Campus Notes

Brother Scanlan Gets Honorary Degree

Brother Thomas Scanlan, F.S.C., president emeritus of Manhattan College, was recognized with an honorary doctorate from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, a LaSallian university. The degree was conferred Feb. 13 at the university’s campus in Minneapolis.

Brother Scanlan helped Manhattan College increase its enrollment with a 120 percent rise in applications and a 100-point increase in SAT scores, while achieving accreditations from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

During Brother Scanlan’s 22-year tenure, which ended with his retirement in 2009, the college transformed from commuter-based to largely residential. The Riverdale college also saw several campus enhancements and expansions, including the opening of two new residence halls and a new library.

Four other Christian Brothers who have served as presidents at institutions throughout the nation were also honored.

The honorees include: Brother Louis DeThomasis, F.S.C., president emeritus of St. Mary’s University of Minnesota who formerly served on Manhattan College’s board for 15 years; Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., president of La Salle University, past president of Christian Brothers University and a former board member at Manhattan College;
Brother Mel Anderson, F.S.C., past president of St. Mary’s College of California; and Brother James Gaffney, F.S.C, president of Lewis University.

165 Pints of Blood Donated at Mount St. Mary Drive

Students, staff and members of the Newburgh community gave 165 pints of blood at a recent blood drive at Mount St. Mary College.

“This blood is vital to the community to save many lives,” said professor Andrea Ackermann, chairwoman of the college’s nursing program.

Along with medical professionals from the New York Blood Center, members of the college’s Nursing Student Union were among those who assisted at the event.

College of New Rochelle to Sell Bronx Building

The College of New Rochelle has announced plans to sell its building on East 149th Street in the Bronx, home to the John Cardinal O’Connor Campus of its School of New Resources.
The college plans to remain in the building and lease four floors for the campus.

“In its more than 35 years in the South Bronx, The College of New Rochelle has delivered its baccalaurate program to over 5,000 women and men in the community. Our unparalleled commitment to serve the Bronx community remains steadfast,” said Judith Huntington, president of the college.

Mariano Rivera to Be Honored at Iona Gala

Mariano Rivera of New York Yankees fame will be honored at Iona College’s 52nd annual Scholarship Awards Gala April 11 at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan.

Rivera, a future Hall-of-Famer was the game’s best closer until his retirement after last season. He and his wife Clara will be honored with The Blessed Edmund Rice Humanitarian Award for their commitment to community service.

Their son, Mariano Jr., pitches for the Iona College baseball team.

Also to be honored is Robert LaPenta, a 1967 graduate of the college who is on the college’s board of trustees. He will receive the Iona Legacy Award, which recognizes an individual’s lifetime accomplishments.

LaPenta served chairman and chief executive officer and president of L-1 Identity Solutions. He is also a horse breeder and owner.

“We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding individuals, each of whom embodies Iona College’s mission of community service, scholarship and life-long learning,” said Iona’s President Joseph E. Nyre.