News Releases

Iona to Host Week of the Peacemaker Nov. 9 to 18

New Rochelle, NY – Iona College’s Week of the Peacemaker will address the topic of human trafficking, one of the most significant violations of human rights in this age, with a series of events to advocate on behalf of those affected by these global crimes. Exploited by the prostitution industry and organized crime, some three million women and children are trafficked each year across international borders. According to U.S. government sources, approximately 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into this country every year.

The following schedule of presentations, lectures, advocacy projects and films have been planned by the Office of Campus Ministries and are free and open to the public:

Wednesday, Nov. 9
7:30 pm “Trafficking of Human Persons” will be presented by Peggy Healy, Esq., human rights attorney, in Spellman Hall.

Monday, Nov. 14
4 – 6:30 pm Peace Camp for New Rochelle 5 th Graders will take place in Spellman Hall.

7 pm Student Debate: “Human Trafficking – Should We Tighten Border Controls?”

Tuesday, Nov. 15
10 am and 11 am “The Trafficking of Human Persons: A Faith and Justice Perspective” will be presented by Sr. Clare Nolan, a non governmental representative to the United Nations in Spellman Hall.

12 pm “Voices from the Shadows: a Theatrical Event on Modern Slavery,” directed by Tom Donnarumma, fine and performing arts department, will take place in Joyce Auditorium.

Wednesday, Nov. 16
9 am “Bringing Slavery into View: Media Coverage of Human Trafficking” will be presented in Spellman Hall by Dr. Jack Breslin and Dr. Tony Kelso of the mass communication department.

10 am “The ‘Business’ of Trafficking People: Over 1 Million a Year Misled and Exploited” will be presented in Spellman Hall by Dr. George Priovolos of the marketing and international business department.

11 am “Human Trafficking in Contemporary Film” will be presented by Dr. Dean Defino of the English department in Spellman Hall.

12 pm “Voices from the Shadows: a Theatrical Event on Modern Slavery,” directed by Tom Donnarumma, fine and performing arts department, will take place in Joyce Auditorium.

1 pm “Victims of Human Trafficking: a Review of Victimization, Needs, Services and Barriers” will be presented in Spellman Hall by Dr. Catheryn Lavery of the criminal justice department.

2 pm “Detection, Apprehension, and Prosecution of Traffickers” will be presented in Spellman Hall by Dr. Paul O’Connell, associate dean, School of Arts and Science.

7 pm “Voices from the Shadows: a Theatrical Event on Modern Slavery,” directed by Tom Donnarumma, fine and performing arts department, will take place in Joyce Auditorium.

Thursday, Nov. 17
6 – 7:30 pm “Human Trafficking: Global Issue/Local Response” will be presented in Spellman Hall by Melynda Barnhart, Esq., director of Anti-trafficking Initiatives, International Rescue Committee, and Nadra Qadeer, program director of Safe Horizon.

8 – 9:30 pm “In Their Shoes,” a simulation of the experiences and affects of human trafficking, will take place in the McGrath Room, second floor, LaPenta 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, currently listed in the US News and World Report's annual " America's Best Colleges 2006" and The Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges 2006 edition, 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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