The Student Government Association (SGA) held the Spring Town Hall on March 22 in the LaPenta Student Union, focusing on school diversity while providing updates and answering students’ questions.

Denise Hopkins, vice provost for student life, opened the event by talking about the importance of diversity.

“Iona is for all students,” Hopkins said.

Various committees briefly presented reports on what their committee has been working on for the past year, with a focus on diversity.

President Dr. Joseph E. Nyre said that the Unity Over Division team was formed to “advance” the college’s commitment to diversity.

Dr. Hugh Short, associate professor of English, introduced the committees and spoke for the Committee of Academic Affairs. On behalf of the committee, Short said that their goal is to continue to “include diversity and social justice” across the curriculum.

Junior Angel Pierre, Executive Vice President for SGA, spoke about recommendations made by the diversity committee. These included reviewing communication messages to include more visuals, reviewing campus events to ensure diverse content and expand academic programs. Tracey Wilmot, director of human resources and Title IX coordinator

continued this conversation by giving information on how Iona is diversifying its faculty. This includes workshops from the I-CLAD program and a new policy, now in effect.

Anne Marie Schettini-Lynch, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration, said that the budget committee is working to ensure that these new initiatives will be funded. Schettini-Lynch also spoke on behalf of Facilities, stating that about 30 bathrooms around campus were converted to all-gender bathrooms in the past year.

Hopkins, on behalf of the Student Life Committee, said that the Unity Lounge is doing great. She also updated students about the Mosaic mentorship program and its success. She also said that the school is undergoing the process of expanding Greek Life to include more diverse sororities and fraternities.

Dr. Elena Procario-Foley, associate professor of Religious Studies and director for the Core Curriculum, said that the new core encourages more diversity in classes. This includes creating a class for freshmen that will discuss diversity and leadership.

Schettini-Lynch gave updates on the SAGE cafe, the retail space to be placed under the North Avenue Residence Hall. The new cafe will be open late, have about 100 seats and offer a variety of food options, including a grocery store and a bakery. A short video was shown of the interior design of the cafe, which is expected to open in August.

Nyre commended students for engaging the community in discussion of diversity. Nyre also gave important updates about current events and programs. The new business school is almost ready to begin, yet the school college can’t break ground without the permit from the city, according to Nyre.

Nyre also spoke about the lawsuit the college filed against New Rochelle. He said that Iona will take any measure necessary to “protect the privacy of our students and our property.”

The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was announced the day before the town hall. James P. ‘68 ‘01 and Anne Hynes donated 15 million dollars to the school to establish this program which will place emphasis on bringing the business and the arts schools together. The Hynes family is the largest benefactor for the college.

Paul Sutera, Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs, gave updates on the Iona Forever campaign. As of press time, the college has received 86 million dollars (including the Hynes gift) out of their $150 million goal.

Lastly, Nyre spoke about his sabbatical. He said that a sabbatical was gifted to him by the Board of Trustees and will ensure his presidency until 2019. He will take six months to study and travel. Nyre will leave after the 2017 Commencement ceremonies and return on Jan. 1, 2018.

Nyre than opened the floor to students to ask any questions.

Junior LeeAnn Renda asked about the SAGE cafe and if it would take on campus money. Schettini-Lynch said that the cafe will accept off-campus money. When asked about possibly using on campus money for it, Schettini-Lynch said that through the contract with Chartwells, off-campus money will have to be used.

A student asked about the process of receiving donations for different departments for the college. Nyre said that donors have three choices when it comes to donations – they can offer scholarship money, faculty money or learning spaces. They get to choose which one and where the money goes.

Junior Keirstin Glynn asked about the school’s plan for diversity. Nyre said that the recent freshman class was the most diverse class the school has seen.

After the event, Nyre said that he looked forward to communicating with students and answering their questions.

“If we can’t stand in front of our students and answer the questions they have, or address difficult issues, then we shouldn’t be here,” Nyre said.

“Town halls are a wonderful Iona College tradition designed to provide information to the community and collect feedback on issues of common concern or interest,” Hopkins said in an email interview. “What I love most about our Town Halls is that they reflect the value and practice of active community engagement, which is critical to a healthy democracy and society.”

Any student with any questions or concerns is encouraged to email SGA at [email protected].