Student Campus Announcements, 9/16
In this edition:
- New Traffic Pattern
- Parking Permits & Regulations
- Are you the next Killian?
- 60 Years of Vatican II and Interreligious Dialogue Anniversary, 9/16
- 2025 Brother William B. Cornelia Lecture, 9/17
- Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program Five-Year Celebration, 9/17
- Lunch & Learn: Designing a Future for Justice-Involved Youth Through Literacy, 9/17
- Classroom to Career with Alumna Carmen Widman '96, 9/18
- Travel and Serve this Winter Break, 9/19
- Vocal Workshop with Deke Sharon, 9/20
- "Thomas Berry: A Book of Hours" Book Launch, 9/23
- Design Thinking Method Workshop, 9/25
- The Cosmic Walk with Sam King, 9/25
- Fight the Good Fight at the NYC Tunnel to Towers 5K, 9/28
- E-Talk Speaker Series: 10/1 & 10/2
- Mind Over Matter: Navigating Mental Wellness in a Changing World, 10/9
- Library Services Update
- More Important News & Deadlines
New Traffic Pattern
In a continued effort to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety, Iona University has a new traffic pattern around the LaPenta Student Union (LSU). The roadway between LSU and Mazzella Field will now be a one-way road. Vehicles entering the campus from North Avenue will no longer be allowed to make the left turn by Mazzella Field.
Parking Permits & Regulations
The grace period for parking permits has ended and strict enforcement has started. Please follow all parking regulations. There will be increased enforcement in the Columba and Hynes West parking lots. We appreciate your cooperation.
Are you the next Killian?
Are you ready to bring Gael spirit to life? Come learn more about what it takes to be Iona University's mascot Killian the Gael at our upcoming info session! Free pizza will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to represent the Gaels!
Info Session - Pizza lunch provided!
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: Noon
Location: Hegarty Room – Hynes West
Tryouts
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: Noon
Location: Hegarty Room – Hynes West
For questions, please reach out to performingarts@iona.edu.
60 Years of Vatican II and Interreligious Dialogue Anniversary, 9/16
60 years ago, the Vatican and the Second Vatican Council issued the historic document "Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions." On Tuesday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Romita Auditorium, come celebrate the 60th anniversary of Vatican II and the opening of the church to other religions, specifically understanding the progress, the problems, and the promise of Jewish-Catholic dialogue. Internationally renowned Dr. Amy-Jill Levine of Vanderbilt University, the first Jew to teach at Rome's Pontifical Biblical Institute, is our guest lecturer.
2025 Brother William B. Cornelia Lecture, 9/17
The 2025 Brother William B. Cornelia Lecture will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, in the Murphy Auditorium. The Cornelia Lecture celebrates the life of Iona's first president, Br. Cornelia, by reaffirming Iona's commitment to being a caring academic community, inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers and the liberating power of education.
This year's lecturer is Father Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor in chief of America Media. Father Sawyer entered the Jesuits in 2004 and was ordained a priest in 2014. He previously served as an associate pastor at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C. and currently assists the pastoral team at St. Francis Xavier Church in New York City. In 2012, Father Sawyer co-founded The Jesuit Post, a website featuring articles and videos by Jesuits in formation about a range of topics geared toward young people, where he served as an editor for the site. Since 2015, Father Sawyer has worked at America Media and in 2022 became its editor-in-chief. Father Sawyer holds a BS from Boston College and master’s degree from Boston College and Loyola University Chicago.
Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program Five-Year Celebration, 9/17
Come find out why Iona alumni mentors can make a huge difference in your career as we celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program on Wednesday, September 17, from 6–9 p.m. This special event highlights the incredible impact of student-alumni mentoring at Iona and offers a unique chance to meet past mentors and mentees. All students are welcome! This great networking opportunity will connect you with alumni at the top of fields you are pursuing. Register here to attend and be part of the celebration! For questions, please email Matthew Ricker, assistant director of Student-Alumni Engagement, at mricker@iona.edu.
Lunch & Learn: Designing a Future for Justice-Involved Youth Through Literacy, 9/17
Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking Lunch & Learn that explores the critical intersections of literacy, justice and access to education. Literacy is more than just the ability to read—it is a pathway to dignity, opportunity and participation in society. Yet systemic barriers continue to deny this right to far too many, particularly those caught within cycles of poverty and incarceration.
Date: Wednesday, September 17
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Hynes Institute, Spellman Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 213
Classroom to Career with Alumna Carmen Widman '96, 9/18
Please join us on Thursday, September 18, from noon-1 p.m. in Henry Lecture Hallfor a “Classroom to Career” chat with Emmy Award-winning veteran journalist and Iona alumna Carmen Conte Widman ’96.
Widman is an Emmy Award-winning veteran journalist who received her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, as a double major in Broadcasting and Journalism from Iona in 1996. Her career spans more than 29 years covering major world and breaking news events and includes collaborations with various talents including Erin Burnett, Lester Holt, Andrea Mitchell, Brian Williams and many more. She is currently a supervising producer for CNN’s acclaimed prime time program “Erin Burnett OutFront” where she leads guest booking for the show.
All are invited to attend. Additional information can be found here.
Travel and Serve this Winter Break, 9/19
Are you ready to challenge yourself this Winter Break? Iona in Mission invites you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in new cultures and experiences. We're building teams that will go to Peru, Ireland and Texas to:
- engage the local culture and community;
- explore issues of justice; and
- serve in real-world contexts;
Make a positive difference and build up your leadership skills through this unique experience. Click here to apply by September 19! For more info, visit www.iona.edu/immersiontrips.
Vocal Workshop with Deke Sharon, 9/20
The Iona Singers and NightinGAELs are thrilled to welcome Deke Sharon—the “father of contemporary a cappella”—to campus for a vocal workshop on Billy Joel’s classic “For the Longest Time.” This exciting opportunity is open to the entire Iona community and no prior experience is required. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or love making music with others, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from a legend and be part of something unforgettable.
Date: Saturday, September 20
Time: 1–3 p.m.
Location: Murphy Auditorium
"Thomas Berry: A Book of Hours" Book Launch, 9/23
Please join us on Tuesday, September 23, at either noon or 2 p.m. in Arrigoni Center as we celebrate the publication of Sr. Kathleen Deignan's book "Thomas Berry: A Book of Hours." To attend, please RSVP to Jim Robinson at jxrobinson@iona.edu.
Design Thinking Method Workshop, 9/25
Bring your ideas to life! Learn how to creatively solve problems, develop innovative ideas, and collaborate with others using the design thinking method.
Date: Thursday, September 25
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Location: Hynes Institute, Spellman Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 213
The Cosmic Walk with Sam King, 9/25
Please join us on Thursday, September 25, at either noon or 2 p.m. in Arrigoni Center as we enter into the story of the universe, from the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago to the present. We will be guided into finding our place within this vast story by Sam King of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology. To attend, please RSVP to Jim Robinson at jxrobinson@iona.edu.
Fight the Good Fight at the NYC Tunnel to Towers 5K, 9/28
Don’t miss your chance to join this inspiring run/walk on Sunday, September 28, at 9:30 a.m. in NYC. Tunnel to Towers is offering Iona University a special $60 ratefor students, staff, alumni, friends and family (valid through race day). Children 14 & under are free with registration.
Register Now: Tunnel to Towers, 9/28
E-Talk Speaker Series: 10/1 & 10/2
The Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will be hosting an exciting two-day E-Talk Speaker Series featuring entrepreneurial minds from diverse industries and backgrounds on Wednesday, October 1 and Thursday, October 2!
Topics will include how to grow a business, wellness and entrepreneurship, storytelling and branding, and much more!
Invited speakers include Tamara Best (Meta), Abe Kasbo (founder & CEO of Verasoni), and Ellen Sledge (owner of Penny Lick Ice Cream), to name but a few.
Learn More: E-Talk Speaker Series, Day 1, 10/1
Learn More: E-Talk Speaker Series, Day 2, 10/2
Mind Over Matter: Navigating Mental Wellness in a Changing World, 10/9
The NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences is excited to kick off our Symposium on Health and Well-Being with an event that speaks to us all.
Mind Over Matter: Navigating Mental Wellness in a Changing World
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Reception: 5:30 p.m.
Presentation and Q&A: 6–7:30 p.m.
Location: Sommer Auditorium - Bronxville Campus
This important conversation will feature experts from NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center and other NYP hospitals, who will share their insights on promoting mental wellness, managing emotional challenges on both personal and professional levels, and addressing the unique stresses experienced by healthcare professionals.
What makes our first 2025-2026 symposium particularly meaningful is that the topic was selected by our students. In response to student voices, we are proud to highlight an issue of such significance to our community.
We invite you to join us for a conversation to learn, reflect and connect with others centered on a topic that profoundly affects us all.
To attend, please RSVP by October 6.
Library Services Update
This fall, the Arrigoni Library space in the Murphy Building is under review and currently limited only to classes scheduled in that space. Once determined, the future use of the Arrigoni Library space will be shared.
Ryan Library is open and available to the Iona community for all library services, including computer and printing needs. Please click here for Ryan Library hours.
More Important News & Deadlines
- The Iona University Theatre Ensemble presents "Motherland" by J. Zaino Sheehan, 10/23
- Did you know Iona offers a variety of study abroad & service-learning programs to help you explore the world? Email Br. Kevin at kgriffith@iona.edu to learn more.
- Did you know there are over 20 Club Sports teams students can join?
- Do you need someone to talk to? The Counseling Center is here to help!
- See the Gael Express schedule here.
- Mass is offered throughout the week on campus. Learn more about Faith-Sharing, Worship & Spirituality.
- Join Gaels Connect to receive career advice directly from Iona alumni.
Submitted on: September 16, 2025
Submitted by: University Marketing & Communications