Campus Notes

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Dedication Ceremony for STAC Fitness Center

St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) recently held a dedication ceremony for the renovated Kraus Fitness Center. 

“At the college, we recognize the importance of strengthening the mind and the body. We’re excited about the additional opportunities for team building and socialization through healthy activity,” said Sister Margaret Fitzpatrick, S.C., president of STAC.

The center’s space has been expanded by 142 percent. The 4,165-square-foot facility features more than 45 pieces of strength training equipment and cardio machines outfitted with individual televisions and audio plug-ins.

The event honored Drs. George and Patricia Kraus, who funded the project.    

Kraus is an entrepreneur and founder of several companies. His wife is a fund-raiser for charities assisting children and the poor. 

Manhattan College Cited 

For Service Commitment 

Purposeful Networks announced that Manhattan College was one of 125 schools to receive a “Student Action Award” for the 2015 spring semester. The award honors undergraduate schools for student-run activities that help the community and the planet.

Purposeful Networks creates digital platforms and programs that connect people. Kristine Sturgeon, president of Purposeful Networks, said, “From encouraging positive everyday activities like donating blood or volunteering to organizing campuswide events and fund-raisers, our next-generation leaders are making a measurable impact.”

Delaney Higgins, a class of 2017 mathematics major, interned at Purposeful Networks last fall and made the connection with the school. Delaney is a member of the college’s Center for Urban Resilience and Environmental Sustainability (CURES).

CURES co-sponsored with other groups “Sustainable September,” which encouraged students to take action on development goals set by the United Nations. Some projects included expanding of the college’s rooftop garden and placing recycling areas in residence halls.

Iona College Celebrates

Anniversary With Service 

Iona College in New Rochelle marked the 75th anniversary of its founding with a day of service on Sept. 19, honoring the memory of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Congregation of Christian Brothers. 

“Their ideals of service to others remain one of the joys and responsibilities that come with an Iona education,” said Dr. Joseph Nyre, president of Iona. “As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of our opening, we join together in a day of service to live the mission and participate in service.”

Hundreds of students, alumni and faculty committed to projects in the New York area and Washington, D.C., focused on the environment in support of the Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si.”   

Projects included one led by 2014 graduate Kimberleigh Costanzo, who founded Wellspring Water, Inc. on Long Island, a nonprofit that collects cans and bottles to fund wells in areas that need fresh water. 

“I was overwhelmed by the impact that a lack of clean water has on all aspects of life, particularly affecting women,” she said. “I started Wellspring to shorten the distance between clean water and those who need it most. I credit Iona for giving me the inspiration, education and support to serve others in this way.”