Iona’s Gaels Go Further Mentoring Program Yields Overwhelming Success in Alumni and Student Mentorship
Now completing the third consecutive year of Iona University’s highly impactful Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs, students indicate they have received key knowledge from their alumni mentors and recommend the experience to their peers.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, over 100 students in majors ranging from English, Psychology, Biology, Criminal Justice, Communications, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and more participated in the program.
Thanks to the dedication of Iona’s generous alumni mentors, the university continues to see the difference that mentoring is making in the lives of students. In a recent survey of all student participants from this academic year, 94 percent of the group indicated they would recommend this experience to a peer. In addition, 93 percent indicated that participating in the program improved their sense of career preparedness.
The Student Experience
Students who have participated in the Gaels Go Further Mentoring Programs shared the following experiences in alumni-student mentorship:
Kate Krueger ’25, Biology Major
“I am grateful to have been able to have many illuminating conversations with my mentor, which have propelled me to start prioritizing my future goals. As a biology major, I have a passion for the medical world and have been navigating which route I’d like to take. The conversations I’ve had with my mentor about his own experiences going through medical school and the journey he’s had to get where he is today have allowed me to better understand what it takes to succeed on that path.”
Herolinda Dacaj ’25, Finance Major
“My mentor once told me you don't have to be a genius to become successful, all you need is a strong work ethic and to give it your fullest efforts. When I receive good news, my mentor is always there to motivate me and tell me to keep going. Even though the semester ended, the connection I made with my mentor will only continue to grow. I recommend others to participate as every student should have an influential mentor to look up to. This program assists students in perfecting their resumes and cover letters as well as career and even financial goals.”
Tyler Lender ’25, Accounting Major
“I chose to participate in the Gaels Go Further Mentorship Program after my roommate expressed how much he enjoyed it. I felt that this would be a good opportunity for me to get more involved on campus and strive toward being ready for the real world. Not only did my mentor have a background in accounting, but we were also able to click on other interests such as college and professional sports. They guided me through the process of applying and interviewing for accounting internships, helped me understand the standards of the business world, and prepared me for every next step I needed to take. I obtained an internship at Citrin Cooperman for the summer of 2024 and our relationship has continued to grow.”
With a new pilot MBA Mentoring Program launch this spring trimester, and additional mentoring programs on the horizon, Iona University continues partnering with our alumni to make mentoring a cornerstone of the Iona experience for our students.
GET INVOLVED
Whether you are a Gael looking to give back or a student looking for career advice and someone to talk with about your life goals, we are confident we can help find the right connection through our Gaels Go Further Mentoring program. Please visit us online or contact David R. Nielsen, assistant director of Student-Alumni Engagement and Gaels Go Further Mentoring, at dnielsen@iona.edu or (914) 633-2410.
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 is widely recognized in prestigious rankings, including The Princeton Review’s 2024 national list of “The Best 389 Colleges” and The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse’s “2024 Best Colleges in America,” which ranked Iona at #66 in the nation overall and #8 in the nation among Catholic schools. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just six percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review recognized Iona’s on-campus MBA program as a “Best Business School for 2023.” 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 NewYork-Presbyterian. Connecting to its Irish heritage, the University also recently announced it is expanding abroad with a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. 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.