A Family’s Story of Connection and Commitment at Iona University
From water polo successes to lifelong connections, the Tovar family shares their Iona journey
For the Tovar family, Iona University became more than just a place of learning – it became a second home. Their journey at Iona began when their eldest daughter, Carli ’21, was recruited to play Division I water polo. Soon after, Mia ’23, ’24MBA followed in her sister’s footsteps, also joining the water polo team.
Both standout utility players made their mark on the team. The joy of watching their daughters compete together at the DI level is a memory that parents Omar and Rebecca Tovar, as well as their daughters, cherish deeply—a true “North Star” in their Iona journey.
Over seven years, Iona’s close-knit community and the water polo program in particular deeply impacted the Tovars, extending their family ties in unexpected ways. The friendships they forged within the Iona community have evolved into lasting bonds, turning friends into family.
Omar and Rebecca’s dedication also extended beyond the stands. As a member of the LaPenta School of Business Executive Advisory Council, Omar played a pivotal role as a thought partner in shaping the future of the school. Moreover, the family’s generous support of Iona Athletics, especially through the "12 Days to Fight the Good Fight" campaign, reflects their commitment to giving back to a community that has given them so much.
Reflecting on what motivates them to give back, Omar and Rebecca resonate deeply with Booker T. Washington’s words: “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”
This spirit of giving is a core value for the Tovar family, inspiring them to remain engaged with Iona long after their daughters’ graduations.
Their advice to other families considering joining the Iona community? Embrace every moment and opportunity Iona offers. As they wisely note, “Time flies, especially when you are having fun.”
The Tovars’ story is a testament to the meaningful connections and lifelong memories that Iona University fosters, leaving an indelible mark on those who become part of its tight-knit community.
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.