Iona University raised $2 million at its annual Trustees Scholarship Award Gala held on April 8, 2025, in New York City. The funds will support student scholarships, a new high for the event. The gala, hosted at Cipriani 42nd Street, honored Dr. Steven J. Corwin, CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, with the Iona Legacy Award. Dr. Corwin was recognized for his leadership and contributions to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences.

The school was established in July 2021 and focuses on health care education and community engagement. Located in Bronxville, it is 1.5 miles from NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester.

Iona University President Seamus Carey spoke about the early days of planning the new school of health sciences. He credited Alfred F. Kelly Jr., an Iona trustee and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Board member, with connecting him to Dr. Corwin. "Within two or three minutes, I realized Dr. Corwin had a vision for this school, how it would work, and how important it would be," Dr. Carey remarked.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Corwin expressed gratitude towards Kelly and the boards of both NewYork-Presbyterian and Iona. He described the partnership as genuine, saying, “And when you’re a partner, it’s not just transactional; you think about the other partner.”

During the event, Dr. Corwin announced that six Iona nursing students set to graduate in May would be hired by NewYork-Presbyterian. He praised these students, noting their commitment and compassion. "When you look around this room tonight, you have to believe in the future of our country," Dr. Corwin said.

Alfred F. Kelly Jr., who co-chaired the event with his wife, emphasized the partnership between Iona and NewYork-Presbyterian. "Together, we are building a healthier, stronger and more connected community," Kelly stated, attributing the impact to Dr. Corwin’s leadership.

The evening also featured Iona University’s Irish Dance and Pipe Band, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere. Notable attendees included various community leaders and university faculty.

Iona University, founded in 1940, is a private Catholic institution located in New Rochelle and Bronxville, New York. The university offers over 60 academic programs and is known for its commitment to social mobility and return on investment.