Iona College to hold September day of service

In celebration of its 75th anniversary and Pope Francis’ recently released “Praised Be” encyclical, Iona College will hold a number of service projects benefiting the environment Sept. 19.

The projects will focus on the environment in support of the pope’s “Praised Be”, the Catholic Church’s first encyclical devoted to the environment, which was published in June.

An encyclical is one of the highest forms of teaching from a pope as he interprets Catholic doctrine.

The day will begin with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. at the school’s Columba Quad Lawn, where Iona College President Joseph E. Nyre will address students, faculty and alumni. Nyre will also recognize the upcoming papal visit to New York City this month.

Service projects will be held in the New York and Washington D.C. areas throughout Saturday, including a project in Planview, New York led by Iona grad and Wellspring Water, Inc. founder Kimberleigh Costanzo at 10 a.m. The non-profit works to provide clean water to those in need.

The day will conclude with a 75th anniversary celebration and an update from Nyre and Iona’s Board of Trustees on the Iona Forever Campaign, which will address affordability through endowed scholarships, professorships and programs, and campus projects.

Iona College, founded in 1940, is the second largest private sector employer in New Rochelle.

For more information, visit www.iona.edu.