Iona Celebrates Graduates At First Commencement As A University

From Iona University

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The Class of 2023 will forever be known as the first graduating class of Iona University.

This historic milestone was celebrated during Iona’s 79th annual Commencement ceremony on May 19, 2023, the first since transitioning to a University in July 2022. The ceremony honored over 850 undergraduate and graduate students on Iona’s New Rochelle campus, with over 5,500 faculty, family and friends in attendance.

Heineken USA CEO Maggie Timoney ’89, ’92MBA, ’23H, the first woman to serve as CEO of a major beer company in the United States, delivered this year’s keynote address.

Timoney also received an honorary doctorate degree. She began her speech with anecdotes about her time as a student at Iona, and then delved into key takeaways she wanted each graduate to take with them.

“I have three words of wisdom – first, be yourself,” she said. “My father once gave me the greatest lesson ever. ‘Whether you’re the Pope or the man sweeping the streets, at the end of the day, it’s dust to dust and ashes to ashes.’ So, don’t get intimidated by titles and really try to be yourself. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself and equally important allow others to be themselves. Number two, build your tribe. Life is a contact sport - meeting people in person, looking them in the eye, networking, listening and talking. Number three, be present. Memories last a lifetime when you’re present. It is more difficult now to stay in the moment and it takes concerted effort to make that choice.”

“If you’re present and if you’re yourself – it’s going to be easier to build your tribe,” she concluded. “I’m humbled and honored to have been chosen to speak today. Congratulations Class of 2023.”

Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., congratulated this year’s class, noting that all of their hard work throughout the years has prepared them for a bright and meaningful future ahead.

“You not only know how to collect data; you know how to decipher its meaning. You not only know how to administer an I.V.; you understand the impact of the medicine. You have not only read literary texts; you understand how they shape our understanding of human identity,” Carey said. “Iona graduates are known for giving attention to what is important and using their education to make an impact on the world. I look forward to the Class of 2023 building on that tradition.”

Aidan Connolly ’23, outgoing president of the Student Government Association (SGA), welcomed his fellow Gaels and guests, offering reflections on their unprecedented college experience. From persevering through a pandemic to celebrating Iona’s rebrand as a University, Connolly highlighted that through each new chapter, the sense of community at Iona was always palpable.

“Whatever your journey has been, I can confidently say that you didn’t do it alone,” he said. “Whether it be a faculty member, staff, administrator, fellow student or a dear friend, it was the generosity of others gathered here today that made you the person you are.”

The undergraduate student speaker was Megan Sweeney ’23, who delivered a moving message, expressing how Iona’s commitment to service inspired her to join the Peace Corps.

“I will be moving to Rwanda two weeks from today,” she said. “There, I will be teaching in rural schools, specifically advocating for equal access to education. I would not have been inspired to do this at any other institution; none of this would have been possible without my four years at Iona. If you take away anything from these short minutes, I want it to be this – use your privilege of obtaining a higher education to make the world a better place.”

Next, graduate student speaker Sara Monahan ’23MBA, encouraged her fellow classmates to remain steadfast in their pursuits of learning and living with purpose.

“Your education does not end today, it is only the beginning,” she said. “Whether you pursue additional formal education or simply stay curious and open-minded, committing to lifelong learning will allow you to become the best version of yourself…Pursue your dreams, embrace new challenges, and make a meaningful impact on the world around you.”