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New Rochelle, NY - A groundbreaking ceremony for the Robert V. LaPenta ’67, ’00H Student Union took place on Saturday, June 12. Benefactor and Iona Board of Trustees member Robert LaPenta (Iona Class of 1967), whose tremendous generosity made the student union possible, was honored at the event. "Iona, unlike so many colleges and universities who make things such as endowments their primary concern, has always been about the students. It is a place committed to providing an excellent education to first generation students like I was when I attended Iona," said LaPenta.

Click HERE to view a video of the groundbreaking ceremony.

Pictured is Robert V. LaPenta '67, '00H speaking to the crowd of about 75.

Above, President James A. Liguori and Mr. LaPenta break ground

Rich Petriccione, vice president for Advancement & External Affairs, and Mr. LaPenta

Above is an ice sculpture replica of the LaPenta Student Union.

The $12 million, 41,000 square foot Georgian-brick facility will feature a bookstore, commons/lounge areas, a food court, a bistro, a state-of-the-art media center and offices for student services and campus organizations. Situated centrally on campus, the Robert V. LaPenta '67, '00H Student Union will provide Iona students expanded and enhanced dining and social opportunities, and will broaden their perspectives through increased participation in clubs and organizations.

LaPenta is president and chief financial officer of L-3 Communications Corporation, a provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services, and is a merchant supplier of various high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.

LaPenta is also on the board of directors of The American College of Greece. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Iona in 2000 and is also a member of the Financial Executives Institute.

Iona's capital campaign has funded the Iona College Arts Center (opened in October 2000), renovations of the science building and the athletics center, a new main entrance, and an endowment for more than 23 scholarship funds. Future projects include the $10 million Hynes Athletics Center and an expansion of the library.

The future Robert V. LaPenta '67, '00H Student Union.

Founded in 1940 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers, Iona College is a private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of American Catholic higher education. Iona offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, and business administration, as well as master of arts, master of science and master of business administration degrees and numerous post-graduate certificate programs.

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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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