Connecting to its Irish legacy, Iona launched its first classes at the Westport House Estate this summer.
Iona University’s roots are steeped in the rich Irish legacy of St. Columba, Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, who founded Iona in 1940 with a mission to educate the marginalized of society. Building upon this heritage, Iona proudly launched its new global campus in County Mayo, Ireland, earlier this summer.
“Iona Ireland fosters a deeper connection—both spiritually and historically—to the legacy of our founders and our institution,” said President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “With this new home abroad, we renew our enduring commitment to the liberating power of education and look forward to building upon this new chapter in the years to come.”
Classes were held at the Westport House Estate, one of Ireland’s last privately-owned historic houses. Nestled on 400-acres with stunning views of Croagh Patrick, students took advantage of the lush grounds and serene learning environment.
To launch the new campus, Iona offered two inaugural courses: a nursing course on health care perspectives and a philosophy course exploring music, meaning and morality. During their two weeks abroad, students also applied classroom knowledge to real-world situations in keeping with Iona’s promise to “learn outside the lines.”
For instance, both undergraduate and accelerated nursing students spent time at Mayo University Hospital, where they strengthened their understanding of nursing practices under the guidance of Dr. Shery Watson, director of nursing and associate dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. Watson instructed students how to critically examine the nursing profession and explore various historical and theoretical frameworks while also delving into moral and legal issues.
Meanwhile, philosophy students uncovered the role of music in everyday experiences and considered its normative influence on morality. Dr. Alexander Eodice, faculty emeritus, led discussions through readings of classical and contemporary philosophical sources while also spending time immersed in local culture and musical performances.
From clinical observations in local hospitals to examining music and its relationship to morality, students gained a more comprehensive framework of the world at large.
The Impact of Experiential Learning
Emma Brannigan, a junior accounting and finance double major, highlighted how she was able to immerse herself in Irish culture, make new friends and explore a new country thanks to the experience abroad. Brannigan further emphasized the value of short-term study abroad programs, especially for students with rigorous majors like hers.
“This trip was perfect because it allowed me to travel while staying on course with my degree requirements,” she said. “Studying at the historic Westport House was incredible. I would absolutely love to do it again.”
Nursing students and faculty outside of Mayo University Hospital.
Brannigan, a student in the Honors Program, participated in the philosophy class. The course included thoughtful classroom discussions in the Westport House library amplified by live musical performances in town. The camaraderie among the students was also a significant aspect of her experience.
“Meeting new people was one of the biggest takeaways for me,” Brannigan said. “We all met at the airport, and from there, it was like we became a close-knit family.”
When Joey Silva ’24, a nursing student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, immersed himself in Ireland’s healthcare system, he noticed the country’s community-centric approach.
“Ireland’s healthcare system was much more community-based than what I have experienced here,” said Silva. “They also use much less technology than we are used to, which was interesting to observe and take part in.”
Reflecting on his experience beyond the classroom, Silva appreciated the opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Westport.
“I was able to meet a lot of locals who were very welcoming, and I grew
much closer to my classmates,” he said.
His most valuable takeaway?
“It would be the importance of taking time to consider each patient’s background and cultural values,” Silva said. “This is something we learn early in the nursing major but it was great to actually apply it and consider different values and belief systems on such a large scale.”
Students will once again have a chance to live and learn in Westport next
year, with classes in nursing and history scheduled for May 2025.
Empowering Future Nurses Globally
Richard ’81 and Kellie Gumersell, DNP, RN
“My valuable Iona education and Kellie’s career as a health care professional is the perfect combination for our support of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. We were excited to learn about the new campus in Ireland and are committed to supporting the global education of nursing students.”
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