Iona University Celebrates Newly Renovated Dining Hall, Student Union

BCW Member Iona University proudly celebrated its newly renovated dining hall and student union with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Wednesday, 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 Seamus Carey, Ph.D., president of Iona University. “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 enhance 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.

Peter L. Bonacci, regional vice president for Chartwells Higher Education, noted that in addition to the new food options and classic favorites, the project also expands the use of ordering kiosks and other convenient solutions such as the LSU Market, featuring Amazon “Just Walk Out” technology for grab-and-go and quick bites. “Chartwells and Iona University continue to create unique dining and gathering spaces, which have flexible culinary and technology-driven solutions,” said Bonacci. “I have been involved with Iona’s dining program since 2009 and am truly humbled and inspired every day by what Iona University has done to continue to enhance the campus community for the future.”

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,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, senior vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. “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. We are so excited for all that will come to life through this new space.”

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.

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, inclusive spaces that unify and ignite the campus.

“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.”