The Annual Fund provides critical funding for students by underwriting scholarships and extracurricular and community service activities, as well as academic resources. A quick look at how your gift to the Iona College Annual Fund helps support the success of these two students plus hundreds of others….

Samone Brockett is a senior biology major. She recently returned from her junior year abroad at Oxford studying theology and English literature. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Samone graduated from Sunset High School. Apart from her studies, she is a member of the Iona College cross country and track and field team and enjoys membership in the biology club, environmental club and Chemical Society at Iona College. A student in the Honors Program, Samone plans to write her thesis this semester and looks forward to attending graduate school in 2010.

Paul Sanstead is currently a junior majoring in chemistry with minors in both physics and mathematics. Paul's hometown is Bloomington, Minnesota. Prior to his arrival at Iona he attended high school at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield (MN). Paul is involved with chemistry research concerning crystal habit and nucleation under the direction of professor Sunghee Lee, PhD, as well as physics research concerning seasonal variation of ozone levels in the Martian atmosphere under the direction of Br. Robert Novak, CFC, PhD. Paul recently attended the 238th American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition in Washington, DC, where several members of Dr. Lee's research group presented their work. In addition, he will present his Mars research at the 41st annual meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society in Fajardo, Puerto Rico this fall. Paul is also the president of the Iona Chemical Society and a member of the Iona College Honors Program. After graduation, he plans to continue his education in the sciences.

Senior Chantal Gagnon is pursuing a major in speech communication and English as a member of the Honors degree program. She originates from Wallingford, Connecticut and attended Mark T. Sheehan High School. A visible student leader, Chantal she serves as President of the Iona Players, the College's student-run theater group, and as a second-year Resident Assistant in Loftus Hall. She is also an active performer in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts and sits on the Council on the Arts. She also volunteers weekly at Iona's Speech Center, aiding peers in writing and reciting speeches. As a member of the Honors Program, Chantal has had endless opportunities for growth and expansion during her three years at Iona, including the unforgettable experience of studying abroad in Paris during the summer of 2008.

Sophomore Michael Petre is pursuing a degree in political science. He is active in many organizations on campus, including as the Inter-Residence Council, the Student Government Association, and Model United Nations. In addition, Michael also serves as vice president of Communications in the SGA. He is pursuing his interest in government and politics that originated at Connetquot High School in Long Island, New York and hopes to one day work in Washington, D.C., and perhaps be a politician himself..

*The Annual Fund provides critical funding for students by underwriting scholarships and extracurricular and community service activities, as well as academic resources.