From left: Seamus Carey, PhD, President, Iona University; Steven J. Corwin, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian; and Alfred F. Kelly, '80, '81MBA, '19H, retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Visa
In 2021, NewYork-Presbyterian partnered with Iona University to create the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences, to build a new vision for collaborative health care education, modern workforce development and community engagement.
In April, supporters of Iona gathered to celebrate the school’s annual Trustees Scholarship Award Gala and honor Dr. Steven J. Corwin, President and CEO of NYP, an event that raised a record-breaking $2 million for student scholarships.
Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., speaking to a crowd of over 500, recalled how he had wanted to develop a new school of health sciences when Iona was initially acquiring their Bronxville campus in May 2021. But it was only the seed of an idea.
One day, over breakfast, Dr. Carey discussed the idea with a trusted advisor and current Iona Trustee, Alfred F. Kelly Jr. ’80, ’81MBA, ’19H, who is also a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Board of Trustees. Mr. Kelly immediately brought the idea to Dr. Corwin, and Dr. Carey recalled how an introduction turned into a quick connection. From there the mission of establishing a cutting-edge community-focused institution caught on.
“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,” said Dr. Carey. “Fast-forward four years, and it is clear NewYork-Presbyterian and Iona not only share the same values, we share the same noble calling.”
Dr. Corwin was presented with the Iona Legacy Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. “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. And when you’re a partner, it’s not just transactional; you think about the other partner, you think about what’s good for them and not just what’s good for you. And you have trust that you both share the same set of values, and that those values will guide you forward.”
He also recognized six Iona nursing students graduating in May—announcing that they will be hired by NewYork-Presbyterian.
“These young nurses who are graduating really demonstrate that people care about other people, that humanism runs deep, that faith runs deep, and that we can all strive to emulate those values that we profess to have,” Dr. Corwin said. “When you look around this room tonight, you have to believe in the future of our country and the future of all the young people that we educate and train in health care.”
