News Releases

New Rochelle, NY – May 7, 2007 – Iona College senior Philip Burkart will receive the New Rochelle Police Department’s Citizen of the Year award at the NRPD 2007 Medal Day ceremony on May 14. The award is typically bestowed upon a private citizen who has aided the police, as Burkart did last November when he intervened in a cell phone robbery.

NRPD Capt. Robert Gazzola said, “By aiding the victim, chasing down the suspect and alerting a police officer to the suspect’s location, Phil went above and beyond. The lieutenant who interviewed him at the time of the incident was very impressed.”

Burkart, a graduating senior and member of Iona’s track team, says his actions were “no big deal.” Recounting his race through the streets of New Rochelle in pursuit of the thief, he says, “It was kind of fun. I kept my distance though – I wasn’t looking to get into a fight.” Focused on the future, he plans to attend Loughborough University in England, where he will pursue a master’s degree in International Relations.

Warren Rosenberg, Ph.D., provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said, “It’s no surprise that Phil extended himself to help someone in need.  He is one of our most active student volunteers and has worked with the underprivileged on the local, national and international levels. As a scholar, a nationally-ranked athlete, and a compassionate human being, he embodies the best qualities of our student population."

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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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