Arrigoni Hall of Fame
Brother Robert E. Novak '72, CFC, Ph.D. is the current faculty moderator of the Iona College men’s and women’s rowing teams and has served in the role
since 1980. In addition, he has been a faculty member of the Iona College Department of Physics since 1976.
Brother Novak has been an integral part of Iona College and the rowing program. His friendship, dedication, and loyalty throughout the years have allowed the program to position itself to what it is today. Brother Novak spearheads alumni relations for the program, whose fund raising has been a tremendous asset
over the years in supplying equipment upgrades. He has also served as President of the Metropolitan Intercollegiate Rowing Association since 1983.
He was instrumental in the elevation of the women’s rowing program to varsity status. In addition to the long established Challenge Cup - given out annually to the program’s most outstanding team member - the annual “Golden Oar” awards are made possible through the support and generosity of Brother Novak. The winners of these awards are those who are considered by the coaching staff to be the standout contributors to boat speed, through a combination of physical dominance and technical skill.
Brother Novak is the current academic chairperson of the physics department at Iona College. He has served in this position since June 2002. He is also a former President of the Iona College Alumni Association from 1995 to 1999.
Brother Novak received a BS in Physics from Iona in 1972, an MS in Physics from Stevens Tech in 1977 and his PhD from Columbia University in 1980.
