Iona University marked the opening of its newly renovated dining hall and student union on August 20 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its New Rochelle campus. The 20,000-square-foot renovation of the LaPenta Student Union is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to improve student life.

“We are excited to provide our students with this state-of-the-art dining facility at the center of campus,” said Seamus Carey, Ph.D., president of Iona University. “In addition to being aesthetically beautiful, it will facilitate cordial interactions among students, which will deepen the sense of community for which Iona is well-known.”

The new dining space offers views of Murphy Green, Mazzella Field and the LaPenta School of Business. Large windows and retractable doors allow for natural light and access to outdoor patios. Dining options include pizzas, pastas, deli sandwiches, international cuisine, as well as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options and fresh snacks. The facility also features reusable plates and silverware in an effort to increase sustainability.

Peter L. Bonacci, regional vice president for Chartwells Higher Education, noted improvements in technology within the space: “Chartwells and Iona University continue to create unique dining and gathering spaces, which have flexible culinary and technology-driven solutions,” he said. “I have been involved with Iona’s dining program since 2009 and am truly humbled and inspired every day by what Iona University has done to continue to enhance the campus community for the future.” The LSU Market includes Amazon “Just Walk Out” technology for convenient grab-and-go service.

The ground floor now includes a 6,000-square-foot lounge area with multipurpose rooms for student organizations, seating areas, flat-screen TVs and a gas fireplace. An updated Starbucks is also part of the renovated space.

“This entire space was built with students in mind,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. “It’s about creating a place to connect, build student leadership, relax with friends and learn in all the ways that happen beyond the classroom, as a community of Gaels. We are so excited for all that will come to life through this new space.”

The project was completed in partnership with Chartwells Higher Education, SLAM Architecture and Consigli Construction.

Student Government Association President Krisna Rivera ’26 commented on how important these changes are: “This wonderful renovation on campus will redefine how Gaels continue to breathe new life into our campus,” Rivera said. “I am grateful to be in a community that invests in its students’ experience, both in and out of the classroom. I look forward to the many memories that will be shared in this dynamic new space."

The latest renovation builds upon previous projects under President Carey’s leadership such as Murphy Green's debut in 2022.

Iona University is a private Catholic institution founded in 1940 with campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville. It enrolls nearly 4,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs including liberal arts, science and business administration. The university has received national recognition from publications such as The Princeton Review (https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings/best-colleges), The Wall Street Journal (https://www.wsj.com/rankings/college-rankings/best-colleges-2024), Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/) among others; U.S. News & World Report ranked it highly for social mobility (https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities/social-mobility). Georgetown University's Center on Education and Workforce ranked an Iona degree within the top six percent nationally for long-term return on investment (https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/collegeroi2022/). The LaPenta School of Business holds AACSB International accreditation (https://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/accredited-schools), awarded only to six percent of business schools globally; its MBA programs were recognized by The Princeton Review's "Best Business Schools for 2025" list (https://www.princetonreview.com/business-school-rankings?rankings=best-business-schools).

In July 2021 Iona established its NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences at its Bronxville campus through collaboration with one of America’s top hospitals.

The university officially changed status from college to university on July 1, 2022.