Gaels Giving Day 2026 Surpasses Donor Goal, Showcasing the Power of the Iona Community
Annual day of giving brings the University’s annual giving total for the fiscal year to $2,410,085 from 3,264 donors
Iona University held its annual day of giving, Gaels Giving Day, on March 10, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends to demonstrate “the Power of Iona.” During the 24-hour campaign, 536 unique donors contributed $231,467, helping bring the University’s annual giving total for the fiscal year to $2,410,085 from 3,264 donors. The campaign also marks one of the highest numbers of donors the initiative has seen in recent years.
“Gaels Giving Day is a powerful reminder of what makes Iona so special. Our community believes deeply in the transformative power of education,” said Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “The generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends helps ensure that more students have access to the opportunities that define the Iona experience.”
The campaign exceeded its goal of 500 donors, with both the Fund for Iona and Scholarship Support opportunities also surpassing their individual donor participation goals.
“Gaels Giving Day demonstrates the collective strength of the Iona community,” said Gary Grant, Senior Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs. “When hundreds of donors come together in a single day, their generosity creates meaningful momentum that supports scholarships, programs and the overall student experience.”
The Power of Iona was further amplified by generous matches and challenges offered by lead donors, helping to maximize the impact of every gift:
- A challenge gift for the President's Innovation Fund sponsored by Michael P. Hegarty '66, Iona Board of Trustee Chair.
- A challenge gift for the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs Fund sponsored by Cathy McCabe '85, Board of Trustees member and co-chair of the Gaels Go Further Advisory Board
- A challenge gift for the Brother Robert E. Novak Rowing Endowment sponsored by Mike Sasso '75, '80MBA
- A challenge gift for the LaPenta School of Business Dean's Excellence Fund sponsored by Ray Anello '86
- A challenge gift for the Iona Scholarship Fund sponsored by Victor Stanionis '60
- A challenge gift for the Fund for Iona sponsored by Chris Connolly '91
- A challenge gift for the Fund for Iona sponsored by Eugene Devlin '68
- A challenge gift for the Fund for Iona sponsored by Jacqueline Goode '91
- A challenge for the Fund for Iona and Athletics sponsored by Anita (nee Guarracino) '85 and Steve Iaco '83
While Gaels Giving Day represents a powerful surge in donor participation and philanthropy, the University's fiscal year continues through June 30. Supporters who are eager to build on the momentum of Gaels Giving Day can make a gift by visiting the University's donation page.