Iona University offers its students various opportunities for success beyond academics. As they approach graduation, many students balance jobs, internships, and classes while maintaining their grades and preparing for future careers. However, unexpected financial challenges can threaten the plans of some upperclassmen who lack a financial safety net.

To address this issue, Iona University established the Finish Line Fund in 2022. This fund provides emergency tuition grants to juniors and seniors facing unforeseen financial difficulties, helping them stay on track to graduate and pursue brighter futures. Andrew McKay, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations at Iona University, stated: “We are deeply grateful to our generous donors to the Finish Line Fund, who prevent financial emergencies from derailing students' educational plans when they're close to graduation.” He added that by offering assistance at crucial moments, donors help ensure that promising students can complete their degrees and pursue fulfilling careers.

Kristjan Dushaj ’23 is one student who benefited from the Finish Line Fund. The support enabled him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree through Iona’s Accelerate Second Degree in Nursing Program. Reflecting on his experience, Kristjan said: “The Finish Line Fund allowed me to continue my education when financial struggles hit at the midway point of earning my nursing degree at Iona." He expressed gratitude towards those who supported the fund and encouraged others to continue their contributions.

For those interested in supporting the Finish Line Fund, donations can be made through Iona University's donation page by selecting "Finish Line Fund" from the dropdown menu. Questions can be directed to Pamela Bottge '92, assistant vice president for Advancement.

Founded in 1940 as a master's-granting private Catholic institution, Iona University has campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, just north of Manhattan. With nearly 4,000 enrolled students and over 50,000 alumni worldwide, Iona is committed to academic excellence and values such as justice and service. It offers various undergraduate degrees as well as advanced programs across several schools including Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Recently recognized among the nation's best colleges by The Princeton Review and others for 2025 rankings, Iona has been acknowledged for social mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Its LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation—a distinction awarded to only six percent of business schools globally—and its MBA program has been recognized by The Princeton Review as a "Best Business School for 2024."

In July 2021, Iona announced its collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital establishing a School of Health Sciences located on its Bronxville campus. In connection with its Irish heritage expansion efforts include opening a new campus in County Mayo Ireland situated on Westport House Estate's historic grounds reflecting both growth within academic programs along with prestige associated with an education obtained from this institution officially transitioning status from college university July first two thousand twenty-two further cementing rise stature among peers nationally internationally alike.