Highlights of Spring Convocation

The Iona College Spring Convocation 2012, held in the Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium on Tuesday, February 7, kicked off with the presentation of the Staff and Administrator's Council (SAC) awards for excellence and commitment to the College. Honors went to: Part -Time Staff Member of the Year Victoria Calabrese, learning specialist, CAP Program; to Staff Member of the Year William Gibbons, Help Desk specialist, Ryan Library; and to Administrator of the Year Kathleen Pascuzzi '81, assistant manager of the Help Desk, Ryan Library.

In addition, Iona's current status with accreditation agencies, finances, student recruitment and retention were shared. A comprehensive campaign fund was introduced and the impact that trends in state, national and Catholic higher education will have on future planning was outlined.

President Nyre highlighted the actions taken by the College community over the past seven months to overcome its challenges, including the ongoing work of the Integrity in Reporting Committee. He ensured everyone that student learning and life will remain vibrant and a priority as the planning process for Iona's future continues. He then proceeded to focus explicitly on his vision for the College over the next five years.

Dr. Nyre underscored the importance of: informed decision making; reliable and valid data; affordability; employability; academic distinction; student distinction; faculty development; College infrastructure; diverse revenue streams; and the Iona story.

He addressed the value of accreditation and how the FY12/13 budget reflects reduced tuition increases, continued salary increases, additional support for student financial aid and balanced tuition within a competitive marketplace.

The next steps in the strategic planning process were highlighted and Dr. Nyre encouraged the College community to participate by providing input and advice on specific actions to accomplish the stated goals. He then closed by noting the importance of the upcoming comprehensive campaign for financial aid, faculty development and campus improvements.

President Nyre thanked the committees and the community for coming together to overcome challenges, advancing the core purpose of the College, and partnering on planning the future.

"The campus community must continue to ensure that the mission of Iona College both endures and adapts to the culture, much like those that have come before us. We must ensure that the work of the Blessed Edmund Rice transcends time and space,"said President Nyre. "Students, staff and faculty have communicated their interest and desire for change, and I believe you will embrace change and embrace our collective reach for the next level of excellence."

Your thoughts on the Convocation address are welcome. Please send to Valerie Peters, senior director of College Communications, at vpeters@iona.edu. Your feedback will inform the development of additional Communications tools and channels. Thank you.