A Mother’s Gift in Memory of Her Son Shapes the Future Of Computer Science At Iona
A transformative gift of $1 million from the Estate of Virginia Powers, in loving memory of her son, Stephen Powers ’87, is revolutionizing opportunities for students in Iona University's Computer Science Department. This generous gift is enhancing hands-on learning experiences through state-of-the-art equipment that embodies Stephen’s passion for practical, innovative solutions in technology
“On behalf of the Powers family, we are delighted to honor Stephen’s legacy,” said Fred Powers ’99MBA, Stephen’s brother. “It was here at Iona where he first gained his passion for computer science in the mid-1980s and carried this knowledge into his business career at Powers Fasteners. We are grateful to Virginia Powers, my mother, “Gigi” to her thirteen grandchildren, for making this kind gift to help the next generation of students reach their dreams and goals.”
Stephen graduated with honors in computer science from Iona in 1987. After graduation, he joined the family business, Powers Fasteners, where he demonstrated his innovative spirit by transforming its IT department. His technical expertise shone as he developed custom software solutions that seamlessly integrated operations across eight overseas companies. As he rose to manage all nine of the company's international operations, he never lost his hands-on approach to problem-solving and technology.
Stephen embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He was an avid boating, golfing, and skiing enthusiast, and shared a deep love for animals. But his greatest joy came from his family – his high school sweetheart and wife, Christina, and their two beloved daughters, Alexis and Sydney. A devoted family man, he prioritized creating memories with his loved ones, taking them on adventures around the world, always guided by his belief that “family comes first and the business is there to serve the family.”
He passed away in 2008, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of technological innovation, professional achievements, and unwavering dedication to family.
On October 19, 2024, the Powers family gathered for the dedication of the Stephen Powers ’87 Computer Science Suite, located on the second floor of Murphy Center on the New Rochelle campus. During this moving ceremony, family members shared fond memories of Stephen’s perpetual curiosity, his love of tinkering with computers, and his remarkable ability to fix anything. The event featured an interactive VR demonstration led by faculty, highlighting how Stephen’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of computer scientists at Iona.
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.