Iona University Recognized by the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) for Leadership in Student Success & Career Development
New Rochelle, N.Y - Iona University was selected by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) to lead a webinar entitled “Synergy of Success: Alumni Mentoring, Career Development and Academic Partnerships.” This recognition highlights Iona’s Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program, a transformative one-credit course connecting students with accomplished alumni to provide career guidance, networking opportunities and professional development.
Tricia Mulligan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; David Nielsen, senior director of alumni engagement and annual giving; and Jennifer Friary, director of career development, delivered a presentation showcasing Iona’s successful approach.
“It is an honor to share how Iona’s commitment to mentoring and career development not only enhances academic success but also transforms students’ career trajectories,” said Dr. Mulligan. “Thank you to David and Jennifer for their teamwork and participation.”
Mentorship at Iona University
At Iona, there is a saying: “Gaels take care of Gaels.” Mentorship is a cornerstone of the Iona experience, empowering students with direct access to industry professionals. Through structured alumni-student connections via the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program, students gain invaluable career advice and guidance on maximizing their college experience.
This approach ensures that Gaels graduate not just with a degree but with the skills, confidence and professional networks needed to thrive in their chosen fields. In fact, last year 94 percent of participants indicated they would recommend the program to a peer. Additionally, 93 percent indicated that participating in the program improved their sense of career preparedness.
“We are proud to share our student success model, which fosters meaningful connections and gives students direct access to accomplished alumni who can help shape their futures,” said Nielsen.
Committed to Career Readiness
From Ernst & Young to Merril Lynch, many students have attributed the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program to helping them secure full-time roles post-graduation. In addition, the Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development provides professional guidance and resources for lifelong career development, serving undergraduate and graduate students and alumni.
At Iona, all of this is positively reflected in the fact that 94% of students are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognizes Iona as one of the top for social mobility in the nation for 2025, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranks an Iona degree in the top 5% nationally for long-term return on investment.
Lucas Haddad ’24 ’25MBA, for instance, leveraged the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program to gain invaluable professional guidance – which helped him earn a full-time role at Ernst & Young.
“I was paired with Jim Oates, a former UBS executive, who has significantly impacted my early career development,” said Haddad. “Jim’s guidance on interview preparation and his insightful advice have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory... The leadership skills I’ve developed here are invaluable.”
About National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
The National Association of Colleges and Employers is a nonprofit organization that connects college career services professionals with employees. The association assists college graduates in securing employment and provides valuable insight into the job market. Roughly 345 representatives from across the country had registered to attend the Iona webinar.
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.