IYRS Summer Gala

IYRS School of Technology & Trades along with event chairs Barbara van Beuren and Steve Glascock and Anne and Matt Hamilton will host its 28th annual IYRS Summer Gala on Saturday, July 12 at 6 p.m. at IYRS, 449 Thames Street, Newport, R.I. with musical guest The Legendary Wailers Featuring Junior Marvin.

“IYRS is excited to host an iconic reggae band this summer,” said Liz Isdale, Director of Philanthropy at IYRS. “We hope to draw familiar faces as well as new ones to experience and celebrate the craftsman, innovation and community spirit at IYRS.”

As a school of marine trades and advanced technologies, IYRS teaches students the skills of boatbuilding, marine systems, digital modeling & fabrication and composites technology. In addition to hard skills, they also teach skills like project management, time management, work ethic and collaboration. Upon graduation, students advance in their careers or enter new careers in the marine industry, motorsport, aerospace, defense, sporting goods and other industries. In 2024, 90% of students had a job at graduation.

“The IYRS Gala is our anchor event that brings our friends and community together to provide support for the IYRS student experience,” said IYRS President Kern Maass. “We look forward to opening our campus to new guests, some of whom have never set foot on our campus before. From the cedar scent of Restoration Hall where our boats are built to the skill-building and innovation that happens in The Brooks Building, IYRS is truly a special place that leads the nation for trade schools in marine-based and advanced technologies programs. We always jump at the chance to share what we and our students do, with the world.”

Nearly 80 percent of IYRS students receive financial assistance. Those interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities can visit iyrs.edu/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships-grants. Those interested in attending the IYRS Summer Gala can visit iyrs.edu/2025gala to purchase tickets. To contribute to the IYRS student experience, visit iyrs.edu/give.