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New Rochelle, NY, February 19, 2002 -On January 31, 2002, at a packed house in Joyce Auditorium, at which Steve Forbes inaugurated the College's President's Leadership Series events, President James A. Liguori, CFC, announced that alumnus Richard J. Franchella, senior vice president and director of national sales for Prudential Securities, Inc. and his wife Maryann had made a major gift to Iona. Mr. Franchella's pledge of $500,000 earmarks $400,000 for Iona's capital campaign Vision Into Reality, and $100,000 for the President's Leadership Series. Mr. and Mrs. Franchella were instrumental in bringing Mr. Forbes to campus and are committed to carrying the President's Leadership Series forward.

"My wife Maryann and I are delighted to contribute to Iona's impressive development as a first-class Catholic college in the region. Iona continues to offer a first-rate education to competitive scholars. As the education I received at Iona helped to contribute to my success, my gift will ensure that current and future scholars have the same opportunity," said Mr. Franchella.

At Prudential Securities, Inc., Mr. Franchella is responsible for driving the firm's internal sales and marketing efforts through a wide variety of channels, including internal publications and e-publications, business television, special business meetings and educational forums and the National Sales Desk. He joined Prudential Securities in March 1997 and was responsible for creating the "Master's Program, an advanced training program for the firm's seasoned Financial Advisors.

Prior to joining Prudential Securities, Inc., Mr. Franchella spent over 14 years in various retail positions. He began his financial services career at Merrill Lynch, where he spent five years in the production department. He then spent nine years at Paine Webber, where he served as sales manager before being promoted to branch manager. His last position with Paine Webber was National Broker Training Officer, responsible for initial and advanced broker training.

Franchella, his wife Maryann and their three children reside in Greenwich, Connecticut.

For questions or more information please contact:
Meghan Finn
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: 914 633-2005 fax: 914 637-2711

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