Happy December!

As we head into a new year full of momentum, Gael Nation continues to shine—on campus, across the country, and around the world. This newsletter is packed with opportunities to reconnect, give back, celebrate achievements, and stay engaged with the Iona community. From special events to inspiring stories of alumni and student success, dive in and see all the ways Gaels are making an impact!

Thank you for being part of our Gael family,

- Iona University Office of Alumni Engagement

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Br. Joseph Albert Cussen ’57. He spent nearly 60 years as a member of the Iona community, where he taught Spanish for decades with great joy and enthusiasm. Br. Cussen is also remembered as an avid sports enthusiast, especially following the Iona men’s basketball and soccer teams, as well as the New York Giants, New York Yankees and Notre Dame football. Br. Cussen was most recently a member of the Brothers’ community at St. Joseph’s Residence in New Rochelle.

“Br. Cussen was greatly admired and appreciated by legions of alumni,” recalled Br. J. Kevin Devlin, Ed.D., ’61. “He was a gracious and kind man with a ready smile and a true and faithful follower of Blessed Brother Edmund Rice.”

In 2017, the Br. Joseph A. Cussen ’57 Endowed Scholarship was established to support undergraduate students pursuing their education at Iona. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so by selecting the scholarship from the drop-down menu here.

Alumni Appreciation Game - MBB vs. Niagara

 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)

1/24/26: 2026 Women's Basketball Alumnae & 2016 MAAC Championship Reunion

1/30/26: 2026 Men's Lacrosse Faceoff Dinner

2/7/26: 2026 Baseball First Pitch Dinner

2/7/26: 2026 Softball First Pitch Dinner

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.

Iona University extends its gratitude for the generous contributions and enthusiastic participation shown throughout Five to Fight. This support continues to make a lasting impact on Iona students, programs, and the entire university community.

Thanks to this collective effort, Gael Nation came together in an extraordinary way—over 950 donors contributed more than $180,000, surpassing the initial 500-donor goal, then exceeding 750 and even 850 donors. This generosity fuels every part of Iona’s mission: ensuring competitive excellence, modernizing athletic infrastructure, expanding educational access, and strengthening leadership.

Missed the Five to Fight campaign? Visit our donation page to support a team, program, or initiative today!

Give in honor of your reunion year! Calling on the classes of 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015! Homecoming Weekend is the perfect time to celebrate your Iona memories—join your class in honoring your reunion year with a gift that will inspire future Gaels!

Mindful of the loyal, lifelong friendships Psi Kappa Theta has created, this scholarship is awarded in an effort to perpetuate the ideals of faithfulness, loyalty, service, and camaraderie integral to the sorority. 

This is the story of one such powerful connection — between Victoria Curreri '26, a driven and determined finance major, and her mentor Terry Edwards '77, former executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Federal National Mortgage Association. Together, they transformed ambition into achievement, culminating in Curreri landing a coveted summer analyst role at Goldman Sachs Ayco.

Episode 9: Maria Tapia '89
Stream on YouTube or Spotify:

Together, the Iona community from current students to alumni helped donate over 140 baskets, continuing the legacy of Gaels giving back. Special thanks to our Alumni Board members for contributing three baskets on behalf of the Alumni Association.

Sam Polanco '02 and Chris Fulco '89 recently hosted a group of students to BNY HQ in NYC. The afternoon started with an info session about BNY and its internship program and students got to hear from a panel of employees that work at BNY. Sam and Chris offered some invaluable insight into how to break into the industry and the importance of internships. 

Ryan McFadden '19 is currently a Las Vegas Raiders reporter for ESPN.

Ke’Shawn Hill-Adamson '99, ’03MA is the Founder & CEO of UnStuck Worldwide LLC, a grief and wellness company whose mission is to advance grief literacy and serve as a guiding light—illuminating the darkness of grief and helping the broken heal and recover. She is proud to bring her journey full circle—from Iona student to management, entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and service—now returning to inspire and support the Iona community.

Olivia McFadden '23 earned her Master’s from Georgetown University and now works with the WNBPA during a pivotal moment in CBA negotiations.

The 2025 Iona University Magazine is here! This edition features a view into the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs 5 Year Anniversary, AI at Iona University, class notes, and much more.

Tom Halloran ’87, CPA and Tom Wiffler ’92 will serve as mentors and host in-person residency weekends for new online degree program geared toward working professionals

Through the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies, students spent three weeks gaining invaluable hands-on experience abroad.

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

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