Iona University sets goal of 500 donors during Gaels Giving Day

Iona University is preparing for its annual Gaels Giving Day, scheduled for March 10, 2026. The event encourages alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and supporters to contribute to the university during a 24-hour period.

Gaels Giving Day is designed to generate support and momentum for the university throughout the year. Donors are invited to make contributions of any size to areas that matter most to them. This year’s goal is to engage 500 unique donors within the day.

The campaign supports Iona’s priorities such as expanding scholarships, strengthening academic programs, supporting athletics and co-curricular experiences, and sustaining the university’s mission.

Daejon Thompson ’27 expressed appreciation for donor support: “I can’t thank you enough for making my education at Iona possible. It’s a special gift to know that someone recognizes my hard work and provides support to help me keep moving toward my future. I’m proud to share that I am doing very well with my academics, and your generosity is motivating me to keep striving toward my educational goals. I’m grateful for many things at Iona—the welcoming community, learning new things in class, being involved in clubs across campus, and so much more. Most of all, I’m grateful for your kindness and generosity which I’ll carry with me always.”

Sean Rivera ’25, ’26MS also highlighted the sense of community: “I love being a student at Iona because of the strong sense of community and the opportunities to develop both academically and personally. What I’m most grateful for is the chance to grow, surrounded by people who genuinely want to see me succeed, whether it’s faculty who take the time to mentor, peers who motivate me, or the campus resources that make achieving my goals possible. With your support, I can dedicate myself to becoming a successful lawyer, knowing I have a foundation that makes my education more attainable. Thank you for believing in me and helping make my dreams possible.”

Marc Solodkin ’28 described how financial support has made his studies more accessible: “Because of your help, my education at Iona is much more accessible and I can now focus more on my studies and research without a lot of financial stress. You are making a huge difference in my life by giving me the opportunity to grow both as a student and a person. My dream is to work in a field within chemistry where I can help make a positive impact on the world. I am very excited and thrilled to see where my experiences at Iona will take me. I am truly thankful for your generosity and investment in my future. You have inspired me to work even harder in my studies and make the most of my time at Iona.”

The event will include incentives and raffles recognizing participation throughout Gaels Giving Day. The university will also announce donor-supported matches and challenges made possible by alumni during the campaign.

Regional celebrations are planned on March 10 for alumni and guests.

Founded in 1940 by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers tradition as a private Catholic institution offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, business administration as well as graduate programs including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), advanced certificates; it has campuses in New Rochelle (45 acres) and Bronxville (28 acres) near Manhattan with over 4,000 students enrolled currently—supported by an alumni base numbering about 55,000 globally.

Iona has received recognition from national publications such as The Princeton Review (“Best Colleges” list), The Wall Street Journal and Forbes; U.S News & World Report recognized it among top institutions nationally promoting social mobility; Georgetown University’s Center on Education & Workforce ranked its degree among top six percent nationwide regarding long-term return on investment; LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation—an honor granted only six percent worldwide—and was again named one of “Best Business Schools” by The Princeton Review for its MBA programs.

In July 2022 the school changed status from college to university reflecting program growth; it recently opened an international campus on Ireland’s Westport House Estate.