News Releases

David Anthony Pope, Robert Morgenthau Receive Honorary Degrees

New Rochelle, NY – May 21, 2007 – Former Yankee Bernie Williams advised Iona College’s Class of 2007, “If you want to reach your goals, you need to have a plan of action. You have to stay focused on the things you can control, and don’t get discouraged or distracted by the things you cannot control…You have to feel that every day you’re getting closer and closer to where you need to be.”

Williams’ remarks, delivered at Iona’s 63rd Annual Commencement exercises Sunday in The Theater at Madison Square Garden, were warmly received by the graduates and their families, who greeted his Commencement address with loud applause and cheers of “Ber-nie! Ber-nie!”

Williams, a five-time All Star, four-time World Series champion, winner of four Gold Gloves, and classical guitarist, was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters in recognition of his support of non-profit groups like the Children’s Health Fund and Hillside Food Outreach, as well as his many contributions to baseball and music.

David Anthony Pope, president and CEO of the Generoso Pope Foundation, and Robert Morgenthau, Manhattan District Attorney, were presented with honorary doctorates in humane letters and law, respectively.

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 is currently listed in the US News and World Report's annual "America's Best Colleges 2007," BusinessWeek’s listing of the “Best Undergraduate B-Schools,” The Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Colleges 2007 and Best 282 Business Schools 2007. The College 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:
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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