Making a Difference

Flory Netsch Hiatrides ’83, ’86MBA has always been grateful for the generosity of her father, Charles E. Netsch, and his strong devotion to their family. Although he never attended college, Mr. Netsch encouraged his four daughters to better themselves through education.

He was extremely pleased with Flory’s decision to attend Iona; her subsequent accomplishments while in college; and with the guidance and support she received from the Iona community.

“He always liked Iona and the Christian Brothers and felt that I was taken care of at Iona,” remembered Flory. “Iona treated me like an individual with respect…I developed a long-lasting relationship with the College.”

After her father passed away, Flory decided to establish the Charles E. Netsch Scholarship in honor of his memory. “My dad would be thrilled to know that someone is getting an education thanks to him,” said Flory. The recipient not only receives the scholarship money, but also has the option of working as an intern at Flory’s company, EEI/Novations VMS. A strong education, integrity, and family values are among the criteria on which Flory based the awarding of the scholarship. Education has been the root of Flory’s success story, which began during her junior year at Iona. After coordinating a computer camp for children, and soon after including parents and adults from the community, Flory realized that there was a strong need for computer education programs. With the support of the Christian Brothers and Iona professors, Flory started Executive Education Institute (EEI) where she instructed adult night classes as a senior and, subsequently, earning her master’s degree at Iona.

The first recipient of the scholarship, Ashley Napoli (a junior), received the award at a most opportune, but difficult time. For a year following the death of her father, Ashley’s mother struggled financially to send Ashley to Iona, and the scholarship alleviated some of the uncertainty of a continued education. After her selection, Ashley began working at Novations, where she will continue on a part time basis as she completes her studies. Ashley is assigned to the Valhalla,NY office and on-site at various client locations in New York City.

“Ashley is great,” said Flory. “I received some good feedback from my team. Her attitude and work ethic are impressive…He (my dad) would want the recipient to be someone with integrity and family values— that is what he valued.” After receiving the scholarship, Ashley considered the scholarship more of a “blessing than just financial relief.” She has decided a major in education, with a specialty in secondary education, will be her route to a career.

Since the sale of EEI to Novations VMS, Flory’s has served as an executive Advisor. This has allowed her the time to cultivate and begin a new career, educating adults and families to live a healthier life. In a joint venture with her husband, James, and partner Joe Dillon, Flory has established 7 Natural Laws: For the Life of Your Family, a program that will strive to enhance one’s health by teaching families how to eat better and how to incorporate a workout routine into a busy lifestyle. Needless to say, both fathers would be very proud of their daughter’s achievements, a sentiment shared by the Iona College community.