[L-R] Kevin Malon, Acting Principal of Sacred Heart School; Barry O’Connor, CEO of Westport Estate; Cathal J. Hughes, Director of Westport Estate; and Michael Rabbett, Principal of Rice College.
20 November, Westport— Westport Estate and Iona University, New York, are pleased to announce a new scholarship programme that offers full-tuition support for students from Rice College and Sacred Heart School in Westport.
The scholarships, which cover tuition fees and on-campus accommodation at Iona University, provide a unique opportunity for students to study at a top-ranked Catholic institution located just outside New York City.
The programme opens new educational pathways for local young people, connecting Westport students with new experiences abroad, while remaining closely tied to their roots and community in Westport.
The initiative is part of the Westport Estate’s mission to transform the area into a premier tourist destination, filled with cultural, educational and immersive experiences as part of Westport Estate’s “Awaken Your Wild” project. The local community is central to the journey and the scholarships will inspire and empower young people, helping them to realise their potential through meaningful educational experiences.
“Inspiring learning is a core part of our ambitions for Westport Estate,” said Barry O’Connor, CEO of Westport Estate. “We hope this initiative will encourage local students to explore new opportunities and bring back the valuable experiences and insights they gain.”
Cathal J Hughes, Director of Westport Estate, added, “Our partnership with Iona University embodies our ongoing commitment to investing in the future of Westport’s young people, offering experiences that broaden their perspectives while staying deeply connected to our community’s heritage.”
The partnership with Iona University reflects a shared commitment to providing students with the tools and confidence to thrive both academically and personally.
“We’re delighted to partner with Westport Estate to offer students from the West of Ireland the opportunity to study at Iona,” said Kevin O’Sullivan, Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at Iona University. “Our aim is to create a supportive environment where they can grow and engage with a diverse community in New York.”
Michael Rabbett, Principal of Rice College, said: “This scholarship programme offers our students a unique opportunity to expand their horizons while maintaining a strong connection to their[JE1] Westport roots. With the generous support of Westport Estate, we look forward to seeing our students excel in a new academic environment and benefit from a world-class learning experience.”
Kevin Malon, Acting Principal of Sacred Heart School, said: “A full-tuition scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for our student, and we are grateful to Westport Estate and Iona University for making it a reality. This programme fosters a sense of community and personal growth, encouraging students to explore and learn in ways that will prepare them for the next stage of their lives.”
This initiative reinforces Westport Estate’s dedication to inspiring learning and supporting the community, providing local students with opportunities that broaden their horizons while deepening their connection to Westport.
Iona’s roots, meanwhile, are steeped in the rich Irish legacy of St. Columba, Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, who founded Iona in New York in 1940. Building upon this heritage, Iona launched a new global campus at Westport Estate in May 2024 and will return May 2025.
“Iona’s new home abroad helps students foster a deeper connection – both spiritually and historically – to the legacy of our founders and our institution,” said Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “We are thrilled to build upon this new chapter and look forward to welcoming deserving scholarship recipients to study with us in New York.”