Westchester resident and former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, his wife and a local business executive received awards at Iona College”™s annual scholarship gala Saturday. More than 500 people attended the event, held at the Waldorf Astoria, according to the college.
Rivera, who retired last year as the all-time MLB career saves leader, started the Refuge of Hope church in 2009 with his wife, Clara, who is the church”™s pastor. The church is setting up shop in the restored former North Avenue Presbyterian Church in New Rochelle, near Iona”™s campus. The church will include support and educational programs for area children.
The Riveras received the “Blessed Edmund Rice Humanitarian Award,” named for the founder of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. During the scholarship dinner, a video message was broadcast from the Riveras”™ son, Mariano Jr., who is a pitcher with the Iona College team.
Robert LaPenta, who graduated in 1967, received the 2014 Legacy Award for lifetime achievements. LaPenta, who is a member of the college”™s board of trustees, has held executive and leadership positions with Loral Corp. and L-1 Identity Solutions, which he co-founded. He lives in Westport, Conn.
The master of ceremonies of the dinner was Alfred F. Kelly, a college alumnus who was president and CEO of the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Company for Super Bowl XLVIII. Â It was the 52nd annual scholarship dinner.
College President Joseph E. Nyre said, “Our honorees exemplify Iona”™s mission of service, scholarship and values-based learning.”
