Iona College Raises Over $96,000 at the 8th Christmas Celebration and Winter Auction Proceeds to Benefit Students' College Experience

New Rochelle, NY (December 11, 2012) Iona College raised over $96,000 at the 8^th Christmas Celebration and Winter Auction on Friday, December 7. Honorees for this year’s celebration were Kevin Plunkett, Deputy County Executive and former Iona College Legal Trustee, and Edward Arrigoni, ’56, ‘91H, alumnus and benefactor who has been one of the most faithful supporters to Iona College, giving his resources, time and energy to Iona and its students.

The highlight of the evening was the delivery of a moving speech made by Iona senior, Erika Enlund who expressed, “The moment I stepped on our beautiful campus I had experienced the ‘ah-ha’ moment. I was impressed by the curriculum of the Mass Communications program and all the options for activities, clubs and organizations to join. I knew I needed to be a Gael.” Erika’s experience continued to blossom as she transitioned through her college experience. In her junior year she became both editor-in-chief of the yearbook (ICANN) and as well as a resident assistant (RA) and was nominated and inducted into the Tara Knights Society in her sophomore year.

“In this season of giving it is truly humbling to see our alumni and friends living the Iona mission through their generosity of spirit and contribution in support of our most precious resource – the students of Iona College,” said Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of advancement and external affairs.

Alumnus Jack Verrier ’57, ‘09H was the honorary chairperson of this year’s celebration. Held at the prestigious Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY, the venue was made possible through the generosity of Iona alumni Julie ’89, ‘98MS, and Bartley Livolsi ’70, ‘75MBA. Approximately 150 guests including Westchester County Executive, Rob Astorino were in attendance. The evening featured a cocktail hour, dinner and silent and live auctions. More than 100 auction items and experiences were donated by alumni, friends and local businesses and supporters of Iona College. Proceeds will benefit the Annual Fund, which helps bridge the gap between tuition dollars and the College’s operation budget.  This fund assists with initiatives like peer mentoring, sponsorship of service projects such as midnight runs, hospitality suppers and supports professional, social and service-oriented clubs and organizations. 

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