News Releases

February 20, 2007 – New Rochelle, NY – Charles B. Quinn, CFC, Ph.D., author of Iona College: The First 50 Years, longtime faculty member and former dean of the College, died on Monday, February 19, of heart failure. He was 93.

Br. Quinn was born in Summerville, MA, on September 5, 1913. A few years later, a worldwide flu epidemic prompted the family’s return to Ireland, where they settled in Ennistymon, County Clare. Quinn attended Mount St. Joseph’s High School in County Clare, then, after graduation in 1929, religious training with the Christian Brothers. He received his teacher certification in 1931.

He began teaching in New Ross, Ireland, in Christian Brothers’ primary education and eventually moved to Dublin, where he received his B.A. in Irish at the National University of Ireland, in 1949. He then returned to the United States, settling in the Bronx.

Quinn taught at All Hallows High School in the Bronx from 1949 to 1957, during which time he attended Fordham University. He was awarded his M.A. in English in 1953, and four years later was assigned to a teaching position at Iona. In 1959, Quinn earned a Ph.D. in English from Fordham.

At Iona, Quinn attained full professorship and ultimately was appointed dean of the College in 1965. His tenure lasted until 1972, when he returned to teaching. In 1973, he was named executive vice president, a position he held until 1980.

At 67 years of age he returned to teaching part-time, focusing on courses in English, the Irish language and literature. He was prominent in Irish cultural societies and was chosen grand marshal of New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1982.

Br. James Liguori, president of Iona College, said, “Br. Quinn served the Iona College community for over 50 years. He was a professor of English and a renowned scholar of Irish literature and history. He was an accomplished administrator, serving as academic dean and executive vice president and, most importantly, he loved the mission and people of Iona College and his many friends and colleagues. Truly, he was a towering figure in the history of the College and a faithful Christian Brother. May he rest in peace.”

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For questions or more information please contact:
Cecilia Donohoe
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: (914) 633-2005 fax: (914) 637-2711
cdonohoe@iona.edu

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