IYRS Celebrated 27th Annual Summer Gala on Saturday, 7/13

Among nearly 600 supporters, IYRS School of Technology & Trades celebrated the season with its 27th Annual Summer Gala held at the school, located at 449 Thames Street in Newport. 

Along with lead sponsor Safe Harbor Marinas, the IYRS gala featured GRAMMY-nominated musical guest Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, enhancing the event’s New Orleans theme. This year’s theme, developed by the Gala committee, was a nod to IYRS President Kern Maass who came to IYRS this past year from Loyola University New Orleans.

“I am very grateful,” said IYRS President Kern Maass. “Not only for the team that put together an outstanding event but to all of our generous donors who came together to support IYRS students and the future of marine trades and advanced technology in Rhode Island.” 

The event was co-chaired by Barbara van Beuren, Steve Glascock, and Anne and Matt Hamilton. Committee members included Holly Bannister and Doug Newhouse, 

Ala and Ralph Isham, Terry and Michael Lanza, Elizabeth and Earl McMillen, Kim and John Palmer, and Julie Warburton.

The annual gala supports the student experience including scholarship, student support services, technology, and other costs that contribute to exceptional outcomes for students.

“The IYRS Summer Gala was more than just an event; it was an experience! Trombone Shorty certainly matched the crowd's enthusiasm for the cause! Our guests celebrated the craftsmanship, innovation, and the spirit of the community that defines IYRS,” said Liz Isdale, Director of Philanthropy at IYRS. “For everyone involved, it was an opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of our work. IYRS empowers individuals with education, preserving traditional trades, or teaching modern manufacturing skills; every facet of the gala reflects these core values.”

IYRS continues to rank 30 percentage points above competitors in the trade education space in terms of its outcomes which include an 85% graduation rate, 85% retention rate and 85% employment rate. Only a small handful of schools in the state, including Brown University and RISD, have similar outcomes.

This past year, the marine trades and advanced manufacturing institution graduated and placed students across its four full-time programs: Boatbuilding & Restoration, Composites Technology, Digital Modeling & Fabrication, and Marine Systems.

This year’s launch of five Beetle Cat sailboats brought IYRS’s total of restored Beetle Cats to 170 restored since 1996. 

Event florals and decor were provided by Sayles Livingston Designs. Multiple contributors ensured guests had something to drink including Gold’s Wine & Spirits, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, William Grant scotch, and Wolffer Estate Summer in a Bottle rosé. Catering was provided by Russel Morin Catering & Events. Sean McVeigh Media donated videography. Betsy Alexandre from Christie's was the charity auctioneer. 

Nearly 80 percent of IYRS students receive financial assistance. It’s not too late to contribute to student outcomes for the fall 2024 class at iyrs.edu/give.