From Childhood to Commencement: Lelia Capelo ’25 and Grace Mutze ’25 Journey to Iona’s Finish Line
From Left: Lelia Capelo ’25 and Grace Mutze ’25
New Rochelle, N.Y. – At Iona University, two childhood friends, Lelia Capelo ’25 and Grace Mutze ’25, found that the environment not only reignited their old bond, but allowed it to grow even stronger. As they will soon turn their tassels, they reflect on the joys, challenges, and memories that have shaped who they have become. The quiet corners of Ryan Library became their study sanctuaries, the on-campus Starbucks became their regular meetups for coffee dates, and Murphy Green became a spot to soak up the sun. Each Iona landmark holds a special memory that represents the the times they’ve spent together.
While they are friends, each possesses distinct interests and hobbies. Capelo is a Media & Strategic Communications major, who you can spot dancing at basketball games and competing at nationals as a member of the Iona Dance Team. Grace Mutze is a Marketing major and an early riser as a member of the Iona Women’s Rowing Team, who spends her mornings on the lake. Despite looking “on paper like we’re two completely different people, we feel it weirdly helps us,” said Capelo.
Throughout their academic and personal journeys, Capelo and Mutze have been each other’s unwavering support system. Despite being on “different academic paths, it’s the small things we do together,” from locking in at the library to “just pushing each other to do our best,” said Mutze. Mutual support has been a cornerstone of their friendship, and even though it “sounds corny, coming to Iona has brought us back together,” said Capelo. One way they maintain their friendship is by respecting one another’s individual time and passions. They understand how busy life can be but always find time to come back together.
As they navigate their last semester at Iona, memories of past semesters and childhood come rushing back, reminding them of their enduring bond's roots that continue to blossom. Capelo and Mutze grew up in the same neighborhood in Bronx, N.Y., and attended the same schools as soon as Pre-K. A memory that sticks out to them is when Capelo asked Mutze to help hand out birthday cupcakes with her to their third-grade class. It’s a memory they enjoy reminiscing about, and, when brought up, have a photo they make sure “to show everyone because we were so little, and we love that,” said Capelo. After all, choosing who would help hand out birthday cupcakes proved who in the class was your closest friend, something that has remained the same. Though its fun reflecting on simpler times, they found themselves making new traditions, like “getting ready together in our rooms before Iona events,” said Capelo. Iona became a place not only for academic pursuits but for personal growth.
As they approach graduation with a mixture of sadness and excitement for the adventures that await them beyond the walls of Iona, they know their friendship is one they won’t have to leave in the past. “Some friends separate when they graduate, but Lelia doesn’t have the option,” said Mutze. Staying connected is a done deal, especially as they reflect on the bond they’ve built and the inspiration they’ve been to each other. Capelo has taught Mutze “to never give up when you love something,” which she’s seen through Capelo’s commitment to dance. At the same time, Mutze has taught Capelo “how hard work, mentally, physically, and academically can push oneself to their best version.” The lessons they’ve learned from one another through shared experiences, mutual support, and unwavering support will continue to guide them as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 5 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with one of the nation’s top hospitals. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.