Banner Image: Over 500 people attended the 2025 Trustees Scholarship Award Gala on April 8, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
2025 Trustees Gala Honors Partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian
Iona University raised a record-breaking $2 million to support student scholarships at its annual Trustees Scholarship Award Gala on April 8, 2025, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and chief executive officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, was presented with the esteemed Iona Legacy Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences.
Speaking to a capacity crowd of over 500 people, Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., recalled how he had wanted to develop a new school of health sciences when Iona initially acquired the Bronxville campus in May 2021. So, one day over breakfast, he discussed the idea with a trusted advisor and current Iona Trustee, Alfred F. Kelly Jr. ’80, ’81MBA, ’19H, retired chairman and CEO of Visa.
Unbeknownst to Dr. Carey at the time, Mr. Kelly is also a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Board of Trustees. He immediately brought the idea to Dr. Corwin, and Dr. Carey recalled how an introduction turned into a quick connection.
“Within two or three minutes, I realized Dr. Corwin had a vision for this school, how it would work, and how important it would be. The blueprint for the school was already in his mind before noon that day,” Dr. Carey said at the podium. “Fast-forward four years, and it is clear NewYork-Presbyterian and Iona not only share the same values; we share the same noble calling. Our job is to make the lives of the people we serve better.”
In accepting the award, Dr. Corwin thanked Mr. Kelly for facilitating the opportunity, as well as the Boards of NewYork-Presbyterian and Iona for their trust. He also praised Dr. Carey as a tremendous partner.
“Trust and partnership are words that get thrown around a lot, and I think to a certain extent, we have devalued those words a bit,” Dr. Corwin said. “Iona exhibits that this has been a true partnership.”
In addition to emceeing the event, Mr. Kelly also co-chaired the evening with his wife, Peggy Kelly ’81, ’84MBA. In Bronxville, the Kelly Center for Health Sciences is named in their honor and serves as the school’s flagship building. Mr. Kelly said the night was a wonderful celebration of the strong and growing partnership between Iona and NewYork-Presbyterian.
“Together, we are building a healthier, stronger and more connected community, and together we are planning the future of health care in Westchester and across New York City,” said Mr. Kelly. “Dr. Corwin’s visionary leadership, not just in health care, but in community building, has made a profound impact on all of us. And his dedication to both innovation and compassion is truly inspiring. We are so thankful for his continued support of Iona and our students.”
From left to right: Seamus Carey, Ph.D., President, Iona University; Steven J. Corwin, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian; and Alfred F. Kelly Jr. ’80, ’81MBA, ’19H, retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Visa.
Iona University nursing students Kathleen Fenlon ’25; Guadalupe Ceja ’25; Maya Peluso ’25; Molly Guillaume ’25; Ava Kotliar ’25; and Alyssa Urena ’25.
Performances by Iona University’s Irish Dance and Pipe Band kicked off the evening.
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