Topic - Commencement News (102)

Leading Voice on Attention Dr. D. Graham Burnett to Deliver Iona University Commencement Address (News 5930)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:08:21 +0000

Leading Voice on Attention Dr. D. Graham Burnett to Deliver Iona University Commencement Address (News 5930) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 02/20/2026 - 10:08 Leading Voice on Attention Dr. D. Graham Burnett to Deliver Iona University Commencement AddressIona’s 82nd annual Commencement ceremony set for May 15 in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Burnett first engaged the Iona community as a keynote speaker in the University’s Presidential Speaker Series in February 2025.

February 25, 2026

New Rochelle, N.Y. — Princeton University professor D. Graham Burnett, Ph.D., an acclaimed scholar, writer and interdisciplinary thinker whose work bridges the humanities, sciences and public discourse, will deliver the keynote address at Iona University’s 82nd annual Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026. Burnett will also receive an honorary degree in recognition of his many contributions to scholarship and academic inquiry.

“We are honored to welcome D. Graham Burnett as our 2026 Commencement speaker,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Dr. Burnett's scholarship and public work reflect a deep commitment to intellectual curiosity, ethical reflection and the value of presence – pursuits that are central to Iona’s mission. Additionally, over the past year, his involvement with the Iona community has challenged us to think even more deliberately about how we engage with one another and with our own inner selves. I am confident his message will inspire graduates as they set out on their personal and professional journeys.”

Burnett’s keynote adds to an Iona family legacy spanning 25 years, when Iona recognized his mother, Dr. Claire L. Gaudiani ’01H, with an honorary degree in 2001. Gaudiani served as Connecticut College’s eighth president from 1988 to 2001.

“It is an extraordinary honor to have this opportunity to speak to the remarkable community of scholars, teachers, and students at Iona, an institution that is doing so much to center higher education on the higher goods,” said Burnett. “It is extra special to receive a degree from a university that recognized and celebrated my late mother as a visionary crusader for love, justice, and learning.”

ABOUT D. GRAHAM BURNETT

D. Graham Burnett, Ph.D.

Burnett currently serves as the Henry Charles Lea Professor of History and History of Science at Princeton University. A Ph.D. recipient from the University of Cambridge and the salutatorian of his undergraduate class at Princeton, Burnett has held prestigious fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the Mellon Foundation, and his work at the intersection of the humanities and the visual and performing arts was recognized by a recent appointment as a visiting artist at the Academy of Fine Arts in Helsinki.

Burnett first engaged the Iona community as a keynote speaker in the University’s Presidential Speaker Series in February 2025, presenting both in Bronxville and New Rochelle, where he challenged audiences to consider the cultural and ethical consequences of what he describes as the growing commodification and “fracking” of human attention by digital technologies.

He has also played an active role on campus through Iona’s collaboration with the Strother School of Radical Attention (SoRA), an innovative educational initiative Burnett co-founded to explore the role of focus, care and sustained inquiry in learning. As part of that engagement, Burnett will be working with faculty, staff and students to help shape programming throughout the academic year, including the recent launch of the University’s “Attentional Campus Initiative” workshop series. The initiative supports Iona’s broader vision of fostering “attention sanctuaries” that enhance teaching, learning and student engagement.

Throughout his career in academia, Burnett’s byline has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Guardian, Harper’s and The Economist, among many others. His recent op-ed in The New York Times was titled, “The Multi-Trillion Dollar Battle for Your Attention is Built on a Lie.” This January, he and The Friends of Attention also released their first book, “Attensity! A Manifesto of the Attention Liberation Movement,” which the Iona community has been among the first to preview.

The event will be livestreamed on iona.edu. Media are invited to attend but must RSVP in advance to Diana Costello, senior director of communications, at dcostello@iona.edu.

Photo credit: Adam Elstein

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 Commencement Features Inspiring Keynote from Emma Hayes, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach (News 5360)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 16 May 2025 19:08:20 +0000

Iona University Commencement Features Inspiring Keynote from Emma Hayes, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach (News 5360) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 05/16/2025 - 15:08 Iona University Commencement Features Inspiring Keynote from Emma Hayes, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach81st annual Commencement ceremony recognizes nearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students in the Class of 2025 May 16, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. (May 16, 2025) – Iona University honored the Class of 2025 at its 81st annual Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2025. The event took place on Iona’s New Rochelle campus, celebrating the achievements of nearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students with thousands of guests in attendance. To watch the full ceremony, please visit the Commencement website.

Commencement Keynote

Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team who led the USA to Olympic gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics, delivered the keynote address and was awarded an honorary degree. Hayes previously served as head coach of Iona’s women’s soccer team from 2003 to 2005, a transformative time for both the program and her career.

“I've said this many times: That my experience here at Iona was one of my greatest, for many reasons,” she said. “Iona will forever be in all of our hearts and I'm so grateful for everything not just this campus, but this community, has provided.”

Emma Hayes '25H

Speaking with wit and wisdom, Hayes shared insights into her path from arriving in the United States with little more than a backpack and a dream to pursuing her passion for coaching at the highest levels and defeating Brazil in Paris to take home Olympic gold.

Encouraging graduates to take risks and follow their hearts, she added that success – which is nonlinear – often begins in moments of discomfort and uncertainty.

“Prepare yourself for the failures ahead… but embrace the discomfort in it all,” she said. “Nothing can beat human connection and our ability to bring the best out of each other.

“So, never stop asking questions; curiosity is so underrated. And never stop learning. The growth mindset, for me, isn’t just a line in a book somewhere; it’s something that allows us to open all those pathways to keep being the best version of ourselves. And mostly, be kind to each other,” she concluded. “You will always get out of this world what you put into it.”

Presidential Address

Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D.

Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., opened by congratulating the Class of 2025, saying they are well prepared for a career and a life that will impact many others.

Drawing applause from the graduates, Carey also observed that the ways in which humanity acquires knowledge have been radically transformed in recent years by tools such as ChatGPT and other forms of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

“While there are many advantages to the easy access to knowledge AI affords, there are also risks – threats, in fact, to the thought, presence, and sense of purpose that will ultimately define your place in the world,” Carey said. “What can you do to protect yourself against these dangers? The most important advice I can give you is to pay attention: especially, pay attention to your attention.”

Highlighting that the Christian Brothers founded Iona with an understanding that education is the path to freedom, Carey added that the values which will guide graduates are human values, and those are beyond the reach of any algorithms.

“As overwhelming as the power of AI and technology may seem, remember that the answers it can deliver so effortlessly are not the end of any story, but only the beginning of the next chapter – for knowledge and for you,” Carey said. “It’s how you live with questions rather than answers that will determine the character of your life.”

From the Class of 2025

Olivia Murillo ’25

Olivia Murillo ’25, outgoing president of the Student Government Association, delivered welcoming remarks, reflecting on the shared journey of the Class of 2025 and the meaningful connections that shaped their college career.

“We have embraced challenges, adapted to change, and supported one another in ways that make me incredibly proud to be part of this graduating class. Through our late-night study sessions, campus events and shared victories, we have built a legacy that will inspire future Gaels for years to come,” she said.

“Iona has taught us that college is not just about checking off assignments and attending lectures,” Murillo continued. “It’s about embracing the full experience, engaging with our professors and peers, and creating lasting connections that will carry us forward.”

Murillo left her peers with a message of encouragement: “Be intentional about your choices, and you will create a future that is fulfilling and meaningful.”

Sherquan Dailey ’25

Undergraduate Commencement speaker Sherquan Dailey ’25 delivered a powerful message of resilience and service.

Reflecting on the Class of 2025’s unique journey, as the first to return to Iona post-pandemic, he commended his peers for “trailblazing” through adversity with commitment, tenacity and a shared sense of community.

“For me, Iona has always been about service,” Dailey said. “Through service leadership, I discovered purpose; through purpose, I impacted campus; and with the support of campus, we promoted and embraced community.”

Dailey, who served as a Resident Assistant and president of the Black Student Union, credited several faculty mentors for helping shape his journey and especially noted the impact of his study abroad experience in Ghana.

“That experience from Ghana reinforced a common yet important phrase: ‘Education is power,’” he said.

“Education isn’t just something we receive; it’s something we use. It’s a tool for self-protection, a weapon against ignorance, and a force for change in a world heavily burdened with challenges. So, to my fellow graduates, never stop learning. Never stop questioning. Never stop seeking truth.”

Celine Lewandowski ’25MBA

Representing the graduate student body, Celine Lewandowski ’25MBA spoke from her experience balancing full-time work at Morgan Stanley while pursuing her MBA with a double concentration in Business Analytics and Information Systems. In a heartfelt reflection, she urged her fellow graduates to rethink how they approach time and success.

“I challenge you to take back your time and in doing so, owning your future,” she said. “Success is not measured by speed, but by authenticity and purpose.”

Lewandowski encouraged the Class of 2025 to pause, realign, and live intentionally. Quoting entrepreneur Sahil Bloom, she left graduates with a reminder of the power of small beginnings.

“You are one action away. It doesn’t matter where you are today. It doesn’t matter how deep in darkness you find yourself. You are just one action from being in a better place tomorrow. You are one action away. So just begin.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach Emma Hayes to Deliver Iona University Commencement Address (News 5099)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:53:25 +0000

U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach Emma Hayes to Deliver Iona University Commencement Address (News 5099) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 03/11/2025 - 12:53 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach Emma Hayes to Deliver Iona University Commencement Address81st Annual Commencement Ceremony Set for May 16, 2025 March 11, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team who led the USA to a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, will deliver the keynote address at Iona University’s 81st annual Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2025. Hayes, a former head women’s soccer coach at Iona, will also receive an honorary degree.

“It is an honor to welcome Emma Hayes back to Iona as our 2025 Commencement speaker,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Emma’s leadership both on and off the field reflects the values of perseverance, excellence and dedication that we hold dear at Iona. Her remarkable career, from her time with the Iona women’s soccer team to the Paris Olympics, will inspire our graduates as they embark on their own professional journeys.”

Emma Hayes at Iona

During her tenure as head coach of Iona’s women’s soccer team from 2003–2005, Hayes transformed the program, leading the Gaels to 22 victories over three seasons – the most in a three-year stretch in program history.

Hayes steadily improved the program, culminating in two MAAC Championship berths and a 2004 MAAC Coach of the Year award. Hayes recruited and mentored top players, and several of them even went on to pursue coaching careers of their own. Her influence during this period laid the foundation for continued success in Iona’s athletic programs.

Trailblazing Coaching Career

Hayes has gone on to earn numerous accolades in recognition of her exceptional coaching abilities. Most recently, she was honored with the 2024 FIFA The Best Women’s Coach of the Year Award for the second time, having first received the recognition in 2021. In a trailblazing achievement, she also became the first woman to win the Ballon d’Or for 2024 Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year. Additionally, Hayes made history as the first female manager to secure three Women’s FA Cup titles in 2015, 2018 and 2021 and won a record 16 trophies as head coach of Chelsea FC in London.

“I am deeply honored to return to Iona University and celebrate this special day with the graduating class,” said Hayes. “Iona holds a special place in my career, it’s an important part of my coaching journey, and I look forward to sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.”

Iona University will host its 81st annual Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, on Iona's New Rochelle campus. Media are invited but must RSVP to Diana Costello, senior director of communications, at dcostello@iona.edu.

Iona University Celebrates 80th Annual Commencement Ceremony (News 4595)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 17 May 2024 19:36:45 +0000

Iona University Celebrates 80th Annual Commencement Ceremony (News 4595) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 05/17/2024 - 15:36 Iona University Celebrates 80th Annual Commencement CeremonyNearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students graduate as part of Class of 2024 May 17, 2024

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University honored the Class of 2024 at its 80th annual Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2024. The event took place on Iona’s New Rochelle campus, celebrating the accomplishments of nearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students with over 5,000 guests in attendance.

Former United States Congressman and House of Representatives Majority Leader Richard (Dick) Gephardt delivered this year’s keynote address and received an honorary degree.

Addressing the crowd, the two-time presidential candidate recounted how when he first became interested in politics, he started at the very bottom of the ladder. As he worked his way up to the top of global leadership, he often returned to a simple lesson bestowed upon him by his mother when he was just 5 years old: Always treat others as you want to be treated, and stay humble.

“You’re going to have times when things go very wrong,” Gephardt said. “But always remember, success never teaches us anything. Failure is the great teacher.”

As graduates prepare to take their next steps in life, Gephardt also offered inspiration that no matter what the path ahead may bring, it should be embraced with openness and gratitude.

Former United States Congressman and House of Representatives Majority Leader Richard (Dick) Gephardt

“In 1776, the Declaration of Independence promised Americans life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today might be a good time to think about what achieving happiness means to you,” he said. “My experience is that none of us obtains real long-term happiness just because of money. As I said, it’s always important. But all of us seek a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. So, my best advice is simply: Be intentional in thinking about what happiness is to you, and throughout your life, visit and revisit your personal definition of happiness.”

Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., congratulated the Class of 2024, saying he looks forward to seeing how graduates implement their wisdom in their world moving forward.

“You’re going to have access to more data and knowledge than any generation before you. But it’s not about data and knowledge. It’s about what do we do with it? How do we interpret it? How do we use it? What do we use it for? And that requires wisdom,” he said. “But here’s why I am so optimistic about our futures: You all have demonstrated over the past four years that you have the wisdom and the will to do what is right in so many different situations.”

Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D.

Student speakers included Shakinah Silverberg ’24, former Student Government Association president, who delivered the welcome address. She started off congratulating fellow graduates for successfully completing years of “rigorous coursework, taking risks, building meaningful relationships and embracing what it means to be a Gael.”

“Our experience is something that can’t be described in one word, so I’ll use four: Move forward with purpose,” she said. “I feel like Iona has prepared us incredibly well for future endeavors by introducing us to the workforce early through so many incredible internship opportunities, travel opportunities and relationship-building opportunities.”

Inspired by Iona’s mission and appreciation for diversity, this year’s undergraduate student speaker, Geraldine Vargas ’24, encouraged fellow graduates to embrace their unique story.

“Up until my four years here at Iona University, I never understood the true power of integrating my culture with my professionalism and leadership,” she said. “Everyone at Iona has a very particular story, and being able to hear them while also sharing mine has led me to understanding that diversity is one of the most crucial aspects you should fulfill in any space.”

Then, attendees heard from graduate speaker Matthew Ricker ’18 ’24MA. Ricker, the eighth member of his family to graduate as a Gael, emphasized the importance of remaining lifelong learners. He also shared his journey with hearing loss as a reminder to never give up.

“I believe we can agree that the last few years have been unprecedented but have only made us stronger. I also believe that it has taught us to appreciate the smaller things in life and to value each memory” he said. “As Dr. Suess once said, ‘Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.’ Be sure to dream big and make a life so amazing you’re excited to wake up each day.”

You can view this year’s ceremony on Iona’s Commencement website.

Richard Gephardt, Former U.S. House Majority Leader, to Deliver Iona University Commencement Keynote (News 4519)

pmaceli — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:28:05 +0000

Richard Gephardt, Former U.S. House Majority Leader, to Deliver Iona University Commencement Keynote (News 4519) pmaceli Wed, 04/03/2024 - 16:28 Richard Gephardt, Former U.S. House Majority Leader, to Deliver Iona University Commencement Keynote80th annual Commencement ceremony will take place Friday, May 17 on Iona's New Rochelle campus

Hon. Richard Gephardt

April 4, 2024

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (April 4, 2024) – Former United States Congressman and House of Representatives Majority Leader Richard (Dick) Gephardt will deliver the keynote address and be awarded an honorary degree at Iona University’s 80th annual Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2024.

“Iona University is pleased to welcome Dick Gephardt as this year’s keynote speaker,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Throughout his career in Congress and beyond, Dick has demonstrated the highest commitment to democratic citizenship and integrity. He has been an influential supporter of Iona University and I can see his address will be well-received by our students, faculty and Iona community.”

Gephardt served for 28 years in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 2004, representing Missouri's 3rd Congressional District, home to his birthplace of St. Louis. He was elected to serve as House democratic leader for more than 14 years, including as majority leader from 1989 to 1995 and minority leader from 1995 to 2003.

In his leadership roles, Gephardt emerged as one of the leading strategists of the Democratic Party's platform and chief architect of landmark reforms ranging from health care, pensions, education, energy independence and trade policy. He also ran as a Democratic presidential candidate twice, in 1988 and 2004.

Gephardt retired from the U.S. Congress in 2005 to establish the Gephardt Group, a privately held labor relations consulting and government affairs firm.

“I am honored to be named Iona University’s keynote speaker at this institution of higher learning’s 80th commencement ceremony,” Gephardt said.

Most recently, Gephardt was a member of the Board of Directors of the Centene Corporation, the Ford Motor Company, Spirit AeroSystems, the U.S. Steel Corporation and the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars and was chair of the Board of Trustees of the Scripps Research Institute, a private, nonprofit research organization engaged in basic biomedical science.

In addition, he is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is the founder of the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis.

Widely known for his advocacy for international human rights, Gephardt served as chairman of the National Endowment for Democracy, a private, nonprofit organization that endeavors to strengthen democratic institutions around the world through nongovernmental efforts, from 2009 to 2013.

Gephardt earned his Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University in 1962 and his juris doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School in 1965.

Iona University will host its 80th annual Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10 a.m. on Iona's New Rochelle campus. Media are invited but must RSVP to Diana Costello, senior director of communications, at dcostello@iona.edu.

Iona Celebrates Graduates At First Commencement As A University (Media Mentions 3942)

ptascio — Wed, 24 May 2023 14:24:45 +0000

Iona Celebrates Graduates At First Commencement As A University (Media Mentions 3942) ptascio Wed, 05/24/2023 - 10:24 Iona Celebrates Graduates At First Commencement As A UniversityIona's 79th commencement ceremony was historic in the fact that it honored Iona University's first-ever graduates. May 23, 2023

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Patch

News12 Westchester on the First Graduating Class of Iona University (Media Mentions 3943)

ptascio — Wed, 24 May 2023 14:38:21 +0000

News12 Westchester on the First Graduating Class of Iona University (Media Mentions 3943) ptascio Wed, 05/24/2023 - 10:38 News12 Westchester on the First Graduating Class of Iona University May 22, 2023

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News12 Westchester

Historic Day as Iona Celebrates First Commencement as a University (News 3939)

ptascio — Fri, 19 May 2023 19:57:55 +0000

Historic Day as Iona Celebrates First Commencement as a University (News 3939) ptascio Fri, 05/19/2023 - 15:57 Historic Day as Iona Celebrates First Commencement as a UniversityIona’s 79th annual Commencement ceremony honored the accomplishments of the Class of 2023 and commemorated its historic first year as a University May 19, 2023

New Rochelle, N.Y. – 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.

Maggie Timoney ’89, ’92MBA, ’23H

“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.”

The Class of 2023 will forever be known as the first graduating class of Iona University.

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.”

This year’s ceremony is available for viewing on Iona’s Commencement website.

Another First for Iona University (Media Mentions 3924)

ptascio — Mon, 15 May 2023 15:11:04 +0000

Another First for Iona University (Media Mentions 3924) ptascio Mon, 05/15/2023 - 11:11 Another First for Iona University May 12, 2023

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Irish Echo

HEINEKEN USA CEO Maggie Timoney ’89, ’92MBA to Deliver Iona University Commencement Keynote (News 3868)

ptascio — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:19:00 +0000

HEINEKEN USA CEO Maggie Timoney ’89, ’92MBA to Deliver Iona University Commencement Keynote (News 3868) ptascio Mon, 04/17/2023 - 14:19 HEINEKEN USA CEO Maggie Timoney ’89, ’92MBA to Deliver Iona University Commencement Keynote April 17, 2023

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Iona University is pleased to announce that HEINEKEN USA CEO Maggie Timoney ’89, ‘92MBA will deliver the keynote address at the 79th annual Commencement ceremony on May 19, 2023. It will be Iona’s first Commencement since it transitioned to a University in July 2022.

“Iona University is honored to have Maggie Timoney, a distinguished and widely celebrated leader in the world of business, as a member of our alumni community,” said President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Maggie consistently and generously gives of her time, wisdom and energy on behalf of her alma mater. Her keynote address is sure to inspire future generations of Gaels to go out into the world, lead and continue to be of service in their chosen professions. My gratitude to Maggie and congratulations to the Class of 2023.”

A native of Ireland recruited to play basketball at Iona, Timoney joined HEINEKEN USA in 1998 as a national sales manager. Since then, she has held leadership positions in the United States, The Netherlands, Canada and Ireland, including general manager of HEINEKEN Canada; senior vice president of human resources in the U.S.; and CEO of HEINEKEN Ireland. Prior to joining HEINEKEN, she worked for Gallo and an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler.

As the first woman to serve as CEO of a major U.S. beer company, Timoney is widely recognized as a transformational, barrier-breaking leader.

Timoney earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Iona in 1989 and an MBA in organizational behavior in 1992. In 2001, she was inducted into Iona’s Goal Club Hall of Fame as one of the greatest women’s basketball players in the University’s history. At the time, she held the title for all-time leading scorer with 1,894 career points; she is currently third in the ranks.

Timoney has served on the Iona Board of Trustees since 2015 and regularly credits her time at Iona with helping to form and shape her leadership skills. She remains an active and engaged member of the Iona community, from speaking with students and offering career advice to attending alumni gatherings and hosting networking events.

“Iona was a pivotal time that helped shape me into the person I am today. Reflecting on my time there, I would not change a thing,” Timoney said. “I am incredibly humbled and so honored to speak to this year’s graduates.”

Iona University will host its 79th annual Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. on Iona's New Rochelle campus. Media are invited but must RSVP to Diana Costello, senior director of communications, at dcostello@iona.edu.