Mention the Iona campus of the mid 1960’s to an alumnus and most will recall a fairly sedate, all male school at which the Irish Christian Brothers provided a no-frills, but solid education, mainly to day commuters from New York City and its close environs. Most Alumni of this period will recall that the academic environment was challenging and vigorous, that neckties were de rigueur and that a friendly and collegiate atmosphere prevailed.

Looking back at this time period from the perspective of twenty-five years later, historians and sociologists most likely would focus on the monumental societal changes that occurred over the ensuing years and the fact that many of these changes took root during this period.

It thus may appear ironic that also during this period, the idea of a college supporting a bagpipe and drum band came to a fruition on the Iona campus. However, when viewed in the microcosmic world that was and is Iona, the idea of such a band seems almost inevitable, if not logical.

Iona College was founded by the Irish Christian Brothers in 1940 to provide a classical, Christian education to student s seeking a well-rounded education. Included in this group frequently were the children and grandchildren of immigrants to this country. Just as the native Irish saint- St. Columba- and his brother saints established a center of learning on the Island of Iona in the sixth century which served as a beacon of enlightenment throughout much of early Christian Europe, the New Rochelle campus of Iona (view full article)