Spring 2016 Issue 2

Campus Buzz

Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PAID

Permit #1782 White Plains, NY

Advancement & External Affairs 715 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801

True to Our Past, Committed to Our Future

NEWS FROM IONA COLLEGE

Are You Up for the Challenge?

Gala honorees with President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.

Trustee Gala a Huge Success

Iona’s 2016 Trustee Scholarship Award Gala on April 15 raised $1,500,000 in support of student scholarships while honoring The Catherine H. McCabe ‘71MA & Hugh J. McCabe ’49 Family; Joseph J. DePaolo ’81, president, CEO and co-founder of Signature Bank; and Patrick Quinn ’06, ALS Advocate and co-founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

LAPENTA MEANS BUSINESS!

Robert V. LaPenta ’67, ’00H made the largest gift in Iona College history to support the creation of a new home for Iona’s School of Business.

Reunion 2016 – Calling All Grads

From the Jubilarian Mass to the fun-filled BBQ to the Gala & Awards Ceremony at Beckwith Pointe, come join the excitement.

Alumni with class years ending in 1 and 6 are invited to register now for Reunion 2016 (May 13-14), at www.ionaconnection.com.

Making a Difference on Mission Trips

Since January, 89 students have participated in Iona in Mission service immersion trips to Chicago, Harrisburg, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Peru, and academic servicelearning initiatives to India and Ireland. They explored the social, cultural and political climates of their host communities while serving marginalized residents.

Prestigious Fellowship Awarded

Michelle Muzzio ’15 has been selected to receive a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue doctoral work in chemistry at Brown University. A chemistry and English major at Iona, she was her class’s valedictorian and the recipient of a Patrick J. Martin ’62, ’15H Scholarship supporting students studying the sciences. The NSF Fellowship is awarded to just 2,000 students each year from a pool of nearly 17,000 applicants.

Spring 2016 Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE

DeFeo Directs Departure Gifts to Scholarship A Challenge from Robert LaPenta

An Expanded, Modernized New Business School Leave a Legacy at Iona Student Excels in Scientific Research

Students Excel in Business Competition

In March, 10 Iona student teams in Jeffrey Alstete, Ed.D.’s Business Policy and Strategy course placed in the top 100, out of 2,658 teams worldwide, in McGraw-Hill/Irwin’s online global simulation, GLO-BUS, in which student teams compete by running a digital camera company.

Greenburg Brings Sports and Film Expertise to Iona

Now, Mr. LaPenta is challenging other alumni to join him in supporting this endeavor. In addition to his historic lead gift, he has pledged $2.5 million in matching funds to encourage alumni from Iona’s classes of 1975-1995 to participate in this campaign project.

In announcing the LaPenta Means Business Challenge, LaPenta stated, “I’d like to invite Iona graduates to invest in the new business school, and join me in supporting Iona’s mission to create graduates who are smart, ethical, creative problem solvers.”

For qualifying commitments made by alumni from the classes of 1975-1995 to the business school expansion, the LaPenta Means Business Challenge will commit matching funds, on a 1:1 basis, thus doubling the impact of each donor’s gift. For example, a $10,000 gift becomes a $20,000 gift with the LaPenta match.

Ross Greenburg, longtime HBO Sports president and award-winning filmmaker, joins Iona College this spring as its newest Executive-inResidence. In the fall, he will teach The Business and Management of Content Creation. With more than 100 major television sports awards, and the films “Miracle” and “61*” to his credit, he has led Ross Greenburg Productions since 2011.

“The Challenge will accelerate funding for a new School of Business at Iona that matches the caliber of our curriculum and the potential of our students. Given the right resources, they can move the world with ethical

For the latest College news, visit www.iona.edu/news.

Continued on page 2 Iona men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament – March Madness!

Ronald DeFeo ’74, ’13H (left) with his DeFeo Scholars and Iona College President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.

OVER $1 MILLION RAISED FOR DEFEO FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

WHEN IONA TRUSTEE RONALD M. DEFEO ’74, ’13H

retired in December from Terex Corporation after 23 years, the company planned a celebratory dinner in his honor. Because DeFeo knew that his BA in economics and philosophy from Iona College had prepared him for his successful career, he requested that the event benefit his DeFeo Family Endowed Scholarship, and participants responded generously, donating more than $1 million.

Nearly 150 guests — including family, friends and colleagues — attended the March 1 event that took place at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Conn.

“We have a responsibility to help each student reach their potential. Education is the accelerator that is required,” DeFeo said. “The DeFeo Family Endowed Scholarship at Iona has already made a tremendous difference and with our success tonight we can now do so much more. If you can help someone, do it!”

The DeFeo Scholarship was originally created in 1970 by the family of Steven R. Jacobson ’68 in memory of Ron’s brother Noah DeFeo ’67. In 2004, Ron DeFeo and his wife, Andrea, revitalized the scholarship with the aim of advancing the academic careers of undergraduate students who are selected based on academic quality, financial need, demonstrated leadership ability and a commitment to excellence. To date, the scholarship has awarded financial support to 36 students and is the largest endowed scholarship at the College.

Continued on page 2

your family,” said Madison Kirch, a sophomore marketing major. “Not only am I thankful for the scholarship, but also the inspiration of your charisma and management style.”

DeFeo will continue to lead by example, announcing in February his appointment as president and CEO of Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT), a global industrial technology leader delivering productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions.

Ronald M. DeFeo ’74, ’13H is president and CEO of Kennametal Inc. Mr. DeFeo was the chairman of the board of Terex Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment, through December 2015. DeFeo was with Terex for 23 years and served as chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer. During his tenure, the company’s operations grew from less than $400 million to net sales of $7.3 billion. Mr. DeFeo is a member of the Board of Trustees of Iona College and Bridgeport Hospital Foundation.

Student Focus

C

Student Researcher Aims for Med School

reating a new home for the School of Business is one of the Iona Forever campaign spotlight projects. The facility will be an investment in Iona’s future and, more importantly, in the futures of innumerable students, professors, researchers and business leaders who will be armed with knowledge to effect positive change in the world.

DeFeo, continued from page 1 “Your gifts ensure that our students have the opportunity to achieve their academic aspirations and have the best college experience possible,” Iona President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., said at the event. “Because of you, DeFeo Scholars will be able to create life-long relationships, broaden their interests and prepare for a successful future.”

Five current DeFeo Scholars attended the event. “I have the deepest gratitude for you and

Campaign Spotlight: Business School

LaPenta Means Business Challenge, continued from page 1 grounding and leading-edge skills,” said President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. To learn more about the LaPenta Means Business Challenge, please contact Pamela Bottge ’92 at (914) 633-2413 or pbottge@iona.edu.

CHALLENGE INFORMATION TIME FRAME: Starting January 2016

“Iona College is committed to providing an unmatched student experience and remaining a center for cutting-edge teaching. This is a transformational project toward this very aim,” said President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. The College is pursuing plans to renovate, expand and transform the current Hagan Hall, with the intention of maintaining Hagan Hall as the centerpiece of the new building.

“Business schools now need to train graduates for a workplace that is changing faster than ever before, so they need to offer a variety of high-tech learning spaces coupled with collaboration and social spaces that mimic the modern workplace,” said Mark Thaler AIA, Education Practice Leader from design and architecture firm Gensler. “The new Iona School of Business will be a forward-thinking transformational educational structure that will prepare students for this landscape.”

While fundraising for the project continues, members of the Iona community are working closely with the Gensler team to develop a design that meets the expanding needs of the school and harmonizes with the surrounding campus.

“The new structure will be a beacon on the east end of the field, serve as a central gathering place for the Iona business school community, and be a welcoming place for all students, alumni and the larger community,” said Vincent J. Calluzzo, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “It will offer endless possibilities including interactive learning in state-of-the-art classrooms, increased faculty-student engagement, cutting-edge technology and space to host lectures and events.”

The School of Business is accredited by AACSB International – a highly acclaimed distinction awarded to just 5 percent of business schools worldwide – and has been ranked in the top 50 “Graduate Schools for Salary Potential.”

New Building Features • • • •

• • •

State-of-the-art smart classrooms Lecture halls Case study and breakout rooms Expanded and relocated LaPenta-Lynch Trading Floor Business career center Quiet study space Integrated faculty, staff and administrative offices

DOLLAR AMOUNTS ELIGIBLE: Minimum $10,000 – no maximum; one-time gifts and/or pledges payable over a five-year period; corporate matching gifts included WHO: Alumni From Classes of 1975-1995 Neil DeFeo roasting his brother at the March event.

IONA FOREVER

Our $150 million fundraising campaign is a transformational endeavor that will: · Create additional student scholarships · Advance world-class faculty and academic programs · Enhance learning and living environments For more information, visit iona.edu/ionaforever

ALUMNUS CREATES HIS LEGACY Deacon Robert Gontcharuk ’69, ’83MA, director of Catholic Identity at the Archdiocese of New York Central Westchester Regional Schools, has become a member of Iona’s St. Columba Society by naming Iona as a beneficiary of his estate in his will. His gift will ultimately benefit the Religious Studies program, thus leaving his legacy at Iona.

Why did you include a gift to Iona College in your estate plans?

The excellent liberal arts education I received at Iona enabled me to succeed in many diverse settings.

All of the positions I held called upon the skills that I developed at Iona.

What is your favorite Iona memory?

Most memorable are the fine Christian Brothers and professors who provided me with the “tools” I needed to enter the adult world.

What is your definition of success?

Making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Hopefully, people will be better for having had you as part of their lives.

What have been the secrets to your success?

Having a loving and supportive wife. Secondly, giving my best in whatever task I have been given.

To discuss leaving YOUR legacy at Iona through a planned giving vehicle, contact Greg Teeter at (914) 637-7749 or gteeter@iona.edu.

In 2012, Bronx native Peter (PJ) Milianta ’16 began his journey at Iona. Accepted into the honors program, he was awarded a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship and a stipend for science majors funded by Patrick J. Martin ’62, ’15H. Now a senior double-majoring in biochemistry and psychology, Milianta has worked closely with Sunghee Lee, Ph.D., Board of Trustees Endowed Professor of Chemistry, on her research in permeability and nanochemistry, and within his first year co-authored a paper published by the American Chemical Society. In summer 2015, he participated in research at the University of Tokyo. “Dr. Lee needed a device that could help us crystallize proteins en masse,” he said. He worked with Tokyo’s chemical engineers to develop a device that would meet her needs. “The experience was amazing.

I am thankful to Iona for providing me the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible project.”

Adding to his accolades, Milianta was chosen to present his research this spring at the 20th Annual Posters on the Hill conference in Washington, D.C. His poster, “To Understand The Involvement Of Cholesterol Asymmetry In The Regulation Of Biophysical Properties Related To Alzheimer’s Disease, Aging And Alcoholism,” was one of 60 chosen from 300 submitted nationwide.

“Peter was part of an elite group of undergraduates testifying about the significance of research initiatives to members of Congress on Capitol Hill,” Dr. Lee said.

“Iona has blessed me with many incredible experiences, all of which were made possible through the generosity of benefactors,” Milianta reflected. “Without them, none of this would have been possible.”

Milianta has also served as vice president of finance for the Iona Student Government Association and interned at Westchester Medical Center. All this to prepare for his next big adventure – medical school!

For information on establishing scholarships to support student success, contact Pamela Bottge ‘92 at: (914) 633-2413 | pbottge@iona.edu

your family,” said Madison Kirch, a sophomore marketing major. “Not only am I thankful for the scholarship, but also the inspiration of your charisma and management style.”

DeFeo will continue to lead by example, announcing in February his appointment as president and CEO of Kennametal Inc. (NYSE: KMT), a global industrial technology leader delivering productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions.

Ronald M. DeFeo ’74, ’13H is president and CEO of Kennametal Inc. Mr. DeFeo was the chairman of the board of Terex Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction equipment, through December 2015. DeFeo was with Terex for 23 years and served as chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer. During his tenure, the company’s operations grew from less than $400 million to net sales of $7.3 billion. Mr. DeFeo is a member of the Board of Trustees of Iona College and Bridgeport Hospital Foundation.

Student Focus

C

Student Researcher Aims for Med School

reating a new home for the School of Business is one of the Iona Forever campaign spotlight projects. The facility will be an investment in Iona’s future and, more importantly, in the futures of innumerable students, professors, researchers and business leaders who will be armed with knowledge to effect positive change in the world.

DeFeo, continued from page 1 “Your gifts ensure that our students have the opportunity to achieve their academic aspirations and have the best college experience possible,” Iona President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D., said at the event. “Because of you, DeFeo Scholars will be able to create life-long relationships, broaden their interests and prepare for a successful future.”

Five current DeFeo Scholars attended the event. “I have the deepest gratitude for you and

Campaign Spotlight: Business School

LaPenta Means Business Challenge, continued from page 1 grounding and leading-edge skills,” said President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. To learn more about the LaPenta Means Business Challenge, please contact Pamela Bottge ’92 at (914) 633-2413 or pbottge@iona.edu.

CHALLENGE INFORMATION TIME FRAME: Starting January 2016

“Iona College is committed to providing an unmatched student experience and remaining a center for cutting-edge teaching. This is a transformational project toward this very aim,” said President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. The College is pursuing plans to renovate, expand and transform the current Hagan Hall, with the intention of maintaining Hagan Hall as the centerpiece of the new building.

“Business schools now need to train graduates for a workplace that is changing faster than ever before, so they need to offer a variety of high-tech learning spaces coupled with collaboration and social spaces that mimic the modern workplace,” said Mark Thaler AIA, Education Practice Leader from design and architecture firm Gensler. “The new Iona School of Business will be a forward-thinking transformational educational structure that will prepare students for this landscape.”

While fundraising for the project continues, members of the Iona community are working closely with the Gensler team to develop a design that meets the expanding needs of the school and harmonizes with the surrounding campus.

“The new structure will be a beacon on the east end of the field, serve as a central gathering place for the Iona business school community, and be a welcoming place for all students, alumni and the larger community,” said Vincent J. Calluzzo, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “It will offer endless possibilities including interactive learning in state-of-the-art classrooms, increased faculty-student engagement, cutting-edge technology and space to host lectures and events.”

The School of Business is accredited by AACSB International – a highly acclaimed distinction awarded to just 5 percent of business schools worldwide – and has been ranked in the top 50 “Graduate Schools for Salary Potential.”

New Building Features • • • •

• • •

State-of-the-art smart classrooms Lecture halls Case study and breakout rooms Expanded and relocated LaPenta-Lynch Trading Floor Business career center Quiet study space Integrated faculty, staff and administrative offices

DOLLAR AMOUNTS ELIGIBLE: Minimum $10,000 – no maximum; one-time gifts and/or pledges payable over a five-year period; corporate matching gifts included WHO: Alumni From Classes of 1975-1995 Neil DeFeo roasting his brother at the March event.

IONA FOREVER

Our $150 million fundraising campaign is a transformational endeavor that will: · Create additional student scholarships · Advance world-class faculty and academic programs · Enhance learning and living environments For more information, visit iona.edu/ionaforever

ALUMNUS CREATES HIS LEGACY Deacon Robert Gontcharuk ’69, ’83MA, director of Catholic Identity at the Archdiocese of New York Central Westchester Regional Schools, has become a member of Iona’s St. Columba Society by naming Iona as a beneficiary of his estate in his will. His gift will ultimately benefit the Religious Studies program, thus leaving his legacy at Iona.

Why did you include a gift to Iona College in your estate plans?

The excellent liberal arts education I received at Iona enabled me to succeed in many diverse settings.

All of the positions I held called upon the skills that I developed at Iona.

What is your favorite Iona memory?

Most memorable are the fine Christian Brothers and professors who provided me with the “tools” I needed to enter the adult world.

What is your definition of success?

Making a positive difference in people’s lives.

Hopefully, people will be better for having had you as part of their lives.

What have been the secrets to your success?

Having a loving and supportive wife. Secondly, giving my best in whatever task I have been given.

To discuss leaving YOUR legacy at Iona through a planned giving vehicle, contact Greg Teeter at (914) 637-7749 or gteeter@iona.edu.

In 2012, Bronx native Peter (PJ) Milianta ’16 began his journey at Iona. Accepted into the honors program, he was awarded a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship and a stipend for science majors funded by Patrick J. Martin ’62, ’15H. Now a senior double-majoring in biochemistry and psychology, Milianta has worked closely with Sunghee Lee, Ph.D., Board of Trustees Endowed Professor of Chemistry, on her research in permeability and nanochemistry, and within his first year co-authored a paper published by the American Chemical Society. In summer 2015, he participated in research at the University of Tokyo. “Dr. Lee needed a device that could help us crystallize proteins en masse,” he said. He worked with Tokyo’s chemical engineers to develop a device that would meet her needs. “The experience was amazing.

I am thankful to Iona for providing me the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible project.”

Adding to his accolades, Milianta was chosen to present his research this spring at the 20th Annual Posters on the Hill conference in Washington, D.C. His poster, “To Understand The Involvement Of Cholesterol Asymmetry In The Regulation Of Biophysical Properties Related To Alzheimer’s Disease, Aging And Alcoholism,” was one of 60 chosen from 300 submitted nationwide.

“Peter was part of an elite group of undergraduates testifying about the significance of research initiatives to members of Congress on Capitol Hill,” Dr. Lee said.

“Iona has blessed me with many incredible experiences, all of which were made possible through the generosity of benefactors,” Milianta reflected. “Without them, none of this would have been possible.”

Milianta has also served as vice president of finance for the Iona Student Government Association and interned at Westchester Medical Center. All this to prepare for his next big adventure – medical school!

For information on establishing scholarships to support student success, contact Pamela Bottge ‘92 at: (914) 633-2413 | pbottge@iona.edu

Campus Buzz

Non-Profit Org. US Postage

PAID

Permit #1782 White Plains, NY

Advancement & External Affairs 715 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10801

True to Our Past, Committed to Our Future

NEWS FROM IONA COLLEGE

Are You Up for the Challenge?

Gala honorees with President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.

Trustee Gala a Huge Success

Iona’s 2016 Trustee Scholarship Award Gala on April 15 raised $1,500,000 in support of student scholarships while honoring The Catherine H. McCabe ‘71MA & Hugh J. McCabe ’49 Family; Joseph J. DePaolo ’81, president, CEO and co-founder of Signature Bank; and Patrick Quinn ’06, ALS Advocate and co-founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge.

LAPENTA MEANS BUSINESS!

Robert V. LaPenta ’67, ’00H made the largest gift in Iona College history to support the creation of a new home for Iona’s School of Business.

Reunion 2016 – Calling All Grads

From the Jubilarian Mass to the fun-filled BBQ to the Gala & Awards Ceremony at Beckwith Pointe, come join the excitement.

Alumni with class years ending in 1 and 6 are invited to register now for Reunion 2016 (May 13-14), at www.ionaconnection.com.

Making a Difference on Mission Trips

Since January, 89 students have participated in Iona in Mission service immersion trips to Chicago, Harrisburg, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., West Virginia and Peru, and academic servicelearning initiatives to India and Ireland. They explored the social, cultural and political climates of their host communities while serving marginalized residents.

Prestigious Fellowship Awarded

Michelle Muzzio ’15 has been selected to receive a National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship to pursue doctoral work in chemistry at Brown University. A chemistry and English major at Iona, she was her class’s valedictorian and the recipient of a Patrick J. Martin ’62, ’15H Scholarship supporting students studying the sciences. The NSF Fellowship is awarded to just 2,000 students each year from a pool of nearly 17,000 applicants.

Spring 2016 Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE

DeFeo Directs Departure Gifts to Scholarship A Challenge from Robert LaPenta

An Expanded, Modernized New Business School Leave a Legacy at Iona Student Excels in Scientific Research

Students Excel in Business Competition

In March, 10 Iona student teams in Jeffrey Alstete, Ed.D.’s Business Policy and Strategy course placed in the top 100, out of 2,658 teams worldwide, in McGraw-Hill/Irwin’s online global simulation, GLO-BUS, in which student teams compete by running a digital camera company.

Greenburg Brings Sports and Film Expertise to Iona

Now, Mr. LaPenta is challenging other alumni to join him in supporting this endeavor. In addition to his historic lead gift, he has pledged $2.5 million in matching funds to encourage alumni from Iona’s classes of 1975-1995 to participate in this campaign project.

In announcing the LaPenta Means Business Challenge, LaPenta stated, “I’d like to invite Iona graduates to invest in the new business school, and join me in supporting Iona’s mission to create graduates who are smart, ethical, creative problem solvers.”

For qualifying commitments made by alumni from the classes of 1975-1995 to the business school expansion, the LaPenta Means Business Challenge will commit matching funds, on a 1:1 basis, thus doubling the impact of each donor’s gift. For example, a $10,000 gift becomes a $20,000 gift with the LaPenta match.

Ross Greenburg, longtime HBO Sports president and award-winning filmmaker, joins Iona College this spring as its newest Executive-inResidence. In the fall, he will teach The Business and Management of Content Creation. With more than 100 major television sports awards, and the films “Miracle” and “61*” to his credit, he has led Ross Greenburg Productions since 2011.

“The Challenge will accelerate funding for a new School of Business at Iona that matches the caliber of our curriculum and the potential of our students. Given the right resources, they can move the world with ethical

For the latest College news, visit www.iona.edu/news.

Continued on page 2 Iona men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament – March Madness!

Ronald DeFeo ’74, ’13H (left) with his DeFeo Scholars and Iona College President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D.

OVER $1 MILLION RAISED FOR DEFEO FAMILY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

WHEN IONA TRUSTEE RONALD M. DEFEO ’74, ’13H

retired in December from Terex Corporation after 23 years, the company planned a celebratory dinner in his honor. Because DeFeo knew that his BA in economics and philosophy from Iona College had prepared him for his successful career, he requested that the event benefit his DeFeo Family Endowed Scholarship, and participants responded generously, donating more than $1 million.

Nearly 150 guests — including family, friends and colleagues — attended the March 1 event that took place at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Conn.

“We have a responsibility to help each student reach their potential. Education is the accelerator that is required,” DeFeo said. “The DeFeo Family Endowed Scholarship at Iona has already made a tremendous difference and with our success tonight we can now do so much more. If you can help someone, do it!”

The DeFeo Scholarship was originally created in 1970 by the family of Steven R. Jacobson ’68 in memory of Ron’s brother Noah DeFeo ’67. In 2004, Ron DeFeo and his wife, Andrea, revitalized the scholarship with the aim of advancing the academic careers of undergraduate students who are selected based on academic quality, financial need, demonstrated leadership ability and a commitment to excellence. To date, the scholarship has awarded financial support to 36 students and is the largest endowed scholarship at the College.

Continued on page 2