Historic Day As Iona College Becomes Iona University

NEW ROCHELLE, NY —The excitement was palpable on Tuesday as one of New York's best known colleges announced it had officially become Iona University.

Founded in 1940, with more 50,000 alumni worldwide, Iona University celebrated the news with an unveiling on its New Rochelle campus.

While making the announcement, Iona University President Seamus Carey said that the change not only reflected the quality and prestige of an Iona education, but also that it will support the institution's continued growth as it attracts top talent from around the world.

"While this change reflects the growth, structure and direction of Iona, it also carries forward the legacy we have inherited," Carey said. "Our name is different, but our mission and values are the same."

Iona was founded by the Christian Brothers and was inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and St. Columba.

Iona's historic announcement on Tuesday followed historic challenges. Iona was on the front lines when COVID-19 hit New Rochelle, which was regarded as the epicenter of the pandemic. Hailed as the "first to close, first to reopen," the school not only weathered the global pandemic, but thrived. This made Iona something of an anomaly in higher education.

"Congratulations to the entire Iona community of students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni on this exciting new chapter," New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson told those gathered for the announcement. "Iona has been an integral part of the fabric of New Rochelle for over 80 years. In many ways, the City and Iona have grown together. So your pride is shared by many here, and we wish you continued success on the path ahead."

Not only did enrollment spike 35 percent over the past three years, but during this time, Iona acquired a second campus in nearby Bronxville to help expand its programming both inside and outside the classroom.

Iona launched a new school of health sciences to develop the next generation of health care professionals in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian, which is ranked New York's #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report. With the support of a $20 million gift, the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences will open its new state-of-the-art facilities in Bronxville in January of 2023.

SEE ALSO:

• Iona Names Dean of New NY-Presbyterian Iona School
• Iona, NY-Presbyterian Create Bronxville Health Sciences School

"What an exciting time for Bronxville to welcome Iona to our community," Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin said, congratulating school officials. "Fueled by the power and promise of education, we look forward to building on our partnership and ushering in the next chapter with the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences."

Iona has also continued to add new academic programs across the LaPenta School of Business and the School of Arts & Science, in addition to expanding club sports, performing arts and other activities that empower students to “Learn Outside the Lines” of the classroom.

"Just as St. Columba, Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers looked beyond their own interests to address the pressing needs of their times, we understand that our mission has never been more important," Carey said. "Class by class, year by year, we help students realize why it is in their best interest to choose a life of responsible citizenship driven by care and compassion over narrow self-interest. To the extent that we are effective, we not only fulfill our duty as teachers and administrators, but we also meet our social responsibility of contributing to an educated citizenry. These are the values that will continue to be the lifeblood of Iona University in the future."

With nearly 4,000 students enrolled, Iona offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The change to Iona University was effective as of July 1, 2022.

Aidan Connolly, president of the Student Government Association became among the very first Gaels to don gear with the new Iona University monicker.

"While other college communities were shaken to the core with campuses either closing for extended periods of time or in the worst cases, indefinitely, Iona beat all odds… I am more excited than ever to be a Gael," Connolly said. "I can attest that being a student at Iona feels like home. Our tightknit community and our commitment to fighting the good fight while learning outside the lines has allowed the campus to blossom. As a representative of the student body, I am confident in saying that the institution and community is prepared, excited and ready to become Iona University!”