Happy January!

As we step into the new year, we’re proud to share the latest moments bringing Gaels together near and far. From alumni celebrations and regional receptions to inspiring stories and opportunities to stay engaged, this month’s updates reflect the lifelong connections, shared pride and enduring spirit that define the Iona community.

- Iona University Office of Alumni Engagement

2026 Women's Basketball Alumnae & 2016 MAAC Championship Reunion

Alumni Appreciation Game - 2026 Men's Lacrosse Faceoff Dinner

 Naples Area Alumni Reception

Tuesday, February 3 | 5 p.m.
The Club at Barefoot Beach
105 Shell Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Reconnect with fellow alumni and relive your cherished Iona memories. Plus, gain valuable insights during an engaging Q&A session with President Seamus Carey.

Hosts: Rosemary & Bob DeLuccia '67, '79MBA

RSVP to Lizzie Orgera ’10MBA at eorgera@iona.edu or (914) 633-2409 (Limited Availability)

 Ponte Vedra Alumni Reception

Thursday, February 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Argyle Restaurant

254 Alta Mar Dr.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Join fellow Iona alumni for an alumni gathering and watch party with light bites and drink specials ahead of the 7 p.m. tip-off as the Gaels take on Siena.

Hosts: Matt Long '89, '09H and Bob Louzan '91 & Madeleine Louzan '90

RSVP to Lizzie Orgera ’10MBA at eorgera@iona.edu
or (914) 633-2409

2/7/26: 2026 Baseball First Pitch Dinner

2/7/26: 2026 Softball First Pitch Dinner

2/25/26: Spring 2026 Career & Internship Fair

Saturday, April 25 | 7:00 -11:00 PM

Mulcahy Gymnasium

Ready to lead and connect with your local alumni community? As a regional volunteer lead, you'll be the driving force behind meaningful connections in your city. You'll create opportunities for fellow alumni to network, grow, and give back while serving as the vital link between your community and the Office of Alumni Engagement.

For 24 hours, our community comes together for Gaels Giving Day: a moment that creates powerful momentum for the entire year. When you make a gift, you’re doing more than supporting a single day of giving. You’re helping accelerate our progress toward our fiscal year goals for donors, dollars, and impact; helping strengthen the foundation for everything we will achieve this year and in the year ahead.  

Each donor who participates moves us one step closer to our larger vision for this fiscal year and helps to expand opportunity, advance excellence, and support the students who rely on our Iona community.  This is our chance to create a surge of support that carries forward long after Gaels Giving Day ends. Join us and help demonstrate the Power of Iona this Gaels Giving Day.

As we prepare for this year’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on October 16th-17th, 2026, we’re assembling dedicated reunion committees for the 25th Reunion Class of 2001, the 50th Reunion Class of 1976 and the 60th Reunion Class of 1966, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Serving on your reunion committee is a wonderful way to reconnect with classmates, strengthen your ties to Iona, and help create a memorable celebration for all.

If you’re interested in serving and helping shape an unforgettable reunion weekend, please contact Hannah Glynn, Assistant Director of Alumni Events, at hglynn@iona.edu to learn more!

Sam Polanco is a seasoned technology leader and devoted alumnus with over 25 years of experience in Financial Services. Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Quality Engineering for Instruction Capture, Pricing, and Reference Data at BNY, Sam oversees technology-driven innovation for a global custodial bank responsible for $58+ trillion in Assets Under Custody. A proud graduate of the Class of 2002, Sam holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Iona University and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Stevens Institute of Technology. 

Sam currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs and is a frequent guest speaker for Iona’s Career Chats, providing students with practical guidance on navigating the job market. Whether mentoring recent graduates or organizing reunions, Sam is a constant champion for the alumni network. 

"Besides the education and University positives, Iona has taught us how to build and maintain close kinships with classmates and Iona. There is a bond with Gary F. Simmons '73, Bill Kaelblein '73, Joe Neroda '73, Doug Scarola '73, Ed Mann '73, Diane Graf '74, Rich Vallarelli '74, and Lucretia Stanca ’76, located in NJ, NY, CA, FL, & CT. Zoom session are held regularly and visits, which does include a tour of the Iona campus."

"It is during these session/visits that we extoll our education and semi- retirement/ retirement and how Iona has provided mentoring to students in our family and locally. It is an honorable feeling when, at any point one of us mentions that a mentored student thanks us for the advice to help their studies, give them a goal and how to achieve it. Additionally, helping those mentees to develop pathways to excel. As for the 7 above students, now truly seniors, all have completed great achievements, as a results of Iona’s lessons." 

On Sunday, Jan. 11, alumni and friends gathered for Iona's Circle Celebration brunch and men’s basketball game, recognizing members of the University’s premier giving society, the President’s Circle. Following the brunch—pictured here—the men’s basketball team thrilled the crowd with a victory over Canisius. 

Episode 10: Matt Caiola '05
Stream on YouTube or Spotify:

Episode 11: Kathy Savolt '73
Stream on YouTube or Spotify:

On June 9, 2025, the Feast of St. Columba, Kevin Lee '85 traveled by ferry, bus, ferry again, followed by a walk to Iona Abbey on the island of Iona.

Located in Westport, County Mayo, North West of Ireland.

We are delighted to extend an exclusive 10% discount to Iona University alumni. Use code IONA10 to enjoy 10% off your stay and immerse yourself in refined comfort, warm hospitality and effortless relaxation at The Grace, Westport Estate, the perfect gateway to experience the beauty of the West of Ireland.

Subject to availability. 

Set across 430 acres of Westport Estate, along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, this new luxury hotel offers a peaceful space to step away from the rush and reconnect. Inspired by Grace O’Malley and Grace Kelly, the hotel carries a quiet confidence rooted in heritage and understated style. 

With 129 rooms designed for comfort and ease, The Grace is a perfect base to explore the beauty of the West of Ireland. Located close to Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay and the vibrant Westport Town, The Grace offers the captivating landscape and the richness of the West of Ireland. 

Contact - info@thegrace.ie +353 98 25122

Did you get the chance to look through the Iona University 2025 Magazine? This edition features a view into the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs 5 Year Anniversary, AI at Iona University, class notes, and much more.

Iona University Office of Alumni Engagement
Telephone: (914) 633-2390 | Fax: (914) 637-2711 
Email: alumni@iona.edu

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