Iona Students Deal With Power Loss, Evacuation

While Iona College will remain closed Wednesday, Oct. 31, students are being kept active and have the ability to recharge cellphones and computers..

The Gael Express resumed limited service with one van running on half hour intervals between the Marriott and campus, and a cellphone and laptop charging station in the Welcome Center main floor of McSpedon and computer lab MS-16 was open to all students as is the LaPenta food court.

Student activities for Tuesday including a costume contest and goodie bag making. There were also board games and movies.

The college campus lost electrical power Monday around 6 p.m., as did much of New Rochelle. A “shelter in place” order was issued by campus safety, and students were requested to remain in their residence halls and away from windows. Loftus, Conese, South and East Halls operated on generators.

Students residing in the Apartments at Eastchester, Rice Hall, and the houses on President Street, Hubert Place and Halcyon Terracewere relocated to Hynes Center West, though many students stayed with friends in the residence halls that did not lose electric power or with off-campus friends. 

“Students seemed appreciative of the efforts made to meet their needs in being relocated with friends on and off campus. Security did an excellent job shuttling students during the relocation process to keep them out of the weather,” said Charlie Carlson, assistant vice provost for Student Development.

The “shelter in place” order was lifted at 7:50 a.m. Tuesday. Those student who lived in halls that did not have electricity stayed where they had been staying.