Iona College reopened Hynes Center West on Feb. 3 after renovations announced in August of 2020 finished. 

The center was opened with Dean of Students Joel Quintong, Father Gerard Mulvey, senior and Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Gabriel Finch and senior and Campus Minister Kate Schmitt.  

Fr. Mulvey helped reopen the cardio and weight room by blessing the room with a prayer and holy water while Schmitt and Finch praised the new renovations. 

“I just want to thank the entire Iona community for spending the time to upgrade these facilities, between the varsity weight room and the cardio room,” Finch said in a YouTube video posted by Iona Gaels. “I think it’s really going to improve the student-athlete and student experience here at Iona, so I’m really thankful to be able to be here and enjoy it for one last semester.” 

Schmitt, who’s a member of Iona SAAC and on the women’s water polo team, echoed Finch’s praises for the Iona community. 

“I definitely think that having this opportunity to exercise for student-athletes and the general student population alike is very important,” Schmitt said.  

Fr. Mulvey expressed hope for good use out of the fitness room for all those who use it in his blessing prayer.  

“May they find this space to help them physically but also spiritually as well,” Fr. Mulvey said. “May it be a place to deepen friendships, team spirit, as well as the spirit that makes us Gaels.” 

A list of guidelines being implemented by Iona’s athletic department can be found here.