LaPenta School of Business Students Gain Global Insights at BNY Insite Conference
Four Iona students traveled to Colorado to connect with financial industry leaders, expand their professional networks and explore the future of finance at BNY's premier leadership conference.
Four LaPenta School of Business students represented Iona University at the BNY Insite 2026 conference in Aurora, Colorado.
LaPenta School of Business students represented Iona University at the BNY Insite 2026 conference in Aurora, Colorado.
Four students from Iona University's LaPenta School of Business recently traveled to Aurora, Colo., to attend BNY Insite 2026, where they joined financial services leaders, innovators and students from across the country for a multi-day conference focused on the future of finance and global markets.
Held at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, the trip reflected Iona’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, giving students direct access to industry leaders while helping prepare them for successful careers. Through keynote presentations, networking opportunities and panel discussions, the conference gave students the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain firsthand insight into careers in finance.
For Gabriella Salese '28, a finance major from Wallkill, N.Y., the experience reinforced the value of building relationships and learning from professionals already making an impact in the field.
Students gathered at the Gaylord Rockies Resort for multi-day networking and industry panel discussions.
"Attending BNY INSITE 2026 was a rewarding experience that allowed me to form meaningful connections and learn from accomplished professionals in the financial services industry,” Salese said. “I left the conference with valuable insights into the industry, a deeper understanding of the qualities that contribute to professional success, and a strong appreciation for the importance of networking and building meaningful relationships throughout my career."
Her peers echoed many of those sentiments. Johnanthony Mattis '29, a finance major from Bronxville, N.Y., said the conference's lineup, which included a keynote address from former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, made for an unforgettable experience while providing valuable opportunities to connect with professionals from across the financial services industry.
"The BNY Insite Program brought together an incredible lineup — including a keynote from Eli Manning — that made for a truly unforgettable few days,” Mattis said. “I had the opportunity to connect with professionals across a wide range of financial services firms, gaining valuable insight into the industry and expanding my network."
Robert MacFarlane '28, a business administration major with a minor in marketing from Manhattan, said the conference also highlighted the importance of client relationships and demonstrated how marketing plays a vital role within the financial services industry.
The conference provided Gaels direct access to financial innovators and keynotes from industry leaders.
"My experience at BNY INSITE 26 was such an impactful experience for me because I got to learn how well marketing works finance and the importance of client relationships in the long run,” MacFarlane said. “I loved how kind and inspiring all the leaders of BNY were and how eager they were to help us students."
For Matthew Flausino '28, a finance major from New Rochelle, N.Y., the experience underscored the value of leadership, collaboration and relationship-building as he prepares for a career in finance.
"Attending BNY INSITE26 was an incredible experience that allowed me to engage with industry leaders and connect with talented students from across the country,” Flausino said. “I left the conference with valuable insights on leadership, wealth management, and the importance of building meaningful relationships; I am grateful for the connections and perspectives I gained throughout the experience.”
The opportunity for Iona students to attend BNY Insite 2026 was made possible through the dedication of alumnus Christopher Fulco '89, Senior Vice President, Wealth Solutions Client Executive at BNY. A finance graduate of Iona, Fulco has remained deeply engaged with the University through Career Chats, the Finance, Business Economics & Legal Studies (FBELS) Advisory Board, and the Gaels Go Further mentoring program.
Throughout the conference, he served as an ambassador for Iona, connecting students with industry professionals while providing mentorship and guidance. His continued commitment to giving back exemplifies the powerful role alumni play in creating meaningful opportunities that prepare students for successful careers.
Iona alumnus Christopher Fulco '89 (far right), Senior Vice President at BNY, connected students directly with financial executives.
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 2026, 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.