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.
Celebrating Five Years of Mentorship
Iona University's Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program recently celebrated our fifth year of connecting students with alumni mentors. This initiative helps students get one-on-one guidance and career advice while creating valuable networking opportunities as they prepare for life after college.
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.
Quick Connect
Quick Connect is a flexible networking opportunity that pairs Iona students with alumni working in their field of interest for a 30–60 minute one-on-one phone or virtual conversation. It’s an easy way to explore career paths, ask questions, and gain real-world insight from someone who’s been in your shoes. Whether you’re just starting to think about your future or looking to build connections, Quick Connect makes it simple to get started. Complete the Quick Connect sign-up form to be matched with an alum aligned with your interests and goals. Once a match is identified, a member of the Alumni Engagement team will follow up with next steps.
Questions? Reach out to Matt Ricker at mricker@iona.edu.
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.