Wings of Hope Foundation to Create Scholarship for Iona College Students in Memory of Justin Samela Miceli

New Rochelle, NY (May 2011) Through The Wings of Hope Foundation, Iona College and Alicia Samela along with family and friends, have established a scholarship, The Wings of Hope Foundation Endowed Scholarship, in memory of Justin Samela Miceli. Miceli was a 19 year old sophomore at Iona College at the time of the fatal car accident he was involved in four years ago, in 2007. The Wings of Hope Foundation seeks to keep his memory alive and will highlight Justin's outstanding attributes through this scholarship.

Justin, a life-long resident of New Rochelle, NY, was an extraordinary individual who was passionate about life and the people around him. His presence touched the lives of everyone he met and his love for his family and friends exemplified the kindhearted person he was. Justin was not only an outstanding student, but he was also a devout member of Holy Name parish, a dedicated Eagle Scout, and a proud member of the Boy Scouts of America. He always worked towards "making a difference" and his values are reflected in the scholarship that will benefit one who exhibits the values of friendship, strength, compassion and inspiration that Justin brought to others.

"I just wanted to do something in my son's memory and name to keep his memory alive and to have him not forgotten. He had a wonderful experience his first year at Iona College so why not give back to another individual; someone who believed in what he did and lived life to the fullest. That is what Justin was all about. To think someone can have an opportunity to attend Iona College in Justin's name is an amazing accomplishment. This is what he would want," said his mother, Alicia Samela, who is one of the founders of the Endowed Scholarship.

Brother James A. Liguori thanks Alicia Samela for her generous donation to
establish the endowed scholarship in memory of her son Justin.

The scholarship will financially assist one individual who is furthering their education at Iona College. They must continue as full-time students during their tenure as Justin Samela Miceli Scholars and complete their baccalaureate degrees in no more than five years. At the expressed desire of the Donor, preference will be given to students who participate in classes at the Hagan School of Business, demonstrate a commitment to community service and athletics through participation in service organizations and athletic events, and demonstrate financial need determined via an approved uniform methodology formula (FAFSA). In addition, recipients must maintain a cumulative grade-point-average of no less than 2.5.

The Wings of Hope Foundation Endowed Scholarship was established this Spring with an initial donation of $20,000. The Wings of Hope Foundation will hold their annual fund raiser on Thursday, July 28, 2011. It will take place at 7:00 pm at Beckwith Pointe in New Rochelle, NY. For more information please refer to the Foundation's website: www.justinswingsofhope.com

Founded in 1940, Iona College is a four-year private, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. It is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona 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 advanced certificate programs.

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For questions or more information please contact:
Dawn Insanalli
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
Office: (914) 637-2726
Fax: (914) 637-2711
dinsanalli@iona.edu