Iona University Prepares for Annual Day of Giving
On March 10, 2026, the Iona community—alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and supporters—will come together to demonstrate their collective support for the University and showcase The Power of Iona.
Gaels Giving Day, Iona University’s annual 24-hour day of giving is a philanthropic moment that generates momentum and support for the University throughout the year.
During the campaign, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the University come together to demonstrate their shared commitment to Iona’s mission by making gifts of any size to the areas that matter most to them.
This year, the University aims to engage 500 unique donors within the 24-hour period, uniting the Iona community in a collective spirit of generosity. Gaels Giving Day reflects a powerful surge of participation that advances the University’s fiscal-year priorities, including expanding scholarship opportunities, strengthening academic programs, supporting athletics and co-curricular experiences, and sustaining the mission of Iona University.
The Power of Iona: Student Reflections
Daejon Thompson '27
Bachelor of Arts, Media & Strategic Communications
I can’t thank you enough for making my education at Iona possible. It’s a special gift to know that someone recognizes my hard work and provides support to help me keep moving toward my future. I’m proud to share that I am doing very well with my academics, and your generosity is motivating me to keep striving toward my educational goals. I’m grateful for many things at Iona—the welcoming community, learning new things in class, being involved in clubs across campus, and so much more. Most of all, I’m grateful for your kindness and generosity which I’ll carry with me always.
Sean Rivera '25, '26MS
Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
I love being a student at Iona because of the strong sense of community and the opportunities to develop both academically and personally. What I'm most grateful for is the chance to grow, surrounded by people who genuinely want to see me succeed, whether it's faculty who take the time to mentor, peers who motivate me, or the campus resources that make achieving my goals possible. With your support, I can dedicate myself to becoming a successful lawyer, knowing I have a foundation that makes my education more attainable. Thank you for believing in me and helping make my dreams possible.
Marc Solodkin '28
Bachelor of Science, Pre-Medical Studies
Because of your help, my education at Iona is much more accessible and I can now focus more on my studies and research without a lot of financial stress. You are making a huge difference in my life by giving me the opportunity to grow both as a student and a person. My dream is to work in a field within chemistry where I can help make a positive impact on the world. I am very excited and thrilled to see where my experiences at Iona will take me. I am truly thankful for your generosity and investment in my future. You have inspired me to work even harder in my studies and make the most of my time at Iona.
Highlights of Gaels Giving Day
A series of incentives and raffles will add to the excitement of Gaels Giving Day and recognize community participation throughout the 24-hour campaign.
In addition, the University will announce a series of donor-supported matches and challenges throughout the day, made possible by generous alumni. These opportunities are designed to amplify participation, highlight leadership giving, and inspire broader engagement across the Iona community.
Regional Events Celebrating Gaels Giving Day
Alumni and guests are invited to participate in the following regional celebrations taking place on March 10.
- Long Island, NY: Leo’s Tavern, 190 7th St., Garden City, NY 11530, 6:30 p.m. Learn more and RSVP here.
- Washington, D.C.: Penn Quarter Sports Tavern, 639 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004, 6:30 p.m. Learn more and RSVP here.
- Mission Viejo, CA: A Hidden Vine on the Lake, 27772 Vista Del Lago, Ste B-15 Mission Viejo, CA 92692, 4 p.m. PST. Learn more and RSVP here.
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 over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 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 Nursing & 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 6 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 once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. 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.