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From the Pool to the Professional World, Nate Wales ’26, ’27MBA Builds His Future at Iona
Standout swimmer, student leader and aspiring PR professional continues his journey at Iona this fall as he begins his MBA.
Through Iona’s powerful alumni network, Nate has secured a prestigious summer internship at 5W Public Relations after connecting with CEO and Iona alumnus Matthew Caiola.
Nate Wales ’26, ’27MBA arrived at Iona University with a competitive drive and a clear sense of purpose; qualities that have since defined his impact in the pool, the classroom and the broader campus community. From his first visit, he knew Iona was where he belonged.
“As soon as I visited campus, I thought, this is the place for me,” said Wales, of Jamesville, N.Y. “I love the campus, I love the team, I love the school and the community aspect. It felt like home from day one.”
Wales quickly became a standout on the men’s swimming and diving team, helping elevate the program to new heights. During his junior year, he was part of three relays that broke conference records that still stand. At the most recent MAAC championships, he continued to shine, contributing to two winning relays, earning a bronze medal in his individual event and helping secure a third‑place relay finish. His achievements reflect not only talent, but the resilience and focus he has cultivated at Iona.
“The swim team has impacted me beyond the pool by instilling a high academic standard, connecting me to a network of alumni who have shaped me professionally, and giving me lifelong friendships," Wales said.
Complimented by his exceptional contributions in the pool, Wales’ influence extends far beyond his athletic success. As a selected member of the Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), he plays a key role in fundraising, public engagement and mission‑driven service initiatives.
At the most recent MAAC championships, Nate contributed to two winning relays, earning a bronze medal in his individual event and helping secure a third place relay finish.
Through SAAC, he has helped support the Gullotta House, among other local causes, strengthening the connection between student‑athletes and the surrounding community. Through his leadership, he demonstrates Iona’s core values by balancing personal achievement with a dedication to the success of others.
A Media & Strategic Communications major with a concentration in Public Relations, Wales brings the same discipline and curiosity that defines his athletic career to the classroom.
“I was drawn to public relations because no two days are the same,” Wales said. “One day you might be in the office working on reports, and the next you could be out on a shoot or helping gather footage. That variety and the chance to work on something different all the time is what really interests me in the field.”
His academic experience has already opened doors. Through Iona’s powerful alumni network, he secured a prestigious summer internship at 5W Public Relations after connecting with CEO and alumnus from the Class of 2005, Matthew Caiola.
“The connections with the alumni are extremely impactful,” Wales said.
"The swim team has impacted me beyond the pool by instilling a high academic standard, connecting me to a network of alumni who have shaped me professionally, and giving me lifelong friendships."
In his words, the opportunity is a perfect example of how Iona’s community and alumni network help students turn connections into real career opportunities.
This fall, Wales will begin his MBA with a concentration in Business Management, an intentional next step that builds on the foundation he has created at Iona.
Across every facet of his Iona journey, Wales exemplifies what it means to be a Gael: mission‑driven, community‑oriented and committed to excellence. Whether breaking records, leading service initiatives, or preparing for a future in strategic communications and business, he carries forward the relationships, confidence and values that make Iona feel at home.
“After graduation, I hope to work for a PR firm in New York City. My time at Iona really helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person. The connections I’ve made and the skills I’ve gained in the classroom helped me evolve into the young professional I am today.”
As he looks ahead to life after graduation, Wales stands as a testament to the University’s ability to empower students to grow into leaders both athletically, academically and personally.
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.