This Iona Alumnus Laid Down the School’s Biggest Donation Ever

Iona renames its business school after alumnus Robert V. LaPenta gave the school its largest grant ever.

In September 2018, Iona College renamed its business school the LaPenta School of Business after alumnus/trustee Robert V. LaPenta gave the school its largest grant ever, $17.5 million, between initial endowment and subsequent matching funds. Throw in some matching funds and other capital campaigns, and Iona’s business facilities are poised to be more competitive than ever. Here are some quick facts and figures about what’s in store for the 78-year-old New Rochelle institution’s business school.

Expected completion date:
Spring 2020

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Projected total investment (including LaPenta’s endowment):
$38 million

Number of donors (at press time):
57

Facilities expansion:
additional 34,500 square feet, more than doubling the
previous footprint

Facilities enhancement:
redesigned classrooms, upgraded tech, offices, lecture hall, event spaces, and 11 new meeting rooms

• New media capability for broadcast, as well as remote and distance learning

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Academic focuses:
undergraduate and graduate business programs, with an
emphasis on MBAs

•Increased funds will be available for scholarships, faculty support, and
student services

For those who may be wondering, William Lamb, PhD, dean of the LaPenta School of Business, has no intention of letting campus ivy grow under his feet during the expansion: “We fully intend to make the most of these new features as fast as we can,” he says, “to improve the classroom experience for our students as soon as possible.”