Iona College graduates heard inspiring speeches from an alumnus who started a nationwide trend.

Patrick Quinn was the co-founder of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and also a graduate of Iona.

A compilation of Quinn’s messages used as he campaigned to raise funds for Lou Gehrig’s Disease were played for the graduating students and those in attendance.

“I want you to know that you can be great no matter what life throws your way,” Quinn said.

Quinn died in November 2020 at the age of 37, but his legacy remains at Iona.

Olivia Santos says seeing him speak at commencement reminded them that he is still with us, and he really did leave a legacy.

“Iona is always going to be here for Pat Quinn,” Santos says. “We’re his biggest fans.”

Quinn was diagnosed with ALS in 2013 and went on to help raise over $220 million for medical research through the Ice Bucket Challenge, which continues to be a yearly tradition at the school.