Banner image: President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., addresses student leaders before cutting the ribbon on the new dining hall in the LaPenta Student Union on August 20, 2025.
Modern renovation transforms the LaPenta Student Union
A bold, student-centered renovation opens in the heart of the New Rochelle campus
Iona University proudly celebrated its newly renovated dining hall and student union with a ribbon cutting ceremony this summer, marking a major milestone in its ongoing commitment to elevating the student experience.
The 20,000-square-foot, two-story transformation of the LaPenta Student Union reflects a vibrant vision of campus life, one that fosters connection, curiosity and community.
We are excited to provide our students with this state-of-the-art dining facility at the center of campus,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “In addition to being aesthetically beautiful, it will facilitate cordial interactions among students, which will deepen the sense of community for which Iona is well-known.”
With sweeping views of the Murphy Green, Mazzella Field and the LaPenta School of Business, the dining hall maximizes natural light with expansive windows and retractable doors that open to outdoor patios.
Inside, students can enjoy upgraded campus favorites such as pizzas, pastas, hand-crafted deli sandwiches, international cuisine and more, alongside expanded healthy offerings such as vegan and vegetarian dishes, high-protein smoothies, gluten-free options and fresh, non-GMO snacks.
In a continued effort to enhance sustainability and the overall experience, the dining hall also now features reusable plates and silverware—adding that extra touch of comfort and environmental consciousness to every meal.
On the ground floor, a 6,000-square-foot student lounge and club meeting space provides multipurpose rooms for student organizations, cozy seating areas, flat-screen TVs and a striking gas fireplace. The lounge seamlessly connects to an updated, on-site Starbucks, offering an additional location for the campus community to gather.
“This entire space was built with students in mind,”
– Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
The project builds on Iona’s growing momentum under President Carey’s leadership. Following the successful debut of the 30,000-square-foot Murphy Green in 2022, this latest renovation further reinforces Iona’s commitment to developing dynamic spaces that ignite the campus community.
“This wonderful renovation on
campus will redefine how Gaels
continue to breathe new life into
our campus,” said Krisna Rivera
’26, president of Iona’s Student
Government Association. “I am
grateful to be in a community that invests in its students’ experience, both in and out of the classroom. I look forward to the many memories that will be shared in this dynamic new space.”
Image: Members of Iona men’s soccer sampling a variety of food options, including a new Wok station and made-to-order sandwiches.
Together with partners Chartwells Higher Education, SLAM Architecture and Consigli Construction, Iona has reimagined the LaPenta Student Union into a contemporary, open-concept hub for the entire Gael community.
“It’s about creating a place to
connect, build student leadership, relax with friends and learn in all the ways that happen beyond the classroom, as a community of Gaels,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “We are so excited for all that will come to life through this new space.”
Image: The new ground floor of the LaPenta Student Union invites students to gather around cozy seating and study spaces, a striking gas fireplace and highly engaging student meeting rooms.
Students pose for a quick pic as they celebrate the opening of the new dining hall.
Students enjoying the bright, open layout of the new dining hall, which feature views of both Mazzella Field and the Murphy Green.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.