Her Name in Lights
Dr. Antoinette (Toni) Iadarola '62 started a new chapter in her life. In 2008, she retired as president of Cabrini College after 16 years at the helm of the residential, Catholic college in Radnor, PA. Looking ahead to a free and unfettered schedule makes Toni understandably nervous. "After 35 years in higher education, I'm not used to having a lot of time for myself," Toni said. "I'm going to take some time and consider my options."
The news of Toni's retirement spread well beyond the Philadelphia area. Stories appeared in The Chronicle of Higher Education, LA Times.com, and Forbes.com. "Believe it or not, the story and my photo appeared on the screen above Times Square in New York," she said. Indeed, Reuters Press picked up the story and posted it in lights five times during the first weekend.
A career in higher education, starting at SJC
Throughout the 16 years she served, Toni oversaw three capital campaigns and raised more than $100 million. She expanded academic offerings, constructed state-of-the-art facilities, and raised its regional and national profile. Cabrini's Board of Trustees Chair Theresa A. Cavanaugh said, "Toni Iadarola's impact on this College has been extraordinary. Her leadership, vision, dedication and commitment have propelled us forward in ways the founders of the College could only have dreamed."
Toni's presidency capped a distinguished career in higher education - one that originated at Saint Joseph College. After graduating in 1962 with a degree in History and Political Science, Toni earned a master's and doctorate from Georgetown University. She was a Fulbright Scholar from 1971-73 at the London School of Economics and completed post-doctoral studies at Yale University. Prior to her position at Cabrini, Toni served as provost of Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire.
A generous supporter
Over the years, Toni stayed in close contact with SJC. She was a professor and department chair in the History department and also served a half time position as director of grants. A generous supporter, Toni established an endowed a scholarship in memory of her mother, Dora, and chaired the Sister Mary Consolata O'Connor Archives steering committee, where she and a band of dedicated volunteers raised close to close to $250,000 for the Faithful to the Vision Campaign. In 1982, Saint Joseph College named her a Distinguished Alumna.
"Saint Joseph College provided me with so many opportunities for leadership development," she said. "I consider Sister Consolata (O'Connor) a powerful mentor in my life. She was an outstanding teacher who implemented the Socratic method and exemplified the Latin meaning of the word "education,' which is to lead, to draw out the very best. I learned it from her and it is what I've always tried to do."
