“Curiosity is looking around corners. It’s trying to connect dots and unearth insights. Curiosity is what makes your work fulfilling.”
ALFRED F. KELLY JR. ’80, ’81MBA, ’19H
Commencement is a distinctive occasion for all graduates, and this year, Iona College’s 75th Annual Commencement Ceremonies, which took place on May 18, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City was especially memorable.
More than 1,000 students earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and many were awarded special honors. One student in particular received an extraordinary surprise. When Ivelisse Jenkins ’19 walked across the stage to receive her diploma, she was met by her husband, U.S. Army Specialist Nicho Jenkins, who had been stationed at Fort Drum. The couple had not seen each other in six months. Fellow graduates and their guests jumped to their feet with applause and smiles to share in Jenkins’ joy and express their appreciation for all military families.
Chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Visa, Inc., Alfred F. Kelly Jr. ’80, ’81MBA, ’19H kept up the excitement as he addressed the undergraduates, advising them on“the three Cs of leadership”—curiosity, courage and communications. “Curiosity is looking around corners. It’s trying to connect dots and unearth insights. Curiosity is what makes your work fulfilling.” He continued, “Courage is about speaking up. It’s about being a truth seeker and stepping up when challenges surface.” Finally, Kelly advised graduates to take care with their communication skills and know the difference between a friendly text and a professional email. “Check your spelling and grammar. I know, as my children have taught me, that typing the letter ‘u’ rather than typing ‘you’ is very efficient, but resist the temptation as you start your career and you look for your first job.”
“Each of you, each of us all, are unique and have special gifts…”
EILEEN IVERS ’87, ’19H
Finally, he encouraged the graduates to “Do what makes you happy. You are the CEO of your career; own it.”
The master’s degree graduates were addressed later in the afternoon by Eileen Ivers ’87, ’19H Grammy Award winner and Emmy-nominated Irish musician. “Each of you, each of us all, are unique and have special gifts,” she reminded the graduates. “Recognize them. Nurture them. Own them. Use them to set high goals and exceed those goals.” Ivers credited Iona for the influence it had on her and her life, saying, “My time at Iona shaped me. It fueled me. It ignited a love of lifelong learning and propelled me to carve a life that would hopefully make a difference.” Ivers thrilled the audience when she took up her fiddle and played an original piece. When she finished playing, she remarked, “Life is one big improvisation.” And she advised students, “Find your passion. Make your melody your own, and don’t be afraid to improvise.”
For their ethical leadership and service to others, Kelly was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration; Ivers was awarded a Doctor of Arts; and Board of Trustees member Andrew J. Dolce ’57, ’19H founder and chairman emeritus of Dolce Hotels and Resorts, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration for his ethical leadership, his generosity in sharing his wisdom, and his enduring commitment to his alma mater.
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