Crossing the Finish Line: Philanthropic Efforts Empower Students to Graduate
Iona University provides students with opportunities for success that extend far beyond the classroom. Nearing the finish line of graduation, many students juggle jobs, internships and classes while maintaining their GPAs and preparing for careers in their chosen fields.
However, unexpected financial challenges could impact plans for the graduation of some highly motivated upperclassmen without access to a financial safety net. Established in 2022, the Finish Line Fund at Iona University provides emergency tuition grants to juniors and seniors facing unexpected financial challenges, helping motivated students overcome these obstacles, stay on track to graduation, and achieve brighter futures, reflecting Iona’s dedication to their success.
“We are deeply grateful to our generous donors to the Finish Line Fund, who prevent financial emergencies from derailing students' educational plans when they're close to graduation,” said Andrew McKay, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations. “By providing assistance at critical moments, our donors help ensure promising students can complete their degrees and pursue fulfilling careers.”
For Kristjan Dushaj ’23, the Finish Line Fund was a transformative experience, enabling him to “cross the finish line” and attain a Bachelor of Science degree through Iona’s Accelerate Second Degree in Nursing Program.
Kristjan’s Story
“The Finish Line Fund allowed me to continue my education when financial struggles hit at the midway point of earning my nursing degree at Iona. This opportunity lifted a massive weight off my shoulders and alleviated stress in my studies. It showed me that other people are invested in my future. I am grateful to the supporters of this fund and to the University for helping me navigate through a very stressful time.
My Iona education allowed me to see that perseverance and asking for help when needed can take you a long way. It is important to not be afraid to ask because someone will always be there to help. It is something I continuously see in my new career as a nurse. Whenever I reach out to my fellow nurses for support, they are always ready to help, reflecting the same spirit of support and collaboration that I experienced at Iona.
If I could say one thing to the Finish Line supporters, it is thank you for helping me. I would not be in my current position without your generosity. I encourage Iona supporters to please continue their amazing work – it truly makes a difference. It has in my life.”
If you are interested in supporting the Finish Line Fund, please visit our donation page and select "Finish Line Fund" from the dropdown menu. If you have any questions, please contact Pamela Bottge '92, assistant vice president for Advancement, at (914) 633-2413.
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.