Topic - Lectures & Events (98)

Student Leadership Conference Highlights Global Perspectives on Leadership at Iona University (News 6021)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:31:18 +0000

Student Leadership Conference Highlights Global Perspectives on Leadership at Iona University (News 6021) jhernandez33@g… Wed, 04/08/2026 - 14:31 Student Leadership Conference Highlights Global Perspectives on Leadership at Iona University

The day’s programming reinforced key themes of communication, core values, conflict management and social justice.

April 8, 2026

Students at Iona University explored what it means to lead in an increasingly connected world during the 2026 Student Leadership Conference, held Friday, March 27, on the University’s New Rochelle campus.

Hosted in Romita Auditorium in Ryan Library, the conference introduced students to a global perspective on leadership through a day of engaging and educational programming. The event encouraged participants to reflect on their own leadership journeys while considering how to lead and serve in a more interconnected society.

Keynote addresses centered on the role of self-awareness in leadership and offered practical strategies for leading effectively in a global society. Additional educational sessions gave attendees a more comprehensive view of leadership as it relates to the individual, group dynamics and the wider world.

Barney Carlton, NBA Vice President of Broadcast Strategy

Among the featured sessions were presentations from Barney Carlton, NBA vice president of broadcast strategy and Maria Villon Bustillo, vice president at Goldman Sachs, offering students the opportunity to learn directly from professionals working at the highest levels of their respective industries. In his session, “Building Winning Teams: The Role of Leadership in Creating a Strong Team Culture,” Carolton examined how effective leadership helps shape team dynamics, trust and success. In the same spirit, Bustillo followed with her presentation “Effective Decision-Making with Limited Information,” a session focused on the importance of critical thinking, adaptability and sound judgment in fast-paced professional environments.

“One thing that really stuck out to me was the concept of managers versus leaders,” finance major Dylan Malave ’28 said. “Managers and leaders are not necessarily the same thing, and leadership really comes down to soft skills like motivating others and getting people to work together.”

Together, the day’s programming reinforced key themes of communication, core values, conflict management and social justice, while helping students connect those concepts to real-world leadership challenges and opportunities.

Lucas Quintana ’26 noted "...the importance of listening as a leader."

“For me, the biggest takeaway was the importance of listening as a leader,” said digital media and communications major Lucas Quintana ’26. “Sometimes you have to take a step back and really hear what others have to say, while also knowing when to step up and lead. Balancing both of those things is what really makes you stand out.”

The 2026 installment of Iona’s Student Leadership Conference reflected the University’s continued commitment to preparing students to lead with purpose, integrity and empathy. By creating space for self-reflection, dialogue and learning, the conference helped students strengthen the tools they need to navigate diverse communities and make meaningful contributions both on campus and beyond.

“The idea of expectation versus preparation really stayed with me,” said John Diakakis ’27, a marketing major with a minor in journalism. “To truly lead, you have to be willing to listen and learn from others and stay disciplined and focused on your goals.”

The 2026 Student Leadership Conference was coordinated by the Dean of Students Office, the Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development and the Center for Student Engagement.

The conference reflected the University’s continued commitment to preparing students to lead with purpose, integrity and empathy.

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’s Hynes Institute Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs During Two-Day Entrepreneur Talk (E-Talk) Series (News 6003)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:40:43 +0000

Iona University’s Hynes Institute Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs During Two-Day Entrepreneur Talk (E-Talk) Series (News 6003) jhernandez33@g… Tue, 03/24/2026 - 12:40 Iona University’s Hynes Institute Inspires Next Generation of Entrepreneurs During Two-Day Entrepreneur Talk (E-Talk) Series

The two-day Hynes Institute E-Talk Series featured guest speakers from across the business and innovation sectors.

March 24, 2026

At Iona University, students graduate not only with the practical skillset necessary to succeed in their chosen field, but with the knowledge of what it looks like to become intentional leaders among their peers.

In this spirit, the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted its annual two-day E-Talk series on March 4-5, bringing leading entrepreneurs in their respective industries to campus to share insights, spark innovation and mentor the next generation of business leaders.

The event featured eleven guest speakers:

Eddy Cruz (Founder, Nine26)
Jean Anne Menna-Cruz, BSN, RN, CHPN (Hospice Nurse & Author)
Anne Sansevero (Co-Founder, Home Care Wizards)
Romelia Flores (Distinguished Engineer & Master Inventor, IBM), Mike Shute ’02 ‘03MSBS, Senior Architect, Master Inventor - Governance, Risk and Compliance Tooling and Maria Tapia ’89, IBM Retiree
Joshua Riley (Owner-Operator, Chick fil-A Scarsdale)
Matt Rizetta ’05 (Founder, Underdog Global Partners)
Alena K. Powell ’95 (Event Specialist, A. Powell Enterprise)
Paul L. Gunn (Founder, KUOG Corporation)
Joy Malone (Photographer, Joy Malone Photography)

View the E-Talk series on the Hynes Institute YouTube

A hallmark of the Iona experience, the latest installment of the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s E-Talk series at Iona provided students across all disciplines with the unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders who are redefining the business sector.

Iona University alumnus Matt Rizetta discussed community and risk-taking.

Throughout the series, speakers explored themes of community, innovation, and intentional leadership. Matt Rizetta ’05 emphasized the value of community and risk-taking, Anne Sansevero encouraged students to identify gaps in the market while using AI responsibly, IBM panelists highlighted how diverse perspectives fuel innovation and Joy Malone reminded students that storytelling, intention and perspective are powerful assets in building a brand.

Intentionally designed to be highly interactive, the sessions allowed students to ask pointed questions about the challenges of scaling a business and the tenacity required to succeed in competitive markets.

The E-Talk series highlights Iona University’s commitment to providing a transformative education that extends far beyond the classroom, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset that prepares students for their future careers.

Christoph Winkler, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of real-world mentorship.

When reflecting on the impact of this year’s program, founding program director and endowed lecturer at the Hynes Institute Christoph Winkler, noted:

“We are extremely appreciative for each of the speakers who took the time to engage with our students and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Winkler said. “Their presence on campus provides our students with the unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders’ real-world experiences, fostering the entrepreneurial mindset that is at the heart of everything we do within the Hynes Institute.”

Author and nurse Jean Anne Menna-Cruz discussed intentional leadership and healthcare entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneur and founder of Nine26 Eddy Cruz shared his insights with Iona University students.

IBM experts Romelia Flores, Mike Shute ’02 ’03MSBS, and Maria Tapia ’89 lead a panel discussion on innovation and governance.

Mastercard’s Chief Sustainability Officer Talks Purpose-Driven Leadership at Iona (News 5993)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:26:23 +0000

Mastercard’s Chief Sustainability Officer Talks Purpose-Driven Leadership at Iona (News 5993) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 03/20/2026 - 09:26 Mastercard’s Chief Sustainability Officer Talks Purpose-Driven Leadership at Iona“A View from the C-Suite" Series Welcomed Ellen Jackowski for Engaging Discussion

The event highlighted Iona’s commitment to connecting students with industry leaders and real-world perspectives.

March 20, 2026

Students, faculty, and staff gathered at Iona University’s LaPenta School of Business earlier this month for a special installment of A View From the C-Suite featuring Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard.

Held in Henry Lecture Hall, the event brought the campus community together to hear how one of the world’s leading companies is embedding sustainability and social impact into its business strategy — and what purpose-driven leadership looks like in practice.

With a career built upon leading global sustainability and impact initiatives across major organizations, Jackowski shared how Mastercard is advancing climate action, social responsibility and long-term value creation across its global operations. She discussed how companies can align performance with purpose, pointing to ambitious climate leadership goals, including Mastercard’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, as an example of how organizations can “do well by doing good” while driving measurable outcomes.

Following her remarks, Jackowski participated in a Q&A, inviting attendees to explore how sustainability commitments are set, scaled and integrated across teams and functions.

The program concluded with a networking reception where attendees connected with Mastercard professionals — many of whom are Iona University alumni. In fact, nearly 100 Iona alumni are counted among the ranks of Mastercard, which is headquartered in nearby Purchase, N.Y.

"Iona’s partnerships with global corporations like Mastercard are a gamechanger for student success." - Johnny Hernandez '25, '26MBA

The reception offered students a chance to ask candid career questions, build professional relationships and gain firsthand insight into pathways at a global organization.

Reflecting on the experience, Iona graduate student Johnny Hernandez ’25, ’26MBA said: "Iona’s partnerships with global corporations like Mastercard are a gamechanger for student success. It turns the campus into a launchpad where we are not just learning theory; we are building a professional network before we even graduate. Forging these high-level connections gives Gaels a competitive edge, proving that Iona isn't just preparing us for a job, but for a career at the highest levels of industry.”

Hosted by the LaPenta School of Business Dean’s Office, the event highlighted Iona’s commitment to connecting students with industry leaders and real-world perspectives that prepare them to lead with purpose in an evolving business landscape.

Iona’s collaboration with Mastercard will be further highlighted on April 29, 2026, when the University honors Vice Chair Timothy Murphy at the Trustees Scholarship Award Gala in New York City. Murphy will be presented with the esteemed Iona Legacy Award in recognition of his dedication to service, opportunity and scholarship.

Learn more about Mastercard's environmental and social impact strategy here.

From left: John DeMelis, dean of the LaPenta School of Business, Ellen Jackowski, chief sustainability officer at Mastercard and Tricia Mulligan, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.

Following her remarks, Jackowski participated in a Q&A, inviting attendees to explore how sustainability commitments are set, scaled and integrated across teams and functions.

The event brought the campus community together to hear how one of the world’s leading companies is embedding sustainability and social impact into its business strategy.

Iona University Hosts WCA Panel Exploring AI’s Role in Health Care (News 5781)

ptascio@iona.edu — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:45:47 +0000

Iona University Hosts WCA Panel Exploring AI’s Role in Health Care (News 5781) ptascio@iona.edu Fri, 12/05/2025 - 15:45 Iona University Hosts WCA Panel Exploring AI’s Role in Health Care December 5, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – From quicker diagnoses to more efficient operations, artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping health care. Yet as these tools move from promise to practice, they also bring pressing questions about ethics, data privacy and the future of the health care workforce.

To explore AI’s transformative role, Iona University proudly welcomed the Westchester County Association (WCA) for an engaging panel as part of their “All Access Healthcare” series.

Dr. Kavita R. Dhanwada, founding dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, moderated the conversation. Topics included:

How AI is being used in clinical care and diagnostics.
The importance of data privacy, ethics and regulation.
How AI is reshaping jobs and implementation in health care.
New frontiers, including AI for public health.
Preparing the next generation of health care leaders.

The panel complemented a year of insightful conversations at Iona around AI and the future of work, education and leadership. Through the Presidential Speaker Series, Iona has hosted internationally recognized experts from diverse fields to dive deeply into questions about how AI is shaping the world around us. The series is available for viewing on YouTube.

Iona University Honors Distinguished Alumni at Alumni Awards & Homecoming Dinner (News 5743)

jhernandez33@gaels.iona.edu — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 15:41:15 +0000

Iona University Honors Distinguished Alumni at Alumni Awards & Homecoming Dinner (News 5743) jhernandez33@g… Mon, 11/10/2025 - 10:41 Iona University Honors Distinguished Alumni at Alumni Awards & Homecoming DinnerOver 100 alumni gathered in Mulcahy Gymnasium to celebrate excellence, connection and community as Iona honored its 2025 Alumni Award recipients. November 10, 2025

On Friday, October 17, over 100 alumni gathered in a beautifully transformed Mulcahy Gymnasium for Iona University’s Alumni Awards & Homecoming Dinner. The evening celebrated excellence, connection and community as the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards were recognized for their outstanding service, professional achievements and humanitarian contributions within the Iona community and beyond.

The program, emceed by Vin Parise ’00, vice president of the Iona University Alumni Board of Directors and alumni representative to the Board of Trustees, featured spirited performances by the Iona University Pipe Band, adding a memorable touch of tradition to the night’s festivities.

“What’s become more and more evident to me each day is that what truly works are the values that drive this school — compassion, presence and liberation — the core values embodied in the Edmund Rice approach to education,” said President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “The reason we have been successful, and will continue to be successful, is because those values guide us every day.”

Following President Carey’s remarks, the program turned to recognizing this year’s distinguished honorees whose achievements exemplify Iona’s mission and values. The University gratefully acknowledges the Alumni Board of Directors’ Recognition Committee for their thoughtful contributions in shaping this year’s Alumni Awards and honoring the legacy of excellence among our graduates.

Congratulations to the 2025 Alumni Award Recipients

James P. Oates '95 | The Brother William B. Cornelia Founders Award for Outstanding Service to the University

This award was named for the founding president of Iona and inaugurated in 1961. Bestowal of this award is intended to show the Alumni Association’s appreciation for those who have generously given of their time, resources and energies for the betterment of the University. Oates is president of the Iona University Alumni Association’s Alumni Board, a member of the LaPenta School of Business Executive Advisory Council, the co-founder and president of the Gaels Nation NIL Collective and the Alumni Sponsor of the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs.

Brother Thomas R. Leto, CFC, Ed.D. '74 | The Brother Patrick B. Doyle Award for Distinguished Service to the Alumni Association

This award was instituted in 1968 in memory of one of the founding faculty members of Iona. Brother Doyle was revered as a classical scholar, a naturalist and a spiritual father to all Ionians of his era. Brother Leto has held numerous leadership roles, including his current position as president of Iona Preparatory School, a role he has held since 2010. His extensive professional experience includes serving as president of Bishop Hendricken High School and All Hallows High School, as well as principal of Essex Catholic High School.

Michaela E. Johnson '05 | The Brother John G. Driscoll Award for Humanitarian Service

Established in 1995, this award recognizes and honors Ionians who, by their activities and service to others, have reinforced Iona’s identity as a University founded in the tradition of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and American Catholic higher education. Johnson is a passionate humanitarian and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience in fundraising, advocacy and community engagement. As President of Team Boomer and Events, she managed over 18 annual fundraising events, partnered with patients and pharmaceutical companies and facilitated life-changing transplant and education grant programs.

Daniel M. Correia '15 | The Brother Robert A. Durning Rising Star Award

Established in 2016, this award is named for Iona’s beloved alumnus and faculty member, Brother Robert A. Durning ’69. It honors recent Iona graduates who have already brought acclaim to the University through achievements in their respective fields. Correia is a private wealth advisor at J.P. Morgan Private Bank, where he empowers individuals and families to make confident financial decisions, seamlessly navigate life transitions and preserve their legacies. As a proud alumnus, Correia is committed to advancing financial literacy and mentoring future generations of Iona students on their personal journeys.

Joseph Damiano '95.

Joseph Damiano '95 | The Brother Arthur A. Loftus Award for Outstanding Achievement

This award recognizes and honors Ionians who have brought acclaim to the University by brilliant accomplishments in their chosen careers. Damiano has served as CEO and managing partner of SAX since 2015, transforming the firm into one of the fastest-growing and most respected professional services firms in the country. Under his direction, SAX has become a Top 60 firm nationwide and a multi-year Inside Public Accounting “Best of the Best” honoree. Damiano himself has been recognized among Forbes Top 200 CPAs in the country, ranked as high as #4 on NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50 and named a Managing Partner Elite by Accounting Today.

In his keynote address, Damiano shared personal reflections on how Iona’s values shaped his journey, highlighting the enduring influence of the University’s mission and the importance of leadership grounded in service and integrity. “To the students here tonight — lean into the opportunities the University provides. If you commit to hard work, integrity, and resilience, there is no limit to what you can achieve,” Damiano shared. “The world is changing faster than ever. Don’t fear change — embrace it. Every shift is an opportunity to learn, adapt and grow.”

From left to right: Daniel M. Correia '15, Michaela E. Johnson '05, Joseph Damiano '95, Brother Thomas R. Leto, CFC, Ed.D. '74, James P. Oates '95.

Joseph Damiano '95 with family and friends.

Alumni Association's Board of Directors.

‘The Future of Teaching in the AI Age’ Draws Hundreds of Educators to Iona University (News 5528)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:54:26 +0000

‘The Future of Teaching in the AI Age’ Draws Hundreds of Educators to Iona University (News 5528) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 09/30/2025 - 13:54 ‘The Future of Teaching in the AI Age’ Draws Hundreds of Educators to Iona University September 30, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University welcomed over 200 K-12, higher ed and Catholic school educators for a full-day conference titled “The Future of Teaching: Writing, Reading & Thinking in the AI Age,” exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can both transform and revitalize enduring educational values.

Hosted by the Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning on Friday, September 26, the event attracted educators from a wide range of institutions, including 11 colleges and universities, 11 public school districts and more than 20 Catholic, public and independent high schools from as far away as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

John Warner, award-winning author of “More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI,” delivered the keynote address, providing an insightful guide on how educators can continue to harness and benefit from the powers of reading and writing regardless of technological shifts. Afterward, Warner reflected on Iona’s leadership, saying:

“Iona University is ahead of many other universities, and so I am super encouraged,” he said. “The University takes its mission seriously – to develop human beings. I think that’s important, so that the use of AI, or integration of AI, is going to come in a way that supports human flourishing, as opposed to a substitute for human output or labor. That approach is not oriented around speed and efficiency, which are the initial promises of this technology, but around extending human capacity and creativity. I think that can be achieved, but it takes experimentation, exploration, collaboration – and so people like the [Gabelli] Fellows can come and do that work together and then push that information out elsewhere. And I think it’s just a great model for how places should be thinking about tackling these problems.”

The conference showcased Iona’s growing leadership in AI-aware pedagogy, an effort that has been driven in large part by faculty-led innovation through the Gabelli Center’s Presidential and Provost Fellowships. Faculty presentations included:

“Writing and Thinking: Tracing Interests and Influences in the AI Age” led by Ivy Linton Stabell, Ph.D., exploring how students can learn to shape their own intellectual perspective apart from, in concert with, and in response to AI.
“Do They Even Need to Read Anymore?” with Christine Hardigree, Ph.D., and Eric Abrams, Ph.D., interrogating AI literacy versus traditional literacy and considering what the data says about the current state of reading in the U.S.
“Data Science for Future Leaders,” a panel presentation with faculty from Iona’s pioneering National Science Foundation project, including Drs. Sunghee Lee, Benjamin Gaines, Smiljana Petrovic, Nora Slonimsky and Jeanne Zaino, exploring how the principles of data science can be infused across a school’s curriculum.

“At Iona, we are choosing to engage with AI not because it is fashionable, but because it is necessary. Our students, and of course us as educators as well, are entering a world where AI will shape – or has begun to shape already – nearly every profession, from healthcare to business to education itself,” said Tricia Mulligan, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at Iona. “AI can provide outputs in seconds, but it cannot help us discern whether those outputs are true, fair, ethical, or good. That work remains profoundly human. Our role as educators is to guide students in cultivating this habit of discernment, so that they graduate not just knowing how to use the latest tool, but how to direct it toward the service of humanity.”

The Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning reinforces Iona’s institutional momentum and stands as a pillar to its enduring commitment to Catholic education. Shaped by the vision of Marc Gabelli, its work is made possible through the generosity of Mr. Gabelli; his mother, Elaine Madonna Gabelli, a longtime Catholic elementary school teacher; and the EMG Madonna Foundation, which is committed to supporting and strengthening the future of Catholic schools.

Among its broader initiatives, the Gabelli Center has launched scholarships for aspiring Catholic school teachers, supported AI training for K-12 educators, and hosted a robust speaker series featuring international experts in education, ethics, and artificial intelligence. As part of the conference, Iona also hosted a ribbon cutting and blessing ceremony for the Gabelli Center.

On social media, the conference drew praise for its content, organization, and accessibility. Attendees especially appreciated that the conference was offered free of charge, removing barriers for schools without professional development budgets.

“Along with several colleagues who attended, I found the sessions illuminating and the day well planned,” wrote Kathleen McGreal, of Scarsdale High School. “Also, as a parent to a current student, I caught a glimpse into the caliber of instruction, the culture of collaboration and collegiality, and the caring values of Iona as an institution of higher learning. My daughter is fortunate to be a student here as Iona not only stays true to its founding mission but also prepares students for a world shaped by the presence of AI. This forward-looking vision takes courage and thoughtful leadership and bravo to President Carey and all of Iona’s professors and staff. As a current teacher, I am so grateful to the Gabelli family for their generosity in establishing this center to support future generations of educators.”

Dr. Jerome Levkov: Scientist and Artist (News 5458)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:33:48 +0000

Dr. Jerome Levkov: Scientist and Artist (News 5458) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 08/19/2025 - 10:33 Dr. Jerome Levkov: Scientist and Artist A Retrospective of Four Decades of Work | August 25 – October 18, 2025 August 19, 2025

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Iona University is honored to present Dr. Jerome Levkov: Scientist and Artist, a retrospective exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of the late Dr. Jerome Levkov—an esteemed educator, accomplished chemist, and deeply thoughtful visual artist. The exhibition will be on view from August 25 through October 18, 2025, at the Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery in the JoAnn Mazzella Murphy ’98H Arts Center.

A special closing reception will be held on Saturday, October 18 from noon to 3 p.m., offering the public an opportunity to reflect on Dr. Levkov’s remarkable contributions to both science and art and to experience his vibrant, expressive body of work.

Dr. Levkov earned his Ph.D. in chemistry and spent nearly four decades teaching at the collegiate level. Though his early life was rooted in scientific inquiry, his journey into the visual arts began later in life. Inspired by a formative high school visit to MoMA’s renowned The Family of Man photography exhibition, Dr. Levkov’s appreciation for the arts never left him. In his late forties, he began to sketch and paint—initially as a way to manage personal stress—and soon discovered a deep, enduring creative drive.

Working in pastel, pencil, watercolor, and ink, Dr. Levkov developed a practice that was at once observational, expressive, and deeply human. His subjects ranged from sweeping landscapes shaped by years of hiking, to the everyday poetry of New York City’s subways and neighborhoods. A longtime resident of Riverdale, NY, he drew inspiration from nature, community, and the people he encountered in daily life.

In his own words, Dr. Levkov once said, “Doing art has made me a more attentive observer of my environment, of people, nature, and situations. Turning an empty page into a story, feeling, or something interesting is quite satisfying and challenging.”

This retrospective brings together selections from over four decades of creative exploration, offering viewers a window into the rich intersection of science and art, observation and expression, intellect and intuition that defined Dr. Levkov’s life and work.

The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.

Gallery Hours and Contact

Please visit our website for the most up to date information regarding gallery hours as they change each semester. For more information, please contact Beth Giacummo at bgiacummo@iona.edu.

ABOUT IONA UNIVERSITY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
The Iona University Council on the Arts is dedicated to sponsoring artistic and cultural programs for the enrichment of the Iona University community, particularly the student body. With an endowment from the Baron Lambert Fund for the Arts, established by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Murphy, the Council exists to make the arts more present and visible—providing the unique awareness, inspiration, and participation that the arts promote. Consisting of Iona University faculty, administrators, students, and alumni, the Council seeks to expand and deepen the cultural life of the campus community. In addition to public performances and conferences, the Council sponsors programs such as Art Quest trips designed to introduce the Iona community to the broader cultural richness of the region.

Iona University to Host Fall Conference Exploring the Future of Teaching in the Age of AI (News 5440)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:18:44 +0000

Iona University to Host Fall Conference Exploring the Future of Teaching in the Age of AI (News 5440) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 08/05/2025 - 11:18 Iona University to Host Fall Conference Exploring the Future of Teaching in the Age of AI August 5, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University’s Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning (GCTL) will host a full-day conference this fall titled “The Future of Teaching: Writing, Reading and Thinking in the AI Age,” welcoming educators, faculty, students and the community for an immersive exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming the educational landscape.

Scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Iona’s New Rochelle campus, the conference will bring together experts across disciplines to share creative, practical strategies for cultivating both foundational skills and AI-aware pedagogy in today’s classrooms.

“We’re proud to bring together thought leaders, educators and innovators for this important conversation,” said Tricia Mulligan, Ph.D., provost & senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “This conference represents the Gabelli Center’s mission in action: supporting faculty and community engagement while empowering educators to respond meaningfully to the opportunities and challenges AI presents.”

John Warner

John Warner, award-winning writer, educator and author of “More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI,” will deliver the keynote address.

His talk will set the tone for a day of thought-provoking presentations and interactive panels on writing, reading and data science.

“This event builds on the momentum of the Gabelli Center’s transformative work,” said James Mustich, senior advisor to the president. “We look forward to welcoming educators from across the region to share in a vibrant day of dialogue and discovery.”

Conference Schedule

Ryan Library, Romita Auditorium – Iona University, New Rochelle Campus

8:00–9:00 a.m. | Check-in
8:30–9:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast
9:15–10:30 a.m. | Keynote Address by John Warner (Q&A to follow)
10:40 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Writing and Thinking: Tracing Interests and Influences in the AI Age
12:00 p.m. | Gabelli Center Ribbon-Cutting & Presidential Remarks
12:30–1:00 p.m. | Lunch
1:00–2:15 p.m. | Do They Even Need to Read Anymore? AI Literacy vs. Literacy Literacy
2:30–3:45 p.m. | Data Science for Future Leaders
3:45–4:30 p.m. | Group Discussion

Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Learn more and register here.

Exploring the AI Mirror: Dr. Shannon Vallor Delivers Closing Lecture in Iona’s Presidential Speaker Series (News 5408)

ptascio@iona.edu — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 19:49:16 +0000

Exploring the AI Mirror: Dr. Shannon Vallor Delivers Closing Lecture in Iona’s Presidential Speaker Series (News 5408) ptascio@iona.edu Tue, 07/08/2025 - 15:49 Exploring the AI Mirror: Dr. Shannon Vallor Delivers Closing Lecture in Iona’s Presidential Speaker SeriesSpeaking to a capacity audience, Vallor argued that to truly create new ideas and solutions, we must continue to look inward rather than outsource our most important questions to artificial intelligence July 8, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – As artificial intelligence continues to transform how we live and work, Dr. Shannon Vallor, the Baillie Gifford Chair in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, recently delivered the culminating Driscoll Lecture of the inaugural Presidential Speaker Series.

Sponsored by the Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning, the Presidential Speaker Series was conceived by President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., to foster communitywide conversation around the topic of AI in education.

Vallor, author of “The A.I. Mirror: How to Reclaim Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking” and “Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting,” addressed the ethical challenges posed by generative AI tools and called for thoughtful, human-centered innovation.

“I want to focus on how these AI mirrors – which can be used as tools to enlarge our possibilities, enhance our freedom and secure our futures – are instead increasingly being used to steal these from us,” said the tech ethicist.

During her lecture, Vallor emphasized that AI technologies, especially tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, should be understood as mirrors, reflecting human data back to us, rather than minds capable of independent thought.
While challenging current trends in AI, Vallor offered a hopeful alternative: tools designed not to replace human thinking, but to strengthen it.

“Think about the gym equipment that's designed not to lift for you, not to run for you, but to increase your capacity to lift, to run, to push, to pull,” she said. “Imagine AI built with the mentality of someone who’s building gym equipment.”

Vallor called for a reimagining of the tech industry’s values, urging investment not in faster, flashier tools, but in systems that foster human flourishing, civic trust and ethical imagination.

She also reminded the audience that this effort begins in spaces like Iona University.

Reflecting on the evening via social media, Vallor wrote, “I’m on a month-long US talk tour and gave my first one last night at Iona University in NY. The conversation with the audience afterward was one of the most open and searching and beautiful I’ve had – we talked about the need to recenter history in education, how to bring students into learning, how students can learn to listen to, trust and advocate for their own experience of learning, especially if they learn in uncommon ways, how to keep AI from damaging the bond between educators and students, how to revalue service and care, how to hold on to pragmatic optimism and agency for the future. The conversation went over time by 40 min and felt like it could have gone on for hours. Sometimes it floors me how lucky I am to be able to do this for a living.”

Listen to her full talk here.

For an in-depth conversation between Vallor and James Mustich, Iona’s senior advisor to the president, visit here.

Learn more about the Presidential Speaker Series here.

Iona to Host Acclaimed Philosopher of Artificial Intelligence Dr. Shannon Vallor to Explore Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking (News 5136)

ptascio@iona.edu — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:06:09 +0000

Iona to Host Acclaimed Philosopher of Artificial Intelligence Dr. Shannon Vallor to Explore Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking (News 5136) ptascio@iona.edu Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:06 Iona to Host Acclaimed Philosopher of Artificial Intelligence Dr. Shannon Vallor to Explore Humanity in an Age of Machine ThinkingPlease join us for this culminating Presidential Speaker Series event on April 22 March 26, 2025

New Rochelle, N.Y. – Iona University is proud to welcome Shannon Vallor, Ph.D., an acclaimed technology ethicist and philosopher of artificial intelligence, for the culminating Driscoll Lecture in the Presidential Speaker Series.

In addition to her own research on the human dimensions of emerging technologies, Vallor is a prominent advisor for policymakers and industry on the ethical design and use of AI. She is the author of “The A.I. Mirror: How to Reclaim Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking” and “Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting.”

Vallor’s talk will challenge the audience to ponder whether the technological future is being shaped for us, or if instead, it can be shaped by us to promote human flourishing.

Event Details:

Date: April 22, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Iona University, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y., Romita Auditorium
Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is recommended. RSVP here.
Refreshments will be served.

Vallor is director of the Centre for Technomoral Futures at the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) at the University of Edinburgh and holds the Baillie Gifford Chair in the Ethics of Data and Artificial Intelligence. She also leads the MSc in Data and AI Ethics program. Her lifelong fascination with computing, robotics and space travel has shaped her vision of a more humane future through ethical technology practices.

About the Presidential Speaker Series

This talk is sponsored by the Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning and is part of a series conceived by President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., to bring world-renowned thinkers to Iona and inspire community-wide conversations.

Past speakers have included Jeffrey Saviano ’89, a partner at EY Consulting; Dr. Tom Chatfield, a British author, tech philosopher and educator; and Princeton University Professor Dr. D. Graham Burnett, a leading voice on the historical and philosophical dimensions of attention. The series has been instrumental in sparking discussions about pressing issues in today’s world regarding AI, technology and teaching and learning.

To learn more or RSVP, please visit the Presidential Speaker Series website.