Iona College in New Rochelle Becomes a University
By: Catholic New York
Iona College is now known as Iona University.
Founded in 1940 and with more than 50,000 alumni around the world, Iona University celebrated the news July 12 with an unveiling on its New Rochelle campus.
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While this change reflects the growth, structure and direction of Iona, it also carries forward the legacy we have inherited. Our name is different, but our mission and values are the same,” said Seamus Carey, the university’s president, in making the announcement.
The change was effective July 1.
Carey was joined by students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the board of trustees, as well as local community partners.
Iona was founded by the Christian Brothers and inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and St. Columba.
In March 2020, Iona was on the front lines when Covid-19 hit New Rochelle, the epicenter of the pandemic.
Not only has enrollment spiked 35 percent in three years, but Iona has acquired a second campus in nearby Bronxville to help expand its programming both inside and outside the classroom.
Iona launched a new school of health sciences to develop the next generation of health care professionals in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian.
Supported by a $20 million gift, the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences will open its new state-of-the-art facilities in Bronxville in January.
Iona also continues to add new academic programs across the LaPenta School of Business and the School of Arts & Science, in addition to expanding club sports, performing arts and other activities.
“Class by class, year by year, we help students realize why it is in their best interest to choose a life of responsible citizenship driven by care and compassion over narrow self-interest,” Carey said. “To the extent that we are effective, we not only fulfill our duty as teachers and administrators, but we also meet our social responsibility of contributing to an educated citizenry. These are the values that will continue to be the lifeblood of Iona University in the future.”
With an enrollment of nearly 4,000 students, Iona offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.