Iona College Administrators and Staff Work Through the Night to Ensure Student Safety as Hurricane Sandy Lands in New Rochelle

PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 31, 2012 4:45 pm UPDATE

Arrigoni Library Hours Schedule:

Wednesday, October 31: noon - Midnight

Thursday, November 1: 10 am - Midnight

Friday, November 2: 10 am - 8 pm

Saturday, November 3: 10 am - 9 pm

Sunday, November 4: Noon - Midnight

Limited Help Desk Services will also be available in the Arrigoni Library

(914-633-2635 will be answered at that location)

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PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 30, 2012 5:45 pm UPDATE

New Rochelle, NY (5:45 pm October 30, 2012) Iona College reports students are doing well and participating in campus activities and events as administrators and staff monitor post hurricane power restoration efforts.

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PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 30, 2012 12:45 pm UPDATE

New Rochelle, NY  (12:45 pm October 30, 2012)  Iona College continues to monitor and access the after-effects of Hurricane Sandy. Due to the widespread storm damage and loss of power on campus, classes and administrative offices will remain closed Wednesday, October 31.

The Gael Express has resumed limited service with one van running on half hour intervals between the Marriott and campus. A cell phone and laptop charging station in the Welcome Center main floor of McSpedon and computer lab MS-16 is open to all students as is the LaPenta food court.

The following schedule of events, are open to all students:

All Hallows Eve | October 30th:

- 7:30pm ~ Goodie Bag Making | 4th Floor
- 8:00pm ~ Wicca, Witches, & Warlocks! | 4th Floor Prayer Room
- 8:30pm ~ What's In Your Cup!? | 2nd Floor Common Room
- 9:00pm ~ Halloween Costume Contest | 2nd Floor Common Room

In addition to the programs listed above, at 7:00 pm this evening there will be board games in the second floor lounge of Loftus, movies in the first floor lounge and movies in the End Zone.

Hynes Athletics Center West will be open 12-6pm

The End Zone is open for students to eat and watch TV this afternoon 

Students are encouraged to call home and let their family know they are okay.

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PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 30, 2012 9:45 am UPDATE

New Rochelle, NY (9:45 am; October 30, 2012) Iona College senior administrators, facilities, security and residential life staff were on hand throughout the past two days and evening to provide transportation, food, and alternate safe accommodations to students during Hurricane Sandy.

On Monday evening at approximately 6:00 pm, most of the city of New Rochelle lost electrical power, including much of the Iona College campus. A “shelter in place” order was issued by campus safety and students were requested to remain in their residence halls and away from windows. Loftus, Conese, South and East Halls operated on generators.

Students residing in the Apartments at Eastchester, Rice Hall, and the houses on President Street, Hubert Place and Halcyon Terracewere relocated to Hynes Center West. Many of the students requested to stay with friends in the residence halls that did not lose electric power or with friends, off-campus. Security shuttled the students from Mulcahy Gym to Parent’s Plaza (courtyard between the residence halls on North Avenue), the Marriott, and local residents in the area. There were approximately 45 students who elected to remain in Mulcahy Gym. Residential Life provided sandwiches and water for the students in Mulcahy.

“Students seemed appreciative of the efforts made to meet their needs in being relocated with friends on and off campus. Security did an excellent job shuttling students during the relocation process to keep them out of the weather,” said Charlie Carlson, assistant vice provost for Student Development.

As of 7:50 this morning Residential Life has lifted the “shelter in place” order. Residents of Rice & Eastchester remain at current locations as electric is still out. There are about 20 students remaining in Mulcahy/Hynes and they will be relocated this morning to stay with friends or in common areas of Loftus, Conese and South Halls.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR STUDENTS: LaPenta will be serving food from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm and charging stationsfor phones and computers will be open from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm in the Welcome Center and Computer Lab located in McSpedon Hall.

The Iona College webpage will be updated at 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm with additional information.

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.

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