Topic - Service-Learning News (91)

Iona Students Gain Firsthand Experience with Immigration through Service at Texas Border (News 4518)

pmaceli — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:32:02 +0000

Iona Students Gain Firsthand Experience with Immigration through Service at Texas Border (News 4518) pmaceli Wed, 04/03/2024 - 14:32 Iona Students Gain Firsthand Experience with Immigration through Service at Texas BorderOffered through Iona in Mission, this cocurricular service-learning opportunity put students at the forefront of one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian issues April 3, 2024

A local news story about the border crisis sparked a desire to serve in the heart of Xander Lorah ’26. As he watched migrant families arriving in New York City, it ignited a passion to better understand the immigration process – and to serve those facing challenging circumstances.

“The story mentioned families being transported to New York City from the southern border,” said Lorah, of Haymarket, Virginia. “I wanted to better understand the immigration process as well as serve and welcome newcomers.”

Along with seven other Iona University students, Lorah recently returned from a mission trip to Brownsville, Texas, a border town at the forefront of the immigration issue.

Iona in Mission Brownsville 2024 participants included:

Alesandra Payne ’24
Shakinah Silverberg ’24
Emily Rivera ’25
Alina Denaut ’27
Maggie Shaffer ’27
Nissaguie Genico ’27
Matthew Montoya ’27
Xander Lorah ’26

Offered through the Office of Mission and Ministry, the immersion trip provided an important perspective on the journey asylum seekers experience. It also connected to Iona’s emphasis on cocurricular service-learning, which empowers students to become agents of change by giving them firsthand experience with some of the world’s most pressing issues.

Mornings began with breakfast followed by bus rides to various service sites, where students tackled tasks tailored to each location. Evenings were spent reflecting on the day's experiences before enjoying a communal dinner and games.

The trip aimed to address common misconceptions about migrants, such as the assumption that all are undocumented or entering the country illegally. By educating themselves on the immigration process and visiting the border wall and port of entry, Iona students gained a broader understanding of the complexities involved.

The trip also served as a leadership lesson, highlighting the importance of preparing Gaels for situations that might challenge their personal beliefs.

Lorah, a double major in psychology and political science, plans to leverage the Brownsville experience to advocate for policy changes and promote a more normalized view of immigration.

“I will carry this experience with me by advocating for political change and promoting social normalcy for immigration,” said the trip leader. “Immersion trips are a one-of-a-kind experience that I recommend to any student; when else are you going to have this opportunity?”

Learn more about Iona in Mission and explore upcoming opportunities to serve.

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 in Mission: Students Immerse Themselves in Service in Peru (News 4401)

ptascio — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:29:24 +0000

Iona in Mission: Students Immerse Themselves in Service in Peru (News 4401) ptascio Fri, 02/02/2024 - 12:29 Iona in Mission: Students Immerse Themselves in Service in PeruStudents live the Iona mission of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers February 2, 2024

Seven Iona University students recently had the experience of a lifetime serving in Peru as part of Iona in Mission. From the city of Lima to the mountains of Jicamarca, students immersed themselves in the local culture while walking hand in hand with the poor and marginalized of society in keeping with the mission of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers.

“We are all called to be more like Christ,” said Ryan Murphy ’25, campus minister. “Through this mission, we were able to walk with the poor and be part of their community, which is really how Jesus lived, and that’s how I’m hoping to embrace this trip and continue it into my life.”

As part of the immersion, Iona students built a home for a family in need at the top of a mountain village in Jicamarca. Students also ran a camp for the children and families of the village, offering a chance for all to come together around fun and friendship.

In downtown Lima, meanwhile, students lived out the calling of Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ by planting vegetable, herb and flower gardens around the Christian Brothers’ home and beautifying the city streets through environmental stewardship.

“I’m proud of everything that we’ve done, but I’m most proud of the house that we built,” said Cara Donnelly ’25, campus minister and trip leader. “Going there and seeing that we still needed to carve out some of the mountain, and then actually building and assembling the house, painting it and putting it together, I’m just so proud of this group of students who didn’t know each other before this trip and the work that we’ve done.”

Reflecting on the experience, students agreed it was a life-changing trip that opened their hearts and minds while expanding the limits of what they thought was possible.

“So many times here at Iona, we talk about the three values that are the heart of the mission of Iona University. They are values that form the spirituality of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers. They are presence, compassion and liberation,” said Fr. Gerard Mulvey, OFM Cap., trip moderator. “These values come alive for the students and take on a whole new meaning when they participate in an Iona in Mission trip like Peru. I saw this take place in our trip to Peru this year.”

Congratulations to the following students and moderators on a successful immersion:

Chaneil Barnett ’27
Cara Donnelly ’25
Noelia Lagos ’26MA
Olivia Murillo ’25
Ryan Murphy ’25
Julia Souza ’24
Colton Tuma ’24MA
Diana Costello, senior director of communications, moderator
Fr. Gerard Mulvey, OFM Cap., moderator

Watch more about the Peru immersion below or visit Iona in Mission to learn more about upcoming opportunities through the Office of Mission & Ministry.

2024 Photo Gallery

From the mountain village of Jicamarca to the capital city of Lima, Iona students immersed themselves in the vibrant culture of Peru while serving the poor and marginalized of society.

Christian Brother Kevin M. Griffith, CFC, ’83 joins Iona University to Extend New Community Partnerships for Service-Learning (News 4359)

ptascio — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 21:22:39 +0000

Christian Brother Kevin M. Griffith, CFC, ’83 joins Iona University to Extend New Community Partnerships for Service-Learning (News 4359) ptascio Thu, 01/04/2024 - 16:22 Christian Brother Kevin M. Griffith, CFC, ’83 joins Iona University to Extend New Community Partnerships for Service-LearningBrother Kevin is an Alumnus and former Iona Board of Trustees member January 4, 2024

New Rochelle, N.Y. —Iona University is proud to announce that Brother Kevin M. Griffith, CFC, ’83 will serve in a newly created role to strengthen and build community partnerships for service-learning at Iona University.

At Iona, service-learning is a faculty-led academic experience with three main components: academic content, community partnerships and reflective experiences. Iona faculty from any academic discipline may offer a service-learning class. Br. Kevin’s outreach to community partners will help establish more opportunities for the development of additional service-learning courses. Dr. Nadine Cosby, associate vice provost for Academic Affairs and Dayna Richardson, coordinator of Study Abroad and Service-Learning will be working with Br. Kevin to drive progress.

In addition, Br. Kevin aims to connect the University’s Study Abroad and Iona in Mission trips with co-curricular service opportunities that will provide students with the tools necessary to become advocates for social justice around the world. Sean D’Alfonso, director of Mission and Ministry, and Br. Kevin will collaborate on ways to incorporate co-curricular service-learning opportunities as part of the student experience.

The integration of service-learning pedagogy at Iona University is a manifestation of the ideals and values articulated in the University’s mission statement.

“Iona’s identity in the tradition of American Catholic Higher Education, along with the legacies of St. Columba and Blessed Edmund Rice, give Iona a distinct spiritual charism that helps guide my work here in the field of service-learning,” he said.

Prior to joining Iona, Brother Kevin Griffith served as the Provincial Leader of the Christian Brothers in North and Latin America. In 2022, he also won the Loftus Award, which spotlights an outstanding Christian Brother or long-serving faculty, administrator and staff member at Iona. From 2014-2023, he also served as a member of the Iona Board of Trustees.

“We are excited to work closely with Brother Griffith to strengthen service-learning offerings to students. Students will benefit from participating in reflective experiences that facilitate deep critical thinking, academic learning and social justice skills,” said Nadine Barnett Cosby, Ph.D., associate vice provost for Academic Affairs.

Brother Kevin believes the cornerstones of Blessed Edmund Rice’s charism – presence, compassion and liberation – are the foundations that guide not only his faith but also his leadership within the service-learning program.

These cornerstones align with Iona’s commitment to faith, scholarship and service.

His office is located in the Office of Study Abroad and Service-Learning in Driscoll Hall. He can be contacted at kgriffith@iona.edu.

How an Iona Mission Trip to Jamaica Changed Lives Forever (News 3798)

ptascio — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 15:17:40 +0000

How an Iona Mission Trip to Jamaica Changed Lives Forever (News 3798) ptascio Fri, 03/03/2023 - 10:17 How an Iona Mission Trip to Jamaica Changed Lives Forever Iona in Mission Gives Iona University Students an Opportunity to Provide Care, Comfort and Companionship to Children and Adults with Disabilities March 3, 2023

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Motivated by a mission to serve, Iona University students traveled to Jamaica over winter break and returned forever transformed by the experiences they shared with residents of Jacob’s Ladder, which provides residential care for some of the most vulnerable populations of society.

Assisting with everything from cooking meals, doing laundry, painting facilities and spending quality time singing, dancing and engaging with the residents, Iona students said they cannot wait to return next year.

“As a Jamaican, I took great pride and joy in helping my people,” said Toni Fullerton ’24. “This mission trip has changed my life for the better. I have learned how to focus on what I can do for others instead of what they can do for me. With that in mind, I will continue to shed light on the work of Mustard Seed Communities, as well as help raise funds for their mission.”

Jacob’s Ladder is part of Mustard Seed Communities, a nonprofit organization that began in 1978 as a home for children with disabilities on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica. It has since expanded to Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Zimbabwe and Malawi, serving over 600 residents worldwide.

Most programs are dedicated to the residential care of children and adults with a range of developmental and physical disabilities, as well as children affected by HIV. In Jamaica, the organization also manages a home for young mothers in crisis so that they have a place to transition safely into motherhood.

Reflecting on the experience, Alesandra Payne ’24 said at first, she worried she wouldn't be able to help the residents or that they would see her as a stranger and be uncomfortable with her presence in their home. Yet those fears were quickly assuaged by the warm and vibrant energy of the residents, she said.

“Everyone we met at Jacob’s Ladder was very welcoming and excited to interact with us. We were told that we were one of the first groups to visit in the past two years due to the pandemic, and since most of the residents never leave the village, they were eager to see new faces again,” Payne said. “Every day we were greeted with smiles and hugs as residents invited us to play kickball with them or to simply sit together and hold hands. These interactions made a lasting impact on me and I will never forget the people I met there. This mission trip taught me what it truly means to serve and I look forward going back next year.”

Will Quincy ’26 added: “My time in Jamaica taught me how to embrace people who cannot communicate the same as you and I. While in Jamaica, I made so many great memories and friends. I would definitely take any chance to experience this again. These times with the community at Mustard Seed changed my life forever.”

Eager to return, Iona students are already fundraising to help support their trip. To donate, please visit our Donate Now page and select “Campus Ministry” in the drop-down menu labeled “Designation” and write “IIM Jamaica” in the comments field. This is important to make sure the donation goes to support the trip.

Organized through the Office of Mission & Ministry, the trip was a prime example of what it means to Learn Outside the Lines of the classroom in service to others, which is a core tenet of the Iona experience.

With a variety of service opportunities available both domestically and around the world, Iona in Mission trips offer short-term immersion experiences to students, faculty, staff and alumni. Through mission trips, participants engage in service with the poor and marginalized while being immersed in different cultures. Upon returning to Iona, participants share their experiences and the social reality of the host communities to foster action and deepen relationships of solidarity. All is done, meanwhile, through a lens of integrating mind, body and spirit through service and reflection, following in the footsteps of Blessed Edmund Rice.

Laura Fairchild, mission trip moderator and associate director of Mission & Ministry, said the immersion in Jamaica was a powerful experience. It was the first time Iona visited this particular community and she described it as a reciprocal experience, where the Iona team learned from the residents as well as served alongside them.

“The staff at Jacob's Ladder embodied their mission to empower residents and ensure they have dignified lives. As volunteers, they graciously showed us how to share in the beauty, dignity and joy of residents' lives,” Fairchild said. “This was a learning experience that allowed us to begin to understand how to protect human dignity and how to take seriously the gifts and contributions people with disabilities have to share. And, most importantly, how we can be active allies by acknowledging, celebrating and making room for those gifts. As the staff moderator, I took great pride in witnessing my students' worlds and hearts open up.”

Shakinah Silverberg ’24, who served as team leader for the trip, said going to Jamaica was something she’s wanted to do her entire life.

“I grew up surrounded by Jamaicans who would rave about the beauty of their home country. Now that I’ve gone, I finally understand the beauty of the landscape, people and culture,” Silverberg said. “The friends that I’ve made will stay with me throughout my whole life in the way I interact with others going forward. I am so grateful to Iona and the Office of Mission & Ministry for allowing my teammates and I to have this opportunity to grow outside of the lines in a way that would never have been possible otherwise. My heart has never been fuller than while in Jamaica surrounded by acceptance and those with a genuine admiration of life.”

Dnasia Anglin ’26 added: “Being in Jamaica gave me new opportunities and opened my eyes to see how other people live. It made me realize that I take certain privileges in my life for granted and that I need to appreciate the little things more. While at Jacob’s Ladder, I wanted to do anything to make the residents as happy as possible. I enjoyed singing and dancing with them and just sitting and having conversations with them about how they were doing. I loved the mission trip and I would definitely enjoy going back again.”

Iona College Hosts Outreach Program at Bedford Hills Prison (Media Mentions 3324)

ptascio — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:05:38 +0000

Iona College Hosts Outreach Program at Bedford Hills Prison (Media Mentions 3324) ptascio Fri, 07/01/2022 - 13:05 Iona College Hosts Outreach Program at Bedford Hills Prison June 28, 2022

Read now on westchestermagazine.com

Westchester Magazine

Iona College Students “Learn Outside the Lines” and Prepare Over 100 Income Tax Returns with Local Assemblyman (News 3310)

ptascio — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 16:35:45 +0000

Iona College Students “Learn Outside the Lines” and Prepare Over 100 Income Tax Returns with Local Assemblyman (News 3310) ptascio Wed, 06/08/2022 - 12:35 Iona College Students “Learn Outside the Lines” and Prepare Over 100 Income Tax Returns with Local Assemblyman

N.Y. State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto ’69, ’72MS of the 82nd District (Bronx County), met with student members of the Accounting Department's Taxpayer Assistance Program to thank them for their service.

June 8, 2022

It was a busy semester for students in Iona College’s Taxpayer Assistance Program as they ventured to “Learn Outside the Lines” and prepare income tax returns for 120 Bronx residents.

In keeping with the mission, vision and values of Iona College, participation in this program offered students valuable experience beyond the classroom as they honed their professional skills while giving back in service to the community.

Volunteering four Saturdays during the 2022 tax filing season, accounting seniors provided these services in partnership with N.Y. State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto ’69, ’72MS of the 82nd District.

Sessions were held remotely from the state-of-the-art LaPenta School of Business and led by the following students: Jack Boles ’22, Chan Wei ’22, Michael Mitrione ’22, Vicky Casolo ’22, Marianne Lopez ’22, Kristin Lumaj ’22 and Raul Peralta ’22.
The LaPenta School of Business has partnered with Benedetto in this endeavor since 2014; the program is moderated and supervised by William A. Bottiglieri, JD, CPA, professor of accounting.

“I have been affiliated with Iona’s Taxpayer Assistance Program for many years since I worked as a volunteer in the late 1970s,” said Bottiglieri. “The challenging nature of preparing actual tax returns gave me the motivation to make tax a large part of my professional practice. As the current moderator of the program, I have seen the same ambition in our students. It is apparent that the students feel a great sense of pride for what they have accomplished.”

Iona College Welcomes Clinical Director to Expand Free and Affordable Family Therapy Services to Underserved Communities (News 3090)

ptascio — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 16:57:19 +0000

Iona College Welcomes Clinical Director to Expand Free and Affordable Family Therapy Services to Underserved Communities (News 3090) ptascio Fri, 01/21/2022 - 11:57 Iona College Welcomes Clinical Director to Expand Free and Affordable Family Therapy Services to Underserved Communities Marc Fernandez '14MS, LMFT heightens community awareness of the Iona Family Therapy Center, filling critical need

Marc Fernandez '14MS, LMFT, clinical director of the Iona Family Therapy Center.

January 21, 2022

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Iona College recently welcomed Marc Fernandez '14MS, LMFT as clinical director of the Iona Family Therapy Center (IFTC). Serving as a liaison between the clinic and surrounding communities, Fernandez plays a critical role in ensuring access to exceptional family, couple and individual counseling services.

“We are thrilled to have someone with such a diverse background in health and human services join us at the IFTC,” said Lisa Rene Reynolds, Ph.D., program director and assistant professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Iona College. “Marc’s experience and vision for the program will truly transform our efforts as we look to magnify our outreach to more underserved groups.”

As clinical director, Fernandez works directly with second- and third-year Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) graduate students as they provide supervised counseling services in the IFTC while accruing the necessary clinical experience to graduate. Graduate students are supervised by licensed marriage and family therapists, clinical members and approved supervisors of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) while providing therapy services in the IFTC.

Clients, meanwhile, pay on a sliding scale based on their ability to pay and there is no cost for Iona College students, faculty, staff and alumni. These low-cost services are especially important as therapy is currently unattainable for many in need. Not only have out-of-pocket rates skyrocketed, but providers credentialed by insurance companies are fully booked with a waitlist of several months.

Recognizing the importance of face-to-face interaction and in according with the College’s protocols regarding COVID-19, the clinic will resume limited in-person appointments in mid-January 2022, while still offering the option for appointments via telehealth.

“As an Iona MFT program graduate, I am honored to return to my alma mater to serve New Rochelle and other local communities,” said Fernandez. “I am excited to continue to spread the word about our affordable and life-changing services, while guiding our graduate students down a path for success. I believe that in order to provide exceptional training for our students, our first step must be to expose them to a diverse client population.”

In this role, Fernandez also develops and maintains relationships with local establishments such as schools, hospitals and organizations to keep them informed of the IFTC’s services. Additionally, he ensures that any external field placements are appropriate for the College’s MFT students to receive the best training experience possible.

Iona’s MFT master’s degree program is part of the recently announced NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, offering a new vision for collaborative health care education, modern workforce development and community care.

Culturally inclusive professional and personal development trainings are further being reinforced at Iona by way of a new, four-year $1.9 million Behavioral Health Workforce Education & Training (BHWET) grant from the federal Human Resources Service Administration. This grant also provided $10,000 stipends for students pursuing degrees in MFT or School Psychology, aiming to help fill a critical need in the workforce.

Prior to joining Iona, Fernandez worked with the Long Island-based, nonprofit organization Family and Children’s Association, where he supported some of New York’s most underserved communities. In his many roles at the organization, he provided families with long-lasting solutions to improve family functioning and worked to prevent them from having to resort to the the family court system. Fernandez also went on to create a counseling clinic that provided school-based mental health and family counseling services for the underserved Spanish-speaking populations of two leading school districts on Long Island. Fernandez’s work was reflective of his passion to serve immigrant families, many of whom have endured severe trauma and abuse navigating a new school system while enduring economic hardships.

If you are interested in learning more about the Iona Family Therapy Center’s services, please call (914) 633-2418 or email IFTC@iona.edu.

Si quisieras saber más acerca de los servicios ofrecido de parte del Centro de Terapia Familiar de Iona, por favor llámenos al (914) 633-2418 o mándenos un mensaje por correo electrónico a IFTC@iona.edu.

Iona College Nursing Students Gain Historic Experience Vaccinating 550 People Against COVID-19 (News 2813)

ptascio — Thu, 06 May 2021 17:46:16 +0000

Iona College Nursing Students Gain Historic Experience Vaccinating 550 People Against COVID-19 (News 2813) ptascio Thu, 05/06/2021 - 13:46 Iona College Nursing Students Gain Historic Experience Vaccinating 550 People Against COVID-19New bachelor’s degree program in nursing provides solutions through the pandemic as students “Learn Outside the Lines” May 6, 2021

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Over 550 individuals are now protected against COVID-19 thanks to students in Iona College’s new nursing program. Describing the opportunity to serve their community as both emotional and historic, students said they were grateful for the hands-on experience gained through the pandemic.

“It feels humbling,” said student Nico O’Leary ’21, of New Rochelle, “This has been a horrible year for everyone. So, the fact that we’re able to give back in this way is enormous.”

Her cousin, Amanda O’Leary ’21, of Pleasantville, also enrolled in the nursing program, said it was rewarding “to help everyone move in the right direction and take a step toward normalcy.”

As Iona joins in celebrating National Nurses Week, the College is also busy training the next generation. Iona’s new Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing offers two pathways to a bachelor’s degree: a traditional four-year undergraduate program; and an accelerated, 15-month, second-degree program for students who already have a bachelor’s in another field. Iona accepted its first class of 18 elite, accelerated-degree students in the fall of 2020, and already nursing is the most sought-after program for the fall of 2021.

Dr. Sandra Davé, director of Iona’s Nursing Clinical Arts Center, enlisted the help of students to administer the COVID-19 vaccine over a series of six clinics she set up in her private practice. Davé has been practicing as a family and gerontological nurse practitioner with her husband in New Rochelle for over 20 years, and she started working at Iona when the nursing program launched.

True to the profession of nursing, Davé said it’s all about working to improve the health and well-being of the community – and doing so with compassion. “We had an instance where we actually had a patient burst into tears,” she said. “One of our students went to comfort her, and she was saying, ‘No, no, these are tears of joy.’ And then she spun around and said, ‘Actually, they’re mixed with tears of sorrow, because I lost a lot of people through the pandemic.’”

Bernabe Gonzales Jr. and Rocio Vanegas, of Mamaroneck, received their first doses of the Moderna vaccine together, choosing to get it at the exact same time from the O’Leary cousins.

“It feels good to have a little bit of protection in me,” said Gonzales.

“It feels surreal,” added Vanegas. “But I’m excited to be here, and just get this over with, and hopefully it ends soon. It’s a little emotional, given everyone who has passed away.”

Jonah Murasso ’21, of Eastchester, said the flood of emotions from patients has been common. He added that the vaccination effort has been “a great moment to be a part of. I could not be happier doing what we’re doing here.”

After graduating from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in integrative neuroscience in 2019, Murasso decided to pursue nursing because of the profession’s versatility and job prospects. He chose Iona’s accelerated program in particular, he said, because of the high caliber of experienced nursing professionals and educators leading the program.

“Looking at all the other nursing programs that are in progress now, we’re one of the only ones that has been able to facilitate having classes in person and going to clinical hours in person,” Murasso said. “We’re one of the only programs that has actually made it into hospitals as students. So, that really validates my choice.”

ABOUT IONA NURSING
Iona University’s rigorous, values-oriented Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing offers two pathways to a bachelor’s degree: a traditional four-year undergraduate program open to both freshmen and transfers; and an accelerated, 15-month, second-degree program for students who already have a bachelor’s in another field. Both pathways prepare graduates to sit for the National Certification and Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Iona’s nursing program is housed in a state-of-the-art, 7,500 square-foot learning facility complete with all of the newest equipment, technology and simulated learning opportunities. Small-group, clinical instructional settings with an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ensure personalized attention. Iona accepted its first class of 18 elite, accelerated-degree students for the fall 2020 semester, and already nursing is the most sought-after program for the fall of 2021. Learn more at www.iona.edu/nursing.

Iona College Students’ Virtual Visits a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ for Willow Towers Residents (Media Mentions 2559)

ptascio — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:02:41 +0000

Iona College Students’ Virtual Visits a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ for Willow Towers Residents (Media Mentions 2559) ptascio Fri, 12/18/2020 - 11:02 Iona College Students’ Virtual Visits a ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ for Willow Towers Residents December 18, 2020 Willow Towers

Wanda McDonald ’20 (Alumni Profiles 2356)

ptascio — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:58:00 +0000

Wanda McDonald ’20 (Alumni Profiles 2356) ptascio Mon, 10/19/2020 - 14:58 Wanda McDonald ’20She won the NASW Student of the Year Award. Then she looked for even more ways to serve. October 19, 2020

Major: Social Work
Minor: Philosophy
Hometown: Mount Vernon, N.Y.
High School: Nelson Mandela High School, Mount Vernon, N.Y.

Some ways I participated at Iona:

President - Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work
Vice President - Active Minds interest group
Treasurer - Social Work Club
Active member - Delta Epsilon Sigma, Phi Sigma Tau Honor Society for Philosophy
Volunteer at the Rudin Center as a note taker
Participated in Mission & Ministry Midnight Run Projects

Wanda is currently pursuing at master’s degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work at NYU’s Silver School.

Why did you choose Iona?
I chose to complete my degree at Iona College because I grew up in New Rochelle, N.Y., and I knew they had an exceptional Social Work program.

What have you accomplished so far that you are most proud of?
I was awarded the NASW Student of the Year Award and was both excited and humbled by this honor. While I am happy about the work that I have done thus far to help vulnerable populations, I know that there is so much more work to do. I am looking forward to furthering my education to enhance my skills and explore additional resources that will help me serve my community competently.

Was there a particular project you worked on as a student that really impacted you?
I really enjoyed collaborating with the Office of Mission & Ministry and found the Midnight Run project to be most impactful. We went into [New York City] at night to engage members of the community experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. We conversed with them and distributed food, clothing and toiletries. I really appreciated this project because as a student and a mother working part time, it is challenging for me to find the time to incorporate the amount of volunteer service to the community that I would like to. This program allowed me to serve my community and provide resources that fulfilled some essential needs for people.

Tell us something you’ve learned about yourself since coming to Iona.
I learned that it is possible for anyone to Move the World with the right resources.

Any advice to prospective students?
Life is hard enough, be kind to yourself, and keep moving forward!