be afraid to select employees or team members who are more intelligent than you or have a better grasp on a particular topic. They will make the team stronger, greatly enhance the quality of the work and you, as a manager, will look better and be more successful.

What are your favorite pastimes/hobbies?

Traveling, golf, sailing and reading.

What was your career? or the first 20 years I worked in the educational publishing industry, first with Pathescope ducational Media, eventually becoming president and then vice president at The Walt Disney Company. As the education audio visual business began to morph into other mediums, I found myself searching for a different focus. In doing that, I spent the last 20 years of my career with ISO (currently traded as Verisk Analytics), a provider of data, analytics and decision support systems for the property and casualty insurance industry. My primary job as senior vice president was developing and managing the major databases that provided the information for these services, as well as identifying and growing new opportunities.

What is your favorite Iona memory?

I have many wonderful memories of my years at Iona, whether remembering the Brothers, professors, staff or fellow students at the College. I cherish the memories of my involvement in The Iona Players, The Tara Knights Society and other campus activities. But the most moving memory was knowing that my parents, who both had to drop out of high school to help support their respective families, watched Cardinal Spellman on the steps of Spellman Hall present me with my diploma. I know that it was a magical moment for them, as well as for me.

Richard and his wife, Carolyn, at the Jubilarian Dinner.

4 2 nd A N N U A L I O N A C O L L E G E

BOARD OF TRUSTEES INVITATIONAL

Homecoming & FAMILY WEEKEND

2015

75 Years Founded 1940

75 YEARS OF IONA COLLEGE

42 YEARS AT WINGED FOOT

Celebrating 75 years as a premier institution of American Catholic Higher Education • 1940–2015

OCTOBER 16 - 18 | IONA COLLEGE

75 Years Founded 1940

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2015 I WINGED FOOT GOLF CLUB Early registration suggested. Limited availability.

Contact the Office of Advancement & Presidential Events at (914) 633–2093 or events@iona.edu.

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LEAVE YOUR LEGACY AND BUILD ON OURS History tells us that Saint Columba left his legacy through the education of monks on the Isle of Iona.

By naming Iona College as beneficiary of a planned gift, such as a bequest, charitable gift annuity, or charitable trust, you will benefit the College through your foresight, and you will be eligible for membership in the Saint Columba Legacy Society.

Planned gifts can be structured to: • minimize your tax burden; • provide income to you during your lifetime if you need it; and • ultimately benefit Iona College at some point in the future.

To learn more about planned gifts, please contact:

Greg Teeter Associate Vice President for Major & Planned Giving (914) 637-7749 gteeter@iona.edu

715 North Avenue

COMMENCEMENT See more on p. 13

Those of us who aren’t graduating today are experiencing a vicarious thrill as you receive your diplomas–thinking about all of the lives you are yet to touch and change. We have more confidence in you than you have in yourselves.

Dorothy Wickenden '15H Executive Editor, The New Yorker 2015 Undergraduate Ceremony Keynote Speaker

Photo by John Vecchiolla