Iona University hosted Bruce Beck, NBC 4 New York’s lead sports anchor and executive-in-residence at the institution, for a presentation titled “Magic at the Paris Olympics with Iona Gaels Everywhere.” The event took place in Romita Auditorium and attracted a large audience.

Beck shared insights from his experience covering the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He focused on the involvement of six members of the Iona community in this year's Olympics. Through their stories, he emphasized the dedication, challenges, and successes they encountered on the global stage.

Reflecting on these athletes' perseverance and resilience, Beck advised attendees: “Follow your opportunities. If something is presented to you, go for it, and don’t ever say you can’t do it. You have to get reps in; everything in life is experience. It’s crucial for your career. Don’t be afraid to get reps. Success is all about hard work and discipline.”

The event highlighted Iona’s commitment to offering students unique opportunities to engage with top professionals in their fields. As an institution known for academic excellence, Iona continues to enhance its programs like Sports Communication & Media by providing direct learning experiences from industry leaders such as Beck.

Iona University was founded in 1940 as a private Catholic institution rooted in the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers tradition. Located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan with campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, Iona has nearly 4,000 students and over 50,000 alumni worldwide. The university offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science, business administration, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration degrees, and various advanced certificate programs.

Iona's LaPenta School of Business holds accreditation from AACSB International—a recognition awarded to only six percent of business schools globally. Additionally, The Princeton Review named Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” The university also provides a fully online MBA program for added flexibility.

In July 2021, Iona established the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences on its Bronxville campus through collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian. Reflecting its growth and academic prestige, Iona transitioned from college to university status on July 1, 2022.