My Iona

Student Campus Announcements, 1/27

In this edition:

  1. Iona Scholars Day Submissions
  2. Share Your Insights About Iona
  3. Sprinkler Testing Schedule
  4. Service Trip to Jamaica Info Session, 1/29
  5. Game Development Workshop, 1/29
  6. Symphony of Westchester Young Artists Showcase
  7. 9th Annual Iona Innovation Challenge Kickoff, 2/6
  8. BIPOC Spirituality Weekend Retreat, 2/6-2/8
  9. The Wellness Conversation: Eating Well, Moving More, Living Better, 2/10
  10. Idea Generation Workshop, 2/12
  11. 2026 Hugh J. McCabe Award for Social Justice
  12. More Important News & Deadlines

Iona Scholars Day Submissions

Iona Scholars Day (ISD) is an annual event celebrating the scholarship and creative activities performed by the Iona community. The day showcases faculty-mentored student work and allows students in all disciplines to recognize and appreciate each other's work through oral presentations, panel sessions, performances and poster presentations. This year's Iona Scholars Day is scheduled for Thursday April 16, 2026.

We encourage all students to engage in scholarly and creative work with faculty and to share their work with the Iona community. ISD projects may be initiated as part of a course or as independent collaborations with faculty.

Please note the deadline for Abstract Submissions is Friday, February 20, 2026. 

Submit for Iona Scholars Day

Share Your Insights About Iona

The Princeton Review is offering current undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in a survey regarding their college experience at Iona. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and all responses are kept confidential. Your anonymous feedback will be used in The Princeton Review’s college admissions books, website, and other products and services.

All students completing the survey become eligible to win one of a hundred $50.00 Amazon.com gift cards.

Thank you for taking the time to share your unique perspective on your Iona experience!

Sprinkler Testing Schedule

Please be aware that sprinkler testing in New Rochelle campus buildings is currently underway with the scheduled completion by end of day Monday, February 2. During the test period, alarms will sound and be silenced in short intervals. Occupants do not have to leave the buildings during the testing periods.

Testing will begin at 8 a.m. each day. Should any area take longer than expected, it will continue into the next day. If less time is required, locations will move up the list. Please see the approximate schedule below and reach out to Eddie Camacho ecamacho@iona.edu with any concerns or questions.

Tuesday, January 27
• LaPenta School of Business
• Hynes Athletics Center
• Driscoll Hall
• North Hall
• Loftus Hall
• Conese Hall
• Hales Hall
• East Hall
• Rice Hall

Monday, February 2
• Ryan Library
• Spellman Hall
• Murphy Hall
• Doorley Hall
• Amend Hall
• Arts Center

Service Trip to Jamaica Info Session, 1/29

In many countries, children with disabilities are still abandoned or live in deep deprivation. Mustard Seed Communities provides loving, lifelong care to children and adults with disabilities and HIV. Join a team of Gaels who will volunteer with MSC to build relationships with residents and participate in work projects at their homes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

Join us on Thursday, January 29, at noon in the University Commons (ground floor, LaPenta Student Union) for an information session. This will be the last call for students interested in participating.

Information Session
• When: Thursday, January 29, Noon
• Where: University Commons (ground floor, LaPenta Student Union)

Service Trip Details
• Dates: March 14-21, 2026
• Estimated Cost: $1,950 | Team does fundraising and some financial assistance is available.

For more info, visit www.iona.edu/immersiontrips or contact Sabryna Custodio.

Game Development Workshop, 1/29

Jump into our game development workshop where you will take an idea from early idea generation to a playable game. You will use mind mapping to shape your concept, then dive into building and coding core features that bring your world to life. Come ready to create, experiment, and walk out with your own working prototype.

When: Thursday, January 29, from noon-1 p.m. 
Where: Hynes Institute

This event is made possible by the collaboration of the CEO Club, AI Club & Computer Science Club and will be led by Caroline Bennett, professor of Computer Science and Game Design. 

Symphony of Westchester Young Artists Showcase

Six winners of the Symphony of Westchester's 11th Annual Young Artists Concerto competition will perform one movement of a Baroque or early Classical Music Concerto with the Symphony of Westchester.

When: Sunday, February 1, 3 p.m.*
Where: Murphy Auditorium

*Snow date: Saturday, January 31, 3 p.m.

9th Annual Iona Innovation Challenge Kickoff, 2/6

Discover how to compete in our pitch competition and take your shot at winning big. This year cash prizes are a total of $20,000. Gain valuable skills in problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, storytelling, and pitching as you work to bring your ideas to life. 

When: Friday, February 6, noon-2 p.m.
Where: Hynes Institute

BIPOC Spirituality Weekend Retreat, 2/6-2/8

You are invited to a restorative weekend exploring BIPOC spirituality through healing rituals, reflection, and community. This retreat offers space to reconnect with your whole self, create sacred practices, and find grounding amidst the chaos of college life and the world around us.  Facilitated by Dana Livingston and Laura Fairchild, activities include guided yoga, journaling, shared meals, and a create-your-own tea ritual.The cost is covered by a scholarship for the first three individuals who sign up. The rate for students is $200.

Dates & Times
February 6-8, Friday 6 p.m., Sunday 1:30 p.m.

Where
Center at Mariandale Ossining NY

Register Here to Attend.

Additional information can be found here.

The Wellness Conversation: Eating Well, Moving More, Living Better, 2/10

The Symposium on Health and Well-Being is back and with New Year's resolutions fresh in our minds, we're shifting the focus to nutrition, movement and preventive health. Join us on Tuesday, February 10, at 5 p.m. in the Sommer Center, for an engaging, fireside-style Q&A moderated by Dean Kavita Dhanwada, Ph.D. We’ll be joined by NewYork-Presbyterian experts Elizabeth Bukac, MS, RD, CDN, CBDCE; Kate Hoffman, MS, RD, CDN; and Alyssa Klein, MPT, for a thoughtful conversation exploring practical, whole-person approaches to healthy eating, physical well-being, and lifelong self-care. As we step into a new year when many of us are thinking about healthier habits, this discussion offers timely, realistic insights you can apply to your everyday life. We hope you’ll join us. RSVP today!

Date: Tuesday, February 10
Time: Reception: 4:30 p.m. | Presentation 5 p.m.
Location: Sommer Center, Bronxville Campus

Idea Generation Workshop, 2/12

Unlock your creativity in our idea generation workshop with Dr. Aakash Sapru, assistant professor of Design Thinking & Innovation. Dr. Sapru will guide participants through the process of generating, validating, and refining ideas.

Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: Noon-1 p.m.
Location: Hynes Institute

2026 Hugh J. McCabe Award for Social Justice

Do you know an administrator, faculty, or staff member who lives out a commitment to social justice? The Office of Mission & Ministry is accepting nominations for the 2026 Hugh J. McCabe Award for Social Justice. Presented at Iona's Commencement exercises, this award recognizes a member of Iona's staff, faculty, or administration who embodies an exemplary commitment to social justice. Awardees have demonstrated, through their work and contributions, their exceptional dedication to social justice in building a more just and peaceful world. To submit a nomination, please click here. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, March 16, 2026.

More Important News & Deadlines

Submitted on: January 27, 2026

Submitted by: University Marketing & Communications