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New Rochelle, NY – Rudolph Giuliani, 107th Mayor of New York City (1993–2001) presented a speech entitled “Principles of Leadership” to an enthusiastic crowd of 1,200 at Iona on November 10. Response for the event, Iona’s Fourth Annual Presidential Leadership Series, was so overwhelming that it was moved from Joyce Auditorium to the Mulcahy Campus Events Center to accommodate the crowd, who filled the bleachers from the floor to the rafters nearly an hour before Giuliani was scheduled to speak.

Giuliani, waving and beaming at the audience, entered the venue to a standing ovation and chants of “Rudy, Rudy.” Speaking about leadership qualities, Giuliani told stories about Presidents Lincoln and Reagan and explained that leaders must have a long-term vision and a strategy for executing that vision. He cited this as one primary reason he supports President Bush’s vision for Iraq, because it is a long-term plan that the President stands by, despite its weakening popularity.

“The best leaders are usually optimists. Success doesn’t mean you win every endeavor, it means you create possibilities,” said Giuliani. During the question and answer period with the audience, one student asked the former mayor “When are we going to see ‘Rudy for President’?” to which Giuliani replied, while laughing, “It’s too early to think about that.” So, while the crowd didn’t get to witness an announcement that he plans to run for U.S. president in 2008, they were clearly thrilled to have the opportunity to listen to Giuliani tell them about his ideas and how he led New York City through the September 11, 2001 tragedy.

The Presidential Leadership Series is made possible by the generosity of Richard J. Franchella ’82 and previous lectures have included speeches by former presidential candidate Steve Forbes, former governor Mario Cuomo and former NBA star and former senator Bill Bradley.

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.

Iona President Brother James A. Liguori and Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Rich Petriccione, vice president for Advancement and External Affairs, and Rudy Giuliani.

Rudy Giuliani speaks to the crowd.

Pictured above is the crowd during the lecture.

Richard Franchella ’82, sponsor of the Presidential Leadership Series, and Giuliani
at a reception after the speech.

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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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