Topic - Mentorship (141)

Forbes: Iona Student Nicolette Zaffuto on the intersection of AI, Art and Business (Media Mentions 6000)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:37:35 +0000

Forbes: Iona Student Nicolette Zaffuto on the intersection of AI, Art and Business (Media Mentions 6000) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 03/24/2026 - 09:37 Forbes: Iona Student Nicolette Zaffuto on the intersection of AI, Art and Business March 20, 2026

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Forbes: How This Iona Student is Using AI to Build His Business (Media Mentions 5969)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:43:27 +0000

Forbes: How This Iona Student is Using AI to Build His Business (Media Mentions 5969) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 03/06/2026 - 16:43 Forbes: How This Iona Student is Using AI to Build His Business March 6, 2026

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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.

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 University Launches into Fifth Year of Gaels Go Further Mentoring (News 5518)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:34:06 +0000

Iona University Launches into Fifth Year of Gaels Go Further Mentoring (News 5518) jhernandez33@g… Tue, 09/23/2025 - 13:34 Iona University Launches into Fifth Year of Gaels Go Further MentoringMentorship programs connect students and alumni to foster personal and career success. September 23, 2025

Iona University recently celebrated the growth and success of its Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs, a bold initiative that connects students and alumni through meaningful, one-on-one mentorship. Now entering its fifth year, Gaels Go Further has evolved into a dynamic, University-wide initiative offering a broad range of mentoring and networking opportunities. On September 17, the milestone event welcomed more than 100 alumni mentors and student mentees for an evening of celebration in the LaPenta School of Business Atrium.

“Relationships are cultivated here; they are critically important and something we emphasize in everything we do,” said President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., addressing the crowd. “From the way we design our spaces to the way we shape classes and programs, our focus is on creating connections. This mentoring program is a remarkable extension of that ethos.”

Designed to support students’ career development and personal growth, Gaels Go Further has become a cornerstone of Iona’s commitment to student success and career readiness.

Today, the programs encompass four key components:

• Mentoring & Career Exploration Course – A one-credit class integrating mentoring and career planning into the undergraduate experience.

• “On the Rise Podcast,” Career Conversations & Networking – Panels, events and interviews give students access to alumni insights and career journeys.

• MBA Mentoring Program – Tailored connections between MBA students and experienced alumni for industry guidance.

• Flash Mentoring – Quick, informal career conversations facilitated through the Gaels Connect platform.

“Our goal from the beginning was simple: any student who wanted a mentor would have one—and that has been true to this day,” said Jim Oates ’95, chair and alumni sponsor of the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs and president of the Iona University Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. “The generosity of our alumni has consistently outpaced student demand, creating even more opportunities to explore. And what’s remarkable is how the cycle continues: alumni mentoring alumni. I still seek mentors in my own life, because we all need guidance as we navigate the next chapter.”

Since its inception, the program has seen over 350 mentees and 130 mentors participate, with more than 2,500 members active on the Gaels Connect platform.

“Students become alumni, mentees become mentors, and the cycle continues,” said Cathy McCabe ’85, vice chair of the Gaels Go Further Advisory Board and current Iona Trustee. “I’ve witnessed this with one of my mentees, Mo Salah ’23, who is thriving in his career and now mentoring others. This ripple effect is exactly what we envisioned when we launched the program.”

Student mentees who have participated in the program have gone on to work for organizations like Goldman Sachs, Google, P&G, Deloitte and Morgan Stanley, to name a few. Over 90 percent of students said they would recommend the program to peers, and 93 percent said their mentor helped them identify and refine personal and professional goals.

“The advice I received from my mentor helped me better understand my career goals and the steps I need to take to achieve them,” said Victoria Curreri ’26, a finance major who interned as an analyst for Goldman Sachs Ayco over the summer. “I highly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.”

Tricia Mulligan, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said that as the programs enter their fifth year, the impact is clear. “Hundreds of mentoring matches have been made; friendships have flourished long after graduation; internships and jobs have been secured; students have gained the confidence to pursue new opportunities; and alumni have rediscovered the joy of giving back.”

For more information on involvement opportunities with the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs, please contact Matthew Ricker ’18, ’24MA, assistant director for Student-Alumni Engagement.

Patrick Dougherty ’25 Builds His Network from Iona University to Morgan Stanley (News 5323)

ptascio@iona.edu — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:03:32 +0000

Patrick Dougherty ’25 Builds His Network from Iona University to Morgan Stanley (News 5323) ptascio@iona.edu Wed, 04/30/2025 - 16:03 Patrick Dougherty ’25 Builds His Network from Iona University to Morgan Stanley April 30, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – As a finance major, Patrick Dougherty ’25 is a dynamic force, blending his academic pursuits with invaluable hands-on experience as an intern at Morgan Stanley.

“What I enjoy most about the experience is the ability to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world financial scenarios, gaining hands-on insight into wealth management and investment strategies,” Dougherty shared. “This dynamic nature of finance keeps me engaged, as there’s always something new to learn and apply.”

Within Iona University’s close-knit community, Dougherty has also discovered that some of the most rewarding investments aren’t just financial – they’re built on cultivating meaningful connections. He is especially grateful for the mentorship of Kyle Byrne, director of student and alumni engagement, for helping him land this opportunity.

“Kyle has been an invaluable mentor throughout my time at Iona,” he said. “He has provided guidance on my job search, reviewed my resume and connected me with the internship opportunity that I was later offered.”

With a major in finance and a minor in information systems, Dougherty is interested in how “finance drives decision-making in businesses and economies.” His passion is evident as he dives into analyzing market trends and evaluating investment opportunities, always eager to build his skill set.

Hailing from Chester Springs, Pa., Dougherty’s involvement at Iona also extends beyond the classroom.

Whether guiding prospective students as a Gael Guide or landing shots on the intramural basketball court, he makes the most of his time on campus through a well-rounded mix of academic and extracurricular pursuits.

“I chose to attend Iona because of the welcoming and close-knit community the school fosters,” he said. “Walking through campus and seeing familiar faces creates a sense of belonging that makes Iona feel like one big family. While it may be a smaller school, there's always something happening on campus, and countless opportunities to get involved and make meaningful connections.”

As he looks ahead, Dougherty reflects on the unique advantages of studying just outside New York City.

“Iona’s proximity to New York City makes it an ideal place to major in business,” he said. “It has provided me with endless opportunities for networking and career growth in one of the world’s biggest financial hubs."

Iona University Recognized by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) for Leadership in Student Success & Career Development (News 4997)

jtarter1@gaels.iona.edu — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:21:01 +0000

Iona University Recognized by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) for Leadership in Student Success & Career Development (News 4997) jtarter1@gaels… Fri, 02/07/2025 - 13:21 Iona University Recognized by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) for Leadership in Student Success & Career Development February 7, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y - Iona University was selected by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) to lead a webinar entitled “Synergy of Success: Alumni Mentoring, Career Development and Academic Partnerships.” This recognition highlights Iona’s Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program, a transformative one-credit course connecting students with accomplished alumni to provide career guidance, networking opportunities and professional development.

Tricia Mulligan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; David Nielsen, senior director of alumni engagement and annual giving; and Jennifer Friary, director of career development, delivered a presentation showcasing Iona’s successful approach.

“It is an honor to share how Iona’s commitment to mentoring and career development not only enhances academic success but also transforms students’ career trajectories,” said Dr. Mulligan. “Thank you to David and Jennifer for their teamwork and participation.”

Mentorship at Iona University

At Iona, there is a saying: “Gaels take care of Gaels.” Mentorship is a cornerstone of the Iona experience, empowering students with direct access to industry professionals. Through structured alumni-student connections via the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program, students gain invaluable career advice and guidance on maximizing their college experience.

This approach ensures that Gaels graduate not just with a degree but with the skills, confidence and professional networks needed to thrive in their chosen fields. In fact, last year 94 percent of participants indicated they would recommend the program to a peer. Additionally, 93 percent indicated that participating in the program improved their sense of career preparedness.

“We are proud to share our student success model, which fosters meaningful connections and gives students direct access to accomplished alumni who can help shape their futures,” said Nielsen.

Committed to Career Readiness

From Ernst & Young to Merril Lynch, many students have attributed the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program to helping them secure full-time roles post-graduation. In addition, the Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development provides professional guidance and resources for lifelong career development, serving undergraduate and graduate students and alumni.

At Iona, all of this is positively reflected in the fact that 94% of students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognizes Iona as one of the top for social mobility in the nation for 2025, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranks an Iona degree in the top 5% nationally for long-term return on investment.

Lucas Haddad ’24 ’25MBA, for instance, leveraged the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program to gain invaluable professional guidance – which helped him earn a full-time role at Ernst & Young.

“I was paired with Jim Oates, a former UBS executive, who has significantly impacted my early career development,” said Haddad. “Jim’s guidance on interview preparation and his insightful advice have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory... The leadership skills I’ve developed here are invaluable.”

About National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

The National Association of Colleges and Employers is a nonprofit organization that connects college career services professionals with employees. The association assists college graduates in securing employment and provides valuable insight into the job market. Roughly 345 representatives from across the country had registered to attend the Iona webinar.

Guidance and Growth: A Gaels Go Further Mentorship Success Story (News 4882)

ptascio@iona.edu — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:27:16 +0000

Guidance and Growth: A Gaels Go Further Mentorship Success Story (News 4882) ptascio@iona.edu Thu, 11/21/2024 - 09:27 Guidance and Growth: A Gaels Go Further Mentorship Success Story Logan Balsan ’25, a mentee in the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program, finds value and mentorship beyond the classroom. November 21, 2024

At Iona University, the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program stands out as a bridge between students and alumni, creating lasting connections that fuel career ambitions and personal growth. Through this mentorship program, current students gain direct access to alumni mentors who bring real-world experience and industry insight to their academic journey.

For current mentee Logan Balsan ’25, a senior accounting major and president of the Italian Culture Club, and his mentor, Stephen Semenza, CPA, ’84, owner of The Pawfect Brew and former chief financial officer of Evolution Markets Inc., Gaels Go Further has been a rewarding experience beyond the classroom. Please enjoy their reflections belo.

To learn more about the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program 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.

Logan Balsan ‘25

“Since freshman year, my academic advisor pushed me to enroll in the Gaels Go Further program. In my senior semester, I decided to enroll and it has been a great experience. My mentor, Stephen, has provided valuable insight and guidance as I prepare for my full-time job with BDO come January 2025. Stephen was a controller of a brokerage firm for 15 years, served as a VP of Goldman Sachs, and now runs his own coffee company, The Pawfect Brew. He has experience as a CPA, which I am pursuing as an accounting major.

Throughout my time in the program, Stephen has supported both my academic and extracurricular priorities. Recently, Steve generously provided coffee from his business for the Cannoli & Coffee fundraiser hosted by the Italian Culture Club in celebration of Italian-American Heritage Month.

Funny enough, during the program, we found out we were distantly related through a mutual cousin. This further family connection, found through networking within the program, has made the experience more memorable. I recommend this program to all Iona students – you never know who you’ll meet or the opportunities that will come your way through networking with Iona alumni!”

Learn more about Logan’s Iona journey here!

Steven Semenza ‘83

“I joined the Iona University Mentoring program to give back in a small way. Iona was instrumental in shaping my career, and with many years of experience in accounting and finance, I can offer valuable guidance and advice to current Iona students. The program is very rewarding and a fantastic way for alumni to maintain their connection with the University. My mentee Logan is bright, involved with clubs and other activities, and is getting ready to start his accounting career.

When Logan informed me about his Cannoli and Coffee fundraiser, I saw it as an opportunity to put our mentorship into action. Several months ago, I launched an online coffee company, The Pawfect Brew, and provided our Italian Roast coffee for the event. Interacting with the students during the fundraiser was great, and it further underscored the significance of the mentorship program.”

Learn more about the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program here!

Iona University’s Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA Prepares for a Promising Career in Accounting (News 4862)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:58:01 +0000

Iona University’s Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA Prepares for a Promising Career in Accounting (News 4862) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 11/05/2024 - 11:58 Iona University’s Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA Prepares for a Promising Career in Accounting November 5, 2024

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University’s Michael Faughnan ’24, ’25MBA, a double major in finance and accounting, secured multiple internship opportunities that have set him on a path to success.

With prestigious companies such as PKF O’Connor Davies and Ernst & Young (EY) on his resume, Faughnan is preparing for a bright future in the industry.

“The most distinctive advantage I have gained from my experience at Iona is having personal connections with my professors who want to see me be successful,” he shared.

These connections proved invaluable when Faughnan was introduced to the Gaels Go Further Program, a mentorship initiative that pairs students with successful alumni.

“Through the Gaels Go Further Program, I have an alumni mentor who guides me through difficult career decisions,” Faughnan said.

His practical experience has been equally transformative. Faughnan spent the summer as an audit intern with Ernst & Young, where he honed his skills in data analysis and financial reporting.

“In my current internship with EY, I analyzed data and used software to complete engagement tasks. I also evaluated and tested internal controls over financial reporting,” said the Hopewell Junction native.

“I am also learning how to utilize tools such as PowerBI and Alteryx to quickly gain insights on data and find solutions to underlying problems.”

Faughnan’s internship at EY has solidified his passion for accounting. As he transitions into the next phase of his academic career, he plans to earn his MBA in Business Analytics and study for the CPA exam.

“I hope to continue my path in accounting and become a full-time auditor by the end of next year,” he said.

His achievements also extend beyond the classroom.

In July 2024, Faughnan was named the MAAC Student-Athlete of the Year, the first swimmer in Iona history to receive this prestigious award.

“I decided to attend Iona because of its close community, proximity to New York City and the positive culture on the Men’s Swimming & Diving Team.”

With a strong foundation in both academic and practical experience, Faughnan credits Iona for preparing him to thrive after graduation.

“Iona prepared me for the job market by giving me a rigorous curriculum in both my majors and supportive career counseling,” he said.

Iona University Alumna Shenan Reed ’97 Returns to Share Career Insights As General Motors' First Global Chief Media Officer (News 4836)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:33:42 +0000

Iona University Alumna Shenan Reed ’97 Returns to Share Career Insights As General Motors' First Global Chief Media Officer (News 4836) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 10/22/2024 - 13:33 Iona University Alumna Shenan Reed ’97 Returns to Share Career Insights As General Motors' First Global Chief Media OfficerSpeaking at the LaPenta School of Business as part of the “View from the C-Suite,” Reed reflected on her career journey and the impact of an Iona education October 22, 2024

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Shenan Reed ’97, General Motors' first Global Chief Media Officer, recently returned to Iona University to share her inspiring career journey and leadership insights as part of the "View from the C-Suite" speaker series.

Reed, who transferred to Iona from the University of Houston with dreams of performing on Broadway, credits her time in New Rochelle with helping to chart her path forward.

“It’s so funny that I work in advertising, because I saw an ad for Iona in the newspaper, and it said, if you're a transfer student and need some extra help, we’re here,” she said. “So I picked up the phone and had a conversation with somebody. And what an amazing moment that was, because the school was incredible. The speed with which they helped me figure it all out, transfer my credits, and then figure out my path – it was really amazing.”

Reed went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Fine Arts in 1997. Embracing her passion for musical theater, she was an active member of the Iona Players, immersing herself in the arts and campus life as a commuter student.

“One of the things that was amazing for me was that those clubs and those communities allowed me to connect with other students. That totally shaped me,” she said.

Today, as a C-suite executive at General Motors, Reed is responsible for shaping the company's global media strategy and leading a team focused on advancing media practices. Previously, her impressive background includes serving as senior vice president and head of media at L’Oréal. In addition, along with her husband, she also co-founded Morpheus Media, a digital marketing agency representing high-profile clients such as The New York Times, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., just to name a few.

A lifelong car enthusiast, it’s Reed’s role at General Motors, however, that really brings her career – and life – full circle.

“I came home from the hospital in a ’66 Chevelle SS 396 convertible in a General Motors love seat, which was the General Motors car seat back in 1973,” she explained passionately. “And we’ve had General Motors vehicles that we’ve been tinkering with as project cars basically my entire life.”

She even rode to her wedding in a 1969 T-Top Corvette – red, of course – that she and her father began renovating when she was just 9 years old.

“My journey has not been one that was particularly planned out, but I think that's actually been a great thing for me, because I've been open to all of those conversations and opportunities,” she said of her journey to General Motors. “Be open to take those risks.”

Reed also emphasized the importance of mentorship, both formal and informal, and encouraged students to build their own “personal board of directors.”

“Surround yourself with people you can go to for advice on different things – whether it’s marketing, finance, or work-life balance,” she said. “Always be curious. Ask for 10 minutes of someone’s time and have one question prepared. Those small moments can shape how you think about your career.”

Her parting advice to students?

“Life is too short to work for bad humans.”

Watch Now: A View from the C-Suite with Shenan Reed '97

About View from the C-Suite

A key element of the business education at Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is access to career professionals who offer perspective, advice and opportunities to Iona students.

Through regularly scheduled talks, Iona alumni come back to campus frequently to share the most valuable lessons they’ve learned over the course of their careers. These intimate conversations allow current students the opportunity to network and learn from successful Iona alumni from a wide variety of industries.

Past "View from the C-Suite" speakers include an impressive roster of executives and alumni from top companies such as Visa; HEINEKEN USA; UnitedHealthcare Specialty; Le Creuset of America; Citrin Cooperman; Bloomberg; and Steve Madden.

Chase Bateman ’25 is Making Waves at Iona University (News 4822)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:35:47 +0000

Chase Bateman ’25 is Making Waves at Iona University (News 4822) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 10/15/2024 - 09:35 Chase Bateman ’25 is Making Waves at Iona University October 15, 2024

New Rochelle, N.Y. – From the swimming pool to the stock market, Chase Bateman ’25 is proving that discipline and focus can lead to success in any arena.

As co-captain of Iona University’s Men’s Swimming & Diving team, Bateman’s leadership extends far beyond athletics. Early in his college years in the LaPenta School of Business, he narrowed in on his passion for researching companies and making smart investment choices, setting him on a path toward success.

“I have always been fascinated by growth, whether it’s the slow maturation of a tree or the interest compounded in a savings account,” said the Westerville, Ohio native.

Choosing Iona for its proximity to New York City, Bateman recognized the numerous opportunities available, particular access to internships in Midtown Manhattan.

“Some say if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere,” he said.
“The chance to be part of a close-knit swim and dive team was also a major draw. My teammates have become like family, and I would not trade that experience for anything.”

This past summer, Bateman interned at Associated Capital Group, a Gabelli Company in Greenwich, Conn., where he gained hands-on experience in merger arbitrage and event-driven investing strategies.

“I had the opportunity to shadow seasoned professionals and learn from them, developing my skills in fundamental research and bottom-up analysis,” he shared. “I’ve been involved in determining profitable investment positions and following deals to successful completion.”

Bateman further attributes much of his growth to Iona’s supportive network and resources.

“My exposure to mentors has been a game changer,” he said. “I consistently have access to professionals in fields of business I’m interested in. I would not have met my alumni mentor, William Bianchi, without Iona’s LaPenta School of Business. His guidance has been instrumental in my career development.”

He also thanks Professor Andrew Griffith for enhancing his Excel skills, familiarizing him with SEC filings, and teaching him how to navigate the SEC EDGAR database, all of which have been critical to his internship success.

As Bateman looks ahead, he remains open to the future while appreciating the foundation Iona has provided.

“I have been provided many of the tools to succeed in the finance world and I have already retained quite a bit of Wall Street vernacular thanks to my professors,” he said. “I would also like to thank Kyle Byrne, for his consistent assistance throughout the job search process. To say it has been invaluable would be an understatement.”