Topic - Student Success (95)

Fox 5: Tommy Byrnes Leading Iona's Irish Dance Team in St. Patrick's Day Parade (Media Mentions 5992)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:05:12 +0000

Fox 5: Tommy Byrnes Leading Iona's Irish Dance Team in St. Patrick's Day Parade (Media Mentions 5992) jhernandez33@g… Thu, 03/19/2026 - 14:05 Fox 5: Tommy Byrnes Leading Iona's Irish Dance Team in St. Patrick's Day Parade March 19, 2026

Iona University

Gaels Play Pivotal Role in Bringing Olympic Games to Life (News 5974)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:30:51 +0000

Gaels Play Pivotal Role in Bringing Olympic Games to Life (News 5974) jhernandez33@g… Thu, 03/12/2026 - 12:30 Gaels Play Pivotal Role in Bringing Olympic Games to LifeIona University students and alumni were hard at work bringing the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games into homes across the country March 12, 2026

As the world turned its attention to Milano Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Gaels were hard at work helping to bring the Games into homes across the country. From producing to streaming and everywhere between, members of the Iona University community helped tell the stories of – and behind – the performances. Each step of the way, Gaels once again demonstrated how an Iona education translates into real-world impact on one of sport’s biggest stages.

Rebecca Bittner ’28: Gaining Meaningful Experience

For Rebecca Bittner, a Media & Strategic Communication major expected to graduate in May 2028, the Olympics marked a defining early chapter in her professional journey. Serving as an intern within NBC Sports’ immersion program, Bittner worked in digital ad commerce, streaming exclusive events across Peacock and NBC platforms while inserting advertising pods into live coverage.

“This experience was truly one of a kind,” Bittner said. “I was able to push myself and learn about thriving in a professional environment.

For Bittner, the experience was not only an opportunity to bolster her resume; it provided firsthand exposure to the world of sports broadcasting — providing practical experience and preparation to succeed in her career.

“It felt surreal that I was able to contribute and do my part during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics,” Bittner said. “All while representing Iona University and the type of students we pride ourselves on being."

Chernoh Jalloh ’25MA: Bringing the Games to Life

Just one year after earning his master’s degree in Sports Communication & Media, Chernoh Jalloh ’25MA helped power NBC’s Olympic curling coverage as a freelance production assistant.

Throughout the Games, Jalloh organized, tagged and managed broadcast footage of curling events, logging and time-coding commentator audio to support editors and producers. He also assisted with real-time asset retrieval, helping ensure smooth live and post-production workflows.

“Working the Winter Olympics was a life-changing experience,” Jalloh said. “It proved that the stories I once watched on TV were now the stages I help bring to life — from every sweep, every call and every stone.”

Nico Laveris ’23MA: Shaping the Story of Freestyle Skiing

As an associate producer at NBC Sports, Nico Laveris ’23MA served as edit producer for freestyle skiing, covering aerials and moguls.

In his role, Laveris produced short-form content for both daytime and primetime broadcasts across NBC platforms, crafting everything from quick-turn highlight packages to in-depth athlete features that captured the personal journeys behind the performances.

“Covering the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics was an unforgettable milestone for me,” Laveris said. “Whether building momentum heading into a final run or delivering emotional depth in a feature piece, I was proud to produce content that elevated the viewer experience. Being part of such a globally celebrated event and collaborating with an incredibly talented team made this chapter of my career especially meaningful. It was truly a rewarding experience that I will carry with me for years to come.”

Gus Ramirez ’17, ’19MBA: Powering the Streaming Experience

For Gus Ramirez ’17, ’19MBA, the Milano Cortina Games marked his third Olympics with NBC. As an L2 Digital Operator on the NBC Sports streaming team, Ramirez helped run Peacock’s morning edition of NBC’s daily “Gold Zone” show.

Working as master controller, he oversaw prechecks for video, audio and graphics, coordinating closely with the production team to ensure the show ran smoothly for viewers streaming at home.

“This was my third Olympics,” Ramirez said. “It is always rewarding knowing that thousands of people are watching my work on Peacock and knowing that I am contributing the best work that I can. It is very tiring work for those two weeks but always rewarding once we get to the closing ceremony.”

Allen Pines ’21MA: From Digital Operator to Emmy Winner

Allen Pines ’21MA brought experience from four Olympic Games — Tokyo, Beijing, Paris and now Milan Cortina — to his current role as associate technical product owner at NBC.

Earlier in his career, Pines worked as a digital operator, assisting in launching and running live event streams for Peacock and the NBC App, monitoring events and escalating technical issues in real time. For Milan Cortina, he transitioned into a leadership-focused role, helping manage and enhance the tools the digital team uses to deliver those same streams successfully.

“While this past Olympics I got to work from home, the hustle and bustle of the 24/7 environment, while also living in a hotel in Stamford for the run of the games was a real grind, which I consider some of the best team building and overall accomplishments I can claim,” Pines said. “Our team was even awarded Sports Emmys for the Paris games, which now makes me an Emmy winner. I look forward to future Olympic events.”

From students gaining hands-on experience to alumni advancing in the industry, Gaels continue to make an impact in the professional world. Their work surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympic Games highlights the career readiness Iona students build — and the value of an education rooted in real-world opportunity.

ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.

Iona Singers Set to Perform for Global Audience at Walt Disney World (News 5928)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:19:58 +0000

Iona Singers Set to Perform for Global Audience at Walt Disney World (News 5928) jhernandez33@g… Thu, 02/19/2026 - 12:19 Iona Singers Set to Perform for Global Audience at Walt Disney World

Isabella Ruggiero, Class of 2026

February 19, 2026

For Isabella Ruggiero ’26, finding her fit at Iona University meant creating a space where her passions did not have to compete — they could coexist.

A graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art, and a speech pathology major with a lifelong love of music, Ruggiero knew she wanted to build a career in helping others. She also knew she was not going to let her passion for singing take a back seat.

“There was no way that I was just going to stop singing,” Ruggiero said. “That is definitely why I chose Iona, so that I could do both. And it ended up being such a blessing.”

That decision has shaped her entire college experience; this month, it will take her and nearly 20 fellow students to Walt Disney World.

As president of the Iona Singers and a founding member of the NightinGaels — the University’s a cappella group — Ruggiero has helped lead the ensemble to new heights. From February 19–22, the group will travel to Orlando, Florida, where they will participate in an exclusive Disney recording studio workshop, ending with a performance at Disney Springs for guests from around the world.

The NightinGaels deepen their vocal training through more advanced harmonies, contemporary repertoire, and unique performance opportunities.

“I'm very excited,” Ruggiero said. “I grew up going to Disney with my family, so it is a big win that I get to take the group. I think the energy in the group has stayed extremely high ever since we announced that we are taking this trip.”

Inside a backstage Disney recording studio, students will gain hands-on experience in voice acting and singing while learning how sound and music are recorded for animated films — an immersive look at the intersection of performance, storytelling and technology. They will also take the stage at Disney Springs for a concert featuring NightinGaels favorites alongside beloved Disney classics.

“We have been having Disney-specific rehearsals, and everyone is really excited about it,” Ruggiero said. “When a section gets tough and we have to rehearse it repeatedly, I remind my peers that we are all going to be in Florida together. These are the friends you have made in the group, and now you get to enjoy a weekend with them and show off a little bit.”

"Iona performing arts has proven to be such an accepting place. It is a great place to build community."

Determined to ensure that all members had the opportunity to travel, the group has been hard at work in fundraising as a community.

“I do not think the Singers, at least in my time, have ever taken on something of this scale,” Ruggiero said. “This group has really been showing that we want it. We have been fundraising so enthusiastically and have been working hard to make sure this trip is everything we want it to be.”

For Ruggiero, the group’s dedicated efforts to ensure a successful and memorable trip speak to the character of both the singers and Iona performing arts as a collective.

“I think Iona performing arts has proven to be such an accepting place, and it shows in the Singers,” Ruggiero said. “It has proven to be an onstage and offstage type of group. Whenever there is something rough going on, we show up for each other — outside the concert hall too. It is a great place to build community.”

About The Iona Singers

The Iona Singers organize and participate in several musical productions on campus and off each year. Their concerts include solos and group performances, and are conducted and accompanied by a professional director. You will hear them at many major campus events, such as Homecoming, Commencement, Maroon Madness and more, including performing at the historic Radio City Music Hall.

Iona Singers

About The NightinGaels

The Iona University NightinGaels, part of the esteemed Iona Singers ensemble, are a captivating a cappella group known for their dynamic performances and diverse repertoire. Comprised of talented singers from various backgrounds, they blend harmonies seamlessly, delivering spellbinding renditions across genres. With rigorous rehearsals and a commitment to excellence, they inspire audiences on campus and beyond, fostering a sense of community through their music.

Iona NightinGaels

Art, Faith and Ecology Converge in Iona Campus Murals (News 5785)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 19:33:58 +0000

Art, Faith and Ecology Converge in Iona Campus Murals (News 5785) jhernandez33@g… Wed, 12/10/2025 - 14:33 Art, Faith and Ecology Converge in Iona Campus Murals Through the Deignan Institute for Earth & Spirit, student artist-in-residence Jidapha Vastola ’27 leads collaborative art installations across campus. December 10, 2025

A native of Hong Kong, Jidapha Vastola ’27 found her fit at Iona University, where she has collaborated with over 100 students and employees to create a series of murals across campus. Serving as the inaugural student artist-in-residence for the Deignan Institute for Earth & Spirit, her work aims to unite faith and ecological awareness through the arts.

Her first project was a 9x6-foot mural titled “Ecological Conversion.” Sponsored by the Deignan Institute and the Office of Mission & Ministry, it was completed in the spring of 2025 and has since found a home in the Murphy Center.

For this work, Dr. Jim Robinson, director of the Deignan Institute and a clinical lecturer in the Religious Studies Department, connected Vastola with Catholic Worker artist Dimitri Kadiev for guidance and expertise. Together, they conceived of and created the mural, which reflects a vision in which “the human community embodies sustainability, justice and mutual flourishing,” as they described.

“I was taking one of Dr. Robinson's classes where he invited the artist to paint this mural with us,” recalled Vastola, an entrepreneurship major with a minor in environmental studies. “I love how he uses art in his life to spread positive messages.”

Colorful and creative, the mural includes depictions of Iona’s iconic ginkgo tree and highlights the three guiding principles of the Christian Brothers’ philosophy: presence, compassion and liberation. Vastola played a significant role in the design, adding a likeness of the late Pope Francis.

For Robinson, Vastola’s papal addition especially tied the piece together and reflected Iona’s larger goals.

“Iona as an institution has been committed to trying to go through this process of ecological conversion that Pope Francis called people to enter into,” he said, referring to Laudato si’, subtitled “on care for our common home.”

With the mural completed, Vastola felt compelled to take her learnings from Kadiev to continue to positively impact campus.

Heeding the interest, Robinson successfully applied for a grant from the Congregation of Notre Dame Sisters, which enabled the Deignan Institute to fund Vastola’s work as a student artist-in-residence, supplying her with paints, brushes and canvases.

Equipped with supplies, she set out to design and lead another group of students and staff to create her next work. Entitled “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” the installation consists of two individual banners depicting the elements along with St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. It derives its name from St. Francis’ language about the natural world, “which he viewed as a community of siblings,” Robinson described.

The banners have been displayed as the backdrop of Iona’s annual St. Francis Day celebration and have also traveled to events at the Agape Community, a lay Catholic residential community located in Hardwick, Massachusetts. The installation now proudly hangs in McSpedon Hall in the Office of Marketing & Communications, flanking a window view of the St. Columba statue and ginkgo tree in the academic quad.

“Working with Dimitri Kadiev that week showed me different ways that I could share art with the world,” Vastola reflected. “I have started leading more group paintings, where we bring students together and achieve things similar to my work on the ‘Ecological Conversion.’”

Beyond the Classroom: How Mentorship Propelled a Determined Finance Student to Goldman Sachs (News 5783)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 18:28:55 +0000

Beyond the Classroom: How Mentorship Propelled a Determined Finance Student to Goldman Sachs (News 5783) jhernandez33@g… Tue, 12/09/2025 - 13:28 Beyond the Classroom: How Mentorship Propelled a Determined Finance Student to Goldman Sachs

Victoria Curreri ’26

December 9, 2025

Iona University's Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs serve as a vital bridge between students and alumni, fostering connections that spark ambition and inspire growth. Through this program, students gain direct access to accomplished alumni who share real-world experience, industry insight, and invaluable guidance.

This is the story of one such powerful connection — between Victoria Curreri ’26, a driven and determined finance major, and her mentor Terry Edwards ’77, former executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Federal National Mortgage Association. Together, they transformed ambition into achievement, culminating in Curreri landing a coveted summer analyst role at Goldman Sachs Ayco.

According to Goldman Sachs, more than 360,000 global applicants competed for just 2,600 positions across offices worldwide, making it the most competitive intern class in the firm’s history. Over 500 colleges and universities were represented, with more than 85 languages spoken among the selected candidates.

For Curreri — a senior studying finance with dual minors in sports business and management — Gaels Go Further became a cornerstone of her journey. Her unwavering determination to succeed, paired with Edwards’ mentorship, helped her stand out in an exceptionally competitive field.

Terry Edwards ’77

“Gaels Go Further was a big part of my journey to get there [Goldman Sachs],” Curreri shared. “Through the program, I learned how to refine my resume, cover letter, LinkedIn, and practice interviews. Terry helped me find the confidence to show who I am in a professional setting and to develop an elevator pitch that truly expressed my value.”

Edwards quickly recognized that there was something special about his mentee — a rare blend of curiosity, discipline and drive that set her apart. He encouraged her to lean into her strengths and approach each challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Beyond the undergraduate mentorship program, Curreri credits her success to the LaPenta School of Business, her involvement in clubs such as Women in Business, and her experience as a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team — all of which reinforced her leadership, resilience and teamwork. Upon graduation, she is proud to be returning to Goldman Sachs full-time as a financial analyst, proudly noting, “I couldn’t have done this without the support and resources of Iona University.”

Edwards reflects on the experience with pride:

“Gaels Go Further is appropriately named — my mentees truly go further. Victoria’s initiative, focus and determination are exactly why she’s achieving so much so early. I’m honored to have played a small part in her journey.”

Through mentorship, perseverance and a shared commitment to excellence, Curreri and Edwards embody what it means to go further — together.

To learn more about the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs or to get involved, please contact Matthew Ricker ’18, ’24 MA, assistant director for Student-Alumni Engagement, at mricker@iona.edu or (914) 633-2033.

Iona University's Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs serve as a vital bridge between students and alumni, fostering connections that spark ambition and inspire growth.

Iona University Nursing Student Earns Prestigious Flynn Oncology Fellowship (News 5773)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:41:41 +0000

Iona University Nursing Student Earns Prestigious Flynn Oncology Fellowship (News 5773) jhernandez33@g… Tue, 12/02/2025 - 11:41 Iona University Nursing Student Earns Prestigious Flynn Oncology Fellowship Hannah Griffin ’26 served alongside nurses in NewYork-Presbyterian as she deepened her skills and passion for oncology nursing. December 2, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. - The NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences is proudly equipping nursing major Hannah Griffin ’26 with the foundation for a career focused on caring for others.

“At Iona, I’ve been guided by some of the most supportive professors,” Griffin said. “They have not only challenged me to reach my full potential but also encouraged me every step of the way.”

Along that journey, Iona’s location less than 20 miles from New York City is making it possible for the Ramsey, N.J., native to learn alongside leaders in one of the nation’s top hospitals, NewYork-Presbyterian.

This summer, Griffin was selected to participate in a prestigious internship program as a Flynn Oncology Fellow. The Flynn Foundation’s hands-on internship program prepares the next generation of oncology nurses with clinical expertise, mentorship and more. Griffin said she was transformed by the experience, but not solely by her daily responsibilities.

“The most valuable skill I learned was the importance of clear and compassionate communication with patients and their families, ensuring they felt supported and informed throughout the care process during what might be the most vulnerable period of their life,” she said. “Being part of such a meaningful environment opened my eyes to the resilience of children and their families. It inspired me to dedicate my career to supporting them through some of their most challenging moments.”

Learn more about the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences.

Diego Aguilar '26 Builds Community on Campus and in the Big Leagues (News 5504)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:16:28 +0000

Diego Aguilar '26 Builds Community on Campus and in the Big Leagues (News 5504) jhernandez33@g… Wed, 09/17/2025 - 12:16 Diego Aguilar '26 Builds Community on Campus and in the Big Leagues September 17, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. - This summer, Diego Aguilar ’26 went from helping Iona students feel at home as a resident assistant to giving fans behind the scenes access to home plate at Citi Field.

A Long Island, N.Y., native, Aguilar found his fit at Iona because of its reputation for excellence in marketing and business education.

“I chose marketing as my major because I've always been drawn to understanding people,” Aguilar shared. “The marketing department has provided exceptional instruction, industry insights, and opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios."

A driven student both in and out of the classroom, Aguilar is a welcoming presence on the Iona campus as both a resident assistant and a Gael Guide.

"As a residential assistant, I support and guide student in their transition to campus life, fostering a safe and inclusive living environment.”

Aguilar gives perspective residents the full rundown of the Iona campus as a Gael Guide and first-year orientation leader. “I welcome new students, help them navigate resources, and represent the university to prospective families."

Involving himself in the community and taking skills from transformative classes, Aguilar earned a move to “The Show.” As a Premium Experiences Intern for the New York Mets, he gained real-world experience in one of Major League Baseball’s most cutting-edge clubs.

To ensure an impactful gameday experience for fans, Aguilar prepared and executed pregame routines at Citi Field. “On game days, I helped facilitate exclusive experiences such as coordinating the ceremonial first pitch and escorting clients to batting practice for behind-the-scenes access,” he said.

While in Queens, Aguilar noticed the impact of his experiences in New Rochelle. “Being involved on campus with leadership roles helped me get better at communicating and working with others, which definitely came in handy when I was with the Mets."

Aguilar transformed skillsets learned in Iona classrooms into passions that will help him hit his future goals out of the park.

“I’m motivated to keep pushing toward a career where I can combine my love for sports with storytelling and connecting with people.”

From Classroom to Career: Iona Graduate Earns Full-Time Offer with Big Four Accounting Firm (News 5495)

ptascio@iona.edu — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:44:43 +0000

From Classroom to Career: Iona Graduate Earns Full-Time Offer with Big Four Accounting Firm (News 5495) ptascio@iona.edu Mon, 09/08/2025 - 14:44 From Classroom to Career: Iona Graduate Earns Full-Time Offer with Big Four Accounting FirmIona's Oluwawolemiwa Olusanya ’25 is eager to begin his career at EY. September 8, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. - For Oluwawolemiwa Olusanya ’25, choosing Iona University wasn’t just about picking a school; it was a strategic step toward a career in accounting.

“I was interested in the opportunities available to accounting students and Iona’s reputation for preparing students to meet the demands of the industry,” he said.

Drawn by the LaPenta School of Business’ prestigious AACSB accreditation and hands-on learning environment, the Yonkers native immersed himself in campus life, built lasting connections and earned a full-time offer at EY, one of the Big Four accounting firms.

Olusanya credits not only the curriculum but also the people at Iona who supported his journey. One of Iona’s key advantages is the opportunity to gain practical experience within a supportive, close-knit community.

His favorite spot on campus? The trading floor, complete with state-of-the-art Bloomberg terminals and gorgeous views overlooking the New Rochelle campus.

“At Iona, I gained self-confidence and the ability to form bonds from a single conversation,” he said. “I am well prepared for this opportunity at EY because I got the chance to practice amongst my peers during my time as a student.”

Lucas Quintana ‘26 Steps into Big Shoes as Social Media Intern at Bleacher Report Kicks (News 5491)

ptascio@iona.edu — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:09:13 +0000

Lucas Quintana ‘26 Steps into Big Shoes as Social Media Intern at Bleacher Report Kicks (News 5491) ptascio@iona.edu Thu, 09/04/2025 - 13:09 Lucas Quintana ‘26 Steps into Big Shoes as Social Media Intern at Bleacher Report Kicks September 4, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – This summer, Lucas Quintana ’26 brought his passion for digital media and marketing to life through an exciting internship with Bleacher Report Kicks.

As a social media intern, he dove into the fast-paced world of sports and sneaker culture, managing content for major platforms like TikTok and YouTube while learning how to engage audiences and track trends in real time.

Backed by a supportive Iona community and a hands-on education that emphasizes creativity, communication and leadership, Quintana stepped into his role with confidence. From Midnight Run service nights to managing campaigns for student organizations, his Iona experience prepared him to thrive in a competitive industry while staying true to who he is.

Read on to learn how Quintana is making moves in marketing, growing personally and professionally, and building a future rooted in purpose at Iona!

Name: Lucas Quintana
Hometown: Yonkers
High School: Stepinac High School
Major: Digital Media
Minor: Marketing
Favorite Spot on Campus: Hynes Lower Gymnasium

Why did you decide to attend Iona?
I chose to attend Iona because of the community and environment. Everyone was so engaging and welcoming when I first checked out the school. The people were charismatic and made me feel like Iona could really be my second home.

What interests you most about your chosen course of study?
What I enjoy most about my course of study is the constant change and challenge. There’s always something new to learn, and my major keeps evolving every day. Whether it’s finding new ways to market to people or staying up to date with trends on social media, my coursework pushes me to keep growing and adapting.

What distinct advantages have you gained from your Iona experience?
One of the biggest advantages I’ve gained is growing in my personal well-being. I’ve learned how to communicate with people professionally while still being effective and true to myself. I’ve also gotten to know myself better and understand how to work in the real world and make an impact.

Tell us about your plans for the future. In what ways has Iona prepared you for the next step you'll be taking?
My future plans are all about chasing what I’m passionate about, and Iona has truly prepared me for that next step. They’ve taught me to prioritize myself and showed me that dreams really can become reality when you stay focused. There’s no goal too small or too big, anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

What clubs, organizations or service projects are you involved with beyond the classroom?
I’ve been involved in so many different clubs, organizations, and service projects beyond the classroom. Every Thursday night, I take part in Midnight Run with Campus Ministry to give back to the homeless and serve our community. I’m also part of the esports team, Gael Guide Eboard, Iona Players, Iona Performing Arts, Residential Life, and more. All of these experiences have helped me grow as a person, build my character, and taught me the importance of giving back and being grateful for everything I have.

What were your responsibilities during your internship with Bleacher Report Kicks?
My internship responsibilities include covering sneaker news the moment it drops. Whether it’s an athlete, player, or designer releasing a new sneaker, it’s my job to cover it with captions, titles, photos, videos, and more to make sure the post hits. I also manage the TikTok and YouTube pages to keep engagement steady and growing. It’s important for me to stay on top of my game and stay connected with the sneaker community so I know how to post effectively and keep everything relevant.

What were the most valuable skills you gained during your internship?
One of the most valuable skills I’ve gained is confidence. In this industry, it can be nerve-racking, making sure you have all the right info, knowing the shoe, and staying on top of what’s going on. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes. What matters is being confident in your work and staying true to yourself, no matter what people think or say. Another key skill I’ve developed is effective communication. I need to stay consistent, open, and honest with my managers and the people I work with, especially when things come up.

How did Iona prepare you for this opportunity?
Iona prepared me for this opportunity by giving me hands-on experience both inside and outside the classroom. From working on real marketing campaigns to creating content for student organizations, I learned how to think creatively, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly. The professors challenged me to push my limits, and the support I got from the Iona community gave me the confidence to step into a professional setting and thrive. Whether it was leading a group project or speaking up in class, Iona helped shape me into someone ready to take on this kind of role.

How will this internship experience impact your future career goals?
This internship is going to have a big impact on my future career goals because it gives me real experience in sneaker and sports marketing. I’ll get better at making content, managing social media, and keeping up with what’s trending – all skills I need for what I want to do. Working with athletes and people in the industry will help me meet new people and open up more chances down the road. Overall, this experience is setting me up to go after a career in marketing and media in the sneaker and sports world.

Iona University’s John Khader ’26 Earns Internship with U.S. Marshal Service (News 5455)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 19:41:53 +0000

Iona University’s John Khader ’26 Earns Internship with U.S. Marshal Service (News 5455) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 08/15/2025 - 15:41 Iona University’s John Khader ’26 Earns Internship with U.S. Marshal Service August 15, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. - From the field to the front lines of justice, John Khader ’26 has always dreamed of a career in law enforcement and has taken a significant step toward that goal through his internship with the United States Marshal Service.

Originally selecting Iona to pursue the track and field team, Khader has found his fit at the University, especially enjoying the opportunities offered through the Center for Career Development and developing new friendships across campus.

“The small class sizes and attentive professors, along with the diverse student population, have allowed me to connect and build relationships with people from all walks of life,” said Khader, a business administration major with a minor in criminal justice.

During his internship with the United States Marshal Service, Khader worked on creating spreadsheets for various logistics and tracking case files in both their hardcopy and online databases, which connect the office to others throughout the United States and its territories. The internship experience also allowed him to complete modules in Prisoner Transport Operations, Counter Surveillance, Active Shooter Threats, WMD Threats, Operational Security Training, and basic First Aid care in a tactical environment, all of which deepened his interest in the field.

“This internship solidified to me that I belong here, and criminal justice is the right calling for me,” he said.

Khader credits Iona for preparing him well for this opportunity, “Through multiple public speaking courses, Iona prepared me to communicate effectively with my supervisors and higher commanding officers in a manner that is polite, respectful, clear and confident.”

Looking ahead, he is actively preparing for law enforcement exams, studying for the Westchester County Police Department exam as well as the Yonkers and MTA police exams, which he plans to take in the near future. He ultimately has his sights set on the U.S. Marshals Service, which he describes as his “dream agency.”