Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs
Together, Gaels Go Further!
Iona University places high value on mentoring and is proud of the fact that our mentoring programs are a cornerstone of the Iona experience. Whether you are looking for career advice, insight into how to maximize your college career, feedback on an entrepreneurial idea, or someone to talk with about your life goals, we are confident you will find the right person to connect with through one of our programs.
Join Gaels Connect
Meet with mentors, find fellow Gaels, engage with alumni and more!
Mission & Vision
Our Mission: To enable all Gaels to achieve personal and career success through supportive mentoring and networking opportunities.
Our Vision: To help all Gaels realize their full potential both during and after their years of study at Iona.
I was paired with Jim Oates, a former UBS executive, who has significantly impacted my early career development. Jim’s guidance on interview preparation and his insightful advice have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory.
-Lucas Haddad ’24, ’25MBA
Read More about Lucas
Why Gaels Go Further?
Iona’s Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs provide students with networking opportunities, support with interview best practices, direct connection to successful alumni and much more!
Click here to learn more about the course or email Matthew Ricker '18, 24MA, assistant director for Student-Alumni Engagement, at mricker@iona.edu.
Even though the semester ended, the connection I made with my mentor will only continue to grow. I recommend to others that they participate as every student should have an influential mentor to look up to.
- Herolinda Dacaj ’25, Finance Major & Gaels Go Further Mentee
Read More about Herolinda's Experience
Matthew Ricker '18, '24MA
Assistant Director for Student-Alumni Engagement
Email: mricker@iona.edu
Phone: (914) 633-2003
Office: 33 Pryor Terrace, 1st Floor
Degrees:
- MA, Public Relations, Iona University
- BA, Mass Communication, Iona University
Biography
Matthew Ricker teaches two courses of CDS-1200, Mentoring and Career Exploration for the Gaels Go Further Program. This 1-credit course is one of several opportunities offered through the Gaels Go Further initiative, which seeks to connect students with Iona alumni for the purpose of aiding in career preparedness. Prior to joining Iona, he has worked as the Employee Benefits Clerk and PR Assistant with the City School District of New Rochelle. He currently volunteers with the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce and hosts a bi-monthly podcast, "Chamber Chat" and anchors the New Rochelle Thanksgiving parade broadcast. He was nominated twice as Best of Westchester: Best Radio Show host. He is the recipient of the Resiliency Award from Volunteer NY for his work on "The Chamber Show" on WVOX 1460AM radio. He has had the opportunity to work with several city and local business leaders.
Having a personalized mentor is the most distinctive advantage gained from my Iona experience. My mentor and I have made a friendship that will last a lifetime. I utilize my mentor whenever I can to help me achieve a path toward success.
-Michael Faughnan '24, Accounting and Finance double major ’24, ’25MBA
Read More about Michael
When I received my full-time employment letter transitioning from intern to full associate, after my mother, my mentor was the second person I shared the news with.
-Kevin Mejia ’23
Read More about Kevin's Experience