My Iona

Student Campus Announcements, 9/1

In this edition:

  1. New Campus Notification System Test, 9/2
  2. University Council Meeting, 9/2
  3. Fraternity & Sorority Life Recruitment
  4. Entrepreneurship Fair, 9/2
  5. A Taste of the Mission, 9/3
  6. Parking Permits and Information
  7. Get Involved with Esports
  8. Quick Connect: Talk to an Alum, Get Real Advice and Expand Your Network
  9. Columba Parking Lot Exit Closure Notice
  10. Mass of the Holy Spirit, 9/9
  11. Research Companies Like a Pro: Market Research Made Easy with Market Atlas, 9/10
  12. Iona Remembers 9/11 – 25th Anniversary
  13. "In the Fray," Paintings by Christian Breed, 9/15
  14. Join Us: Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs Networking Night, 9/15
  15. Hynes Week, 9/14–9/18
  16. Bird Walk Series, 9/19
  17. More Important News & Deadlines

New Campus Notification System Test, 9/2

Iona University is transitioning from Omnilert to a new mass notification system powered by Regroup for emergency alerts and other time-sensitive campus information. No separate registration is required, but please verify that your current cell phone number is on file to ensure you receive text alerts. The University will conduct a campuswide test of the new system on Wednesday, September 2, at noon; no action is required when you receive the test message. If you do not receive the test, please confirm that your cell phone number is correct in PeopleSoft and contact the Help Deskif you need assistance.

Read the full announcement for more information.

University Council Meeting, 9/2

The University Council will hold its first meeting of the 2026-27 academic year next Wednesday, September 2, at 3:30 p.m. in the McGrath Room (LaPenta Student Union).

Brief reports will be given by the president, the provost, the Student Government Association, the Staff & Administrative Committee, and the Faculty Senate. The bulk of the meeting will then be devoted to a discussion of issues relevant to the community.

The first discussion item will focus on Iona’s libraries. We will begin with a brief presentation by Natalka Sawchuk, director of Libraries, then open the conversation to the community.

The second discussion item will be an opportunity for members of the community to raise any questions, issues, or concerns. All are encouraged to participate.

Wishing you a strong start to the new school year. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you.

When: Wednesday, September 2, at 3:30 p.m.
Where: McGrath Room (LaPenta Student Union)

Fraternity & Sorority Life Recruitment

Fraternity & Sorority Life recruitment registration is open!

To be eligible to participate in recruitment, potential new members must meet the following requirements:

  • New incoming students must have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA.
  • Returning students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) must hold a minimum 2.5 Iona University GPA.
  • All potential new members must be in good conduct standing with Iona University and the Office of Residential Life at the start of recruitment.

Register for Panhellenic Recruitment or register for IFC Recruitment.

For more information about the Fraternity & Sorority Life community, please email Panhell@iona.edu or IFC@iona.edu.

Entrepreneurship Fair, 9/2

Learn what entrepreneurship is all about and how students from all majors can succeed in entrepreneurship. Join us to discover resources, opportunities, and ways to get involved!

When: Wednesday, September 2, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Where: Hynes Institute (Spellman Hall, second floor)

A Taste of the Mission, 9/3

Curious about Iona’s Immersion Trips? Come get a Taste of the Mission!

Come eat, meet the student leaders, and hear about this year’s immersion trips to Peru, West Virginia, Ireland and Texas! Get a taste of what it means to serve, learn, reflect and journey together.

Learn more about Immersion Trips.

Priority Immersion Trip application deadline: September 25

When: Thursday, September 3, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Hospitality Supper on the Murphy Green

Parking Permits and Information

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus! Please read this message carefully as parking enforcement will begin on September 7.

Parking Permits
All vehicles parking on campus must have a valid Iona University parking permit. Permits can be obtained by filling out the online Vehicle Registration Form located here.

Once the vehicle is registered, you can stop by the Campus Safety office located in the LaPenta Student Union Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. to pick up your permit. Temporary permits are also available in the Campus Safety office.

Student Parking (commuters, junior and senior residential students)
Students can park in any white-lined parking space. The Columba lot is reserved for employees only, but can be used by students after 4 p.m. Expect heavy enforcement of the Columba parking lot before 4 p.m.

Residential students are not allowed to park on city streets near Iona University. Violators are subject to a $250 student conduct fine.

Overnight Parking
Overnight vehicles should park in the garage. If the garage is locked, please call Campus Safety at (914) 633-2560 any time to be allowed access. As per the City of New Rochelle, overnight parking is not allowed in the Summit Avenue lot or the Murphy lot.

mportant Announcement: Mirage Diner, Starbucks 730 North Ave., and McDonald's Parking
Iona University does not control these parking lots. Only customers patronizing these businesses are allowed to park in their lots. If you park there and leave the property (even after patronizing the business), you will be booted by Avalon Towing.

Bicycle and E-Scooter Policy
Please review Iona's bicycle and e-scooter policy here.

Get Involved with Esports

We are excited to share that Iona esports will have 18 new CyberPowerPCs with AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors and Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB graphics cards this fall, as well as two Nintendo Switch 2 systems.

The 2026-27 season will also feature exciting new opportunities, including competition in the PlayVS Premier Collegiate League (PCL), new casual and competitive leagues, and the addition of new game titles such as College Football 27, EA SPORTS FC 27, Madden NFL 27, and Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe.

If you are interested in trying out for the esports team or in getting involved in esports, please complete this interest form. 

Learn more about the program, available games, and how to join at www.iona.edu/esports. 

Quick Connect: Talk to an Alum, Get Real Advice and Expand Your Network

Quick Connect is a flexible networking opportunity that pairs Iona students with alumni working in their field of interest for a 30–60 minute one-on-one phone or virtual conversation. It’s an easy way to explore career paths, ask questions, and gain real-world insight from someone who’s been in your shoes.

Whether you’re just starting to think about your future or looking to build connections, Quick Connect makes it simple to get started. Complete the Quick Connect sign-up form to be matched with an alum aligned with your interests and goals. Once a match is identified, a member of the Alumni Engagement team will follow up with next steps.

Questions? Reach out to Matt Ricker, assistant director of Student-Alumni Engagement, at mricker@iona.edu.

Columba Parking Lot Exit Closure Notice

As construction work on the Upper Green continues, periodic closures of the Columba parking lot exit are expected over the coming weeks. When the exit is closed and coned off, please use the McSpedon roadway as the designated alternate route to exit the parking lot. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we complete these enhancements safely and efficiently.

Mass of the Holy Spirit, 9/9

The Mass of the Holy Spirit will take place in the Arrigoni Center on Wednesday, September 9, at 12:30 p.m. The Mass of the Holy Spirit has been a staple in bringing together and celebrating the rich diversity and countless gifts of the Iona community, as we ask for God’s blessings on the new academic year. All members of the Iona community are invited to join in this celebration as we kick off the 2026-2027 academic year.

A lunch reception will take place in the Spellman Burke Lounge following the Mass. Please RSVP here.

When: Wednesday, September 9, 12:30–2 p.m.
Where: Arrigoni Center and Spellman Burke Lounge

Research Companies Like a Pro: Market Research Made Easy with Market Atlas, 9/10

The Library will demonstrate how to use the updated Mergent research tool, Market Atlas. Market Atlas is especially useful for business researchers, entrepreneurs, and those researching companies and industries for projects, internships and career opportunities.

When: Thursday, September 10, noon–1 p.m.
Where: Hynes Institute (Spellman Hall, second floor)

Iona Remembers 9/11 – 25th Anniversary

Join us for our annual 9/11 Prayer Service as we remember and honor the Iona alumni and first responders who were killed in the attacks, and alumni first responders who have passed away due to 9/11-related illnesses.

Following the prayer service, join us for a lunch reception and gallery viewing of John Botte’s 9/11 photographs.

RSVP here.

When: Friday, September 11, noon–1:30 p.m.
Where: Ryan Library and Spellman Burke Lounge

"In the Fray," Paintings by Christian Breed, 9/15

"In the Fray" is a solo exhibition of paintings by contemporary New York artist Christian Breed at the Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery, located inside the JoAnn Mazzella Murphy '98H Arts Center. The exhibition will be on view September 1–October 21, 2026.

The gallery will host an opening reception on Tuesday, September 15, from 12:30–3 p.m. Admission to the exhibition and reception is free and open to the public.

To learn more about this exhibition and the artist, please visit the gallery website. 

When: Tuesday, September 15, 12:30–3 p.m.
Where: Brother Kenneth Chapman Gallery

Join Us: Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs Networking Night, 9/15

Are you looking to expand your professional network, explore career paths, or connect with mentors who can guide your journey after graduation? Join us for the Gaels Go Further Fall 2026 Networking Night on Tuesday, September 15, from 6–8 p.m. in the LaPenta School of Business Atrium.

This special evening highlights the incredible impact of student-alumni connections at Iona and offers a unique opportunity to engage with top alumni working across the industries you aspire to join. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend, and business casual attire is required. Don't miss out on building relationships that can shape your future—use this link to register.

For any questions, please contact Matthew Ricker, assistant director for Student-Alumni Engagement, at mricker@iona.edu.

Hynes Week, 9/14–9/18

Discover what’s possible at the Hynes Institute during Hynes Week! Throughout the week, explore entrepreneurship and innovation, connect with fellow Gaels, discover new skills and resources, and find opportunities to turn your interests and ideas into action.

Monday, September 14: Discover the Hynes Institute
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Spellman Portico
Explore Hynes programs and take on a LEGO challenge to build something that makes life better, easier or more fun.

Tuesday, September 15: Entrepreneurs in Action
Noon–1 p.m. | Spellman Portico
Connect with student entrepreneurs, explore AI tools and discover student-owned businesses and ideas.

Wednesday, September 16: Creators, Leaders & Majors
12:30–1:30 p.m. | LSB Atrium
Discover how your strengths, interests and major can help you create impact, solve problems and lead in any field.

Thursday, September 17: Hynes Skills Exchange Mingle
6:30–8:30 p.m. | Hynes Institute (Spellman Hall, second floor)
Meet students from across campus, make new connections and discover opportunities to collaborate, learn and expand your network.

Friday, September 18: Find Your Place at Hynes
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Spellman Portico
Explore Hynes resources, programs and connections that can help you build an idea, grow your skills, find a mentor or get involved.

Bird Walk Series, 9/19

Start your day with fresh air, movement, and a new appreciation for the natural world! Join Croton’s bird commissioner, Cary, for a guided bird walk where you’ll learn to identify local birds while exploring nature.

Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply looking for a peaceful way to support your mental well-being, this walk is for you. The group will visit local areas for birdwatching. Location will be sent by text and will generally be in walkable spots in and around New Rochelle.

The group will gather once a month for this simple, stress-relieving practice. Register here to let us know if you can make it!

The early bird catches the worm—we hope you’ll join us!

When: Saturday, September 19, 8–9 a.m.

More Important News & Deadlines

Submitted on: September 1, 2026

Submitted by: University Marketing & Communications