Class of 2028 Eager to Make an Impact at Iona University
From Move-In Day to Killian’s Kickoff, New Students Step into Life as Gaels
New Rochelle, N.Y. – The Class of 2028 has officially arrived at Iona, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the University’s newest Gaels.
These students bring a remarkable blend of talent and ambition as one of Iona’s largest and most selective classes. Whether they are pursuing studies in biology, pre-law or business administration, the Class of 2028 is set to make an impact.
Outside of Loftus Hall during Move-In Day, Vilte Panavas ’28 and her mother said a heartfelt farewell. Panavas, a Staten Island native, is eager to pursue a degree in biology.
“What drew me to Iona was its staff, faculty and the strong support from the biology department,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the guidance and opportunities here.”
Antonia Guglielmo ’28, from Pearl River, N.Y., also connected to the strong sense of community at Iona. She’s enthusiastic about her journey of self-discovery and the pre-law program.
“I’m looking forward to becoming independent and navigating life on my own,” Guglielmo said. “Iona feels like the perfect place for me to grow and develop into my own person.”
Kevin Rojas ’28, from Clifton, N.J., was equally impressed by the supportive environment and opportunities at Iona.
“I want to become a property manager in the future and I’m excited to build strong connections here,” Rojas said. “The staff members have been super communicative and supportive already.”
As the momentum continues, the word is out— Iona delivers a premier college experience for students. With over 80 student leadership clubs and organizations, Iona encourages students to find their passions and learn outside the lines.
To keep the excitement going throughout the fall semester, students are also enjoying an Iona tradition known as “Killian's Kickoff.” This 50-day lineup of fun and engaging events is a great way for students to foster meaningful connections across campus. For more information about “Killian’s Kickoff,” please visit the calendar of campus events.
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 nearly 4,000 students and an alumni base of more than 50,000 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 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 5 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 recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2024.” Iona also offers a fully online MBA program for even greater flexibility. In July 2021, Iona announced the establishment of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, which is now principally located on Iona’s Bronxville campus in collaboration with one of the nation’s top hospitals. 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.