Marist has received a transformative $250,000 pledge from George ’91 and Deborah Koutsaftes to establish the Koutsaftes Family Business Innovation Lab in the Dyson Center. Their investment will empower faculty and students in the School of Management to expand experiential learning through hands-on projects, applied research, and opportunities that bring classroom concepts to life.
The gift will directly fund new initiatives, including faculty grants to pilot innovative courses, support for student organizations to attend national competitions, and resources for career development. In addition, the gift will fund access to new technologies, tools, and software that connect academic experiences to the real world, helping students document co-curricular learning, build professional competencies, and engage with industry-standard platforms used across today’s workforce. Funds are also helping the School of Management faculty benchmark and learn from leading institutions about best practices for experiential learning.
“This gift unlocks the possibility for faculty and students to do some big things very quickly,” said Dean Will Lamb. “It’s the kind of catalytic support that accelerates innovation. By having the funds in hand, it creates a very different conversation for the team when we ask them for new ideas. They know that, if they have a great idea, we can move forward with it now.”
For George Koutsaftes ’91, a former Honeywell executive and member of the School of Management Advisory Board, the motivation was personal. “I wanted to invest in experiences—real-world opportunities and technology that help students grow as thinkers, leaders, and professionals.”
A proud alumnus and seasoned business leader, Koutsaftes brings more than three decades of corporate leadership experience, having risen through the ranks at Honeywell, and ultimately serving as CEO of one of the company’s largest divisions. He has long championed student success at Marist, mentoring young professionals and supporting initiatives that blend classroom learning with real-world applications. His and Deborah’s latest gift continues that legacy—advancing Marist’s vision for innovative, hands-on business education.
George and Deborah Koutsaftes
The Koutsaftes’ focus on experiential learning aligns with Marist 100 and the School of Management’s vision to expand access to applied, interdisciplinary learning through the Business Innovation Lab. This critical initiative will provide students with the tools, resources, and opportunities to connect with faculty mentors, alumni partners, and industry leaders—cultivating the entrepreneurial mindset and professional agility that define today’s business landscape.
George and Deborah’s generosity ensures that future Red Foxes will not only learn about business innovation, but practice it every day.
Marist’s new Gartland Commons Track and Turf Field has only been open for a few months, but it has already transformed daily life at Marist. From sunrise runs to late-evening practices, the complex hums with energy—serving Division I teams, club athletes, casual joggers, and students who simply want a beautiful place to move and reset.
For many, it has quickly become a favorite spot on campus.
“I love running before my early morning classes, and since I live in the north end it’s so nice to have the track right there,” said Lindsey Mascia ’26. “It’s super pretty during the morning, and I get to be outside before I start my busy day.”
A Long Awaited Home
For Marist’s Division I track and field and cross-country programs, the new facility fulfills a long-held dream: a true on-campus home.
“The track at Gartland Commons is a dream come true for our program,” said Pete Colaizzo, Director of Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field. “Now, we have an on-campus home and a place where student-athletes in all our event groups can share in our daily pursuit to be better. In addition, this will be a boost for our recruiting efforts, as future Foxes can see first-hand what we have to offer.”
The complex also serves lacrosse, soccer, and other DI programs, as well as intramural and club teams, broadening its reach across the campus community.
Powered by Generosity
The opening of the facility is the direct result of a groundswell of philanthropy and leadership.
Fundraising for the track and turf began in 2023 with a lead matching challenge from Marist Trustee Tim Tenney, whose gift inspired alumni, families, and friends to step forward in support. From significant leadership commitments to named spaces and commemorative bricks, the project has become a testament to the passion and loyalty of the Marist Athletics community.
The momentum continues to build, as donors recognize the impact this facility has on student-athlete experience, recruitment, wellness, and Marist’s broader vision for vibrant campus life.
“This project is a reflection of what happens when alumni and friends rally around a shared goal,” said Tenney. “The track and turf field will elevate the student-athlete experience for years to come—and strengthen the spirit of community that makes Marist special.”
A Space That Belongs to Everyone
While the facility supports Marist’s 23 Division I teams, its purpose extends far beyond athletics. Students, faculty, and staff use the track for walking, jogging, intramurals, fitness, or simply to clear their minds.
“What I like about the track is that it’s open to everyone,” said Megan Doshi ’26. “Whether you’re an athlete, a casual jogger, or just walking with friends, it gives you a place to move, reset, and enjoy the campus.”
Celebrating Together: Track & Field Alumni Day
To mark the opening, alumni, families, and friends of the cross country and track and field programs were invited to Track & Field Alumni Day and the Victory Lap celebration in September 2025. The event offered a first look at the facility—and a chance for Forever Foxes to take a ceremonial lap.
“We’re really excited to welcome back our Marist Cross Country/Track family,” Colaizzo said. “It will truly be a celebration for our loyal alumni base, as well as for family and friends of our current and past teams.”
Looking Ahead: Phase Two on the Horizon
The opening of the track and turf field marks a major milestone, but the vision for Gartland Commons is far from complete. Phase Two—now in development—will further expand the complex into a premier home for Marist Athletics and student wellness.
Plans include enhanced spectator areas, improved athlete support spaces, and additional infrastructure designed to elevate both training and game-day experiences. These upgrades will strengthen recruiting, create more opportunities for student engagement, and transform the north end of campus into a vibrant hub of activity.
As momentum continues, philanthropy will again play a critical role.
“Phase One shows what’s possible when the Marist community comes together,” said Trustee Tim Tenney. “Phase Two builds on that success—ensuring our student-athletes have the resources they deserve and our campus continues to thrive.”
Stay tuned for more information about the celebration that will be held in spring 2026 for alumni, families, and friends who have supported the project.
“More than a state-of-the-art athletic facility, the Gartland Commons track and turf has become a symbol of momentum—for Marist Athletics, for student wellness, and for the University’s commitment to building spaces that bring people together,” said Director of Athletics Tim Murray.
Marist University has received a generous gift from Jim Elliot ’75 and his wife Barbara Emerson established the Elliott Family Trust Scholarship, a new endowed fund that provides financial support to Marist softball student-athletes. The scholarship celebrates Jim's deep connection to the University and his belief in the power of athletics to shape strong, confident leaders.
“Marist shaped so much of who I am today,” said Jim “The friendships, the lessons, the sense of community—it all stayed with me. Supporting the softball program felt like the perfect way to give back and help future Red Foxes create those same experiences.”
A proud alumnus and supporter of Marist Athletics, Jim has long been inspired by the determination and character of Red Fox student-athletes. He hopes the scholarship will help deserving players pursue both their academic and athletic goals—continuing the proud tradition of excellence that defines Marist Softball.
“This gift honors the legacy of our softball program and the student-athletes who give their all to represent Marist,” said Joe Ausanio, head coach of the University's softball program. “It provides resources that allow our players to focus on their studies, their game, and their growth as people.”
In addition to helping students, Jim’s generosity reinforces the University’s mission to empower scholar-athletes through opportunity, mentorship, and teamwork. “Gifts like this inspire others to give back and invest in the next generation of Red Foxes,” said Kirk Swenson, Vice President for Advancement.
Through the Elliott Family Trust Scholarship, Elliott is leaving a legacy that will strengthen Marist Softball—and the lives of its student-athletes—for years to come.
Marist University welcomed students, business leaders, faculty, and staff to campus this fall for the annual Hudson Valley Scholars Reception—an event that celebrates one of the University’s longest-standing commitments to local talent and community partnership.
For more than 25 years, the Hudson Valley Scholars program has connected generous regional businesses with high-achieving students across the seven counties of the Hudson Valley, providing essential financial support and strengthening the local workforce.
Last year alone, more than $90,000 was contributed by 51 Hudson Valley businesses, helping 330 students pursue their education at Marist. These scholars represent the best of the region—first-generation students, commuters and residents, and students ready to contribute to the future of the Hudson Valley.
Executive Vice President Dr. Geoff Brackett reflected on the University’s longstanding commitment to community, one of the founding ideals of the Marist Brothers. He noted that the program embodies the Expansive Community pillar of Marist 100 by strengthening partnerships that enrich both Marist and the greater region.
The event also featured remarks from Jared Kerin ’26, a computer science and cybersecurity major supported by the program throughout his four years at Marist. “Being a Hudson Valley Scholar has meant more than financial support,” he shared. “It’s given me opportunities, confidence, and a community that believes in my future.”
November 4, 2025 — Campus buzzed with activity October 24–26 as hundreds of Marist alumni and their families returned for the University’s annual Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Across the two days of shared memories and gatherings, Red Foxes from across generations filled campus with energy and pride—reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating the Marist community that always feels like home.
December 9, 2025 — A flood of nominations — more than 350 in all — kicked off Marist University’s new Athletics Hall of Fame with major momentum. Now the selection committee is officially on deck: a lineup of alumni and campus leaders with deep ties to the NFL, WNBA, ESPN, college athletics, and the national sports media landscape.
Students toured the entertainment company's Manhattan offices, attended an alumni panel discussion, and even sat on the iconic Forrest Gump bench in a day filled with networking and learning how Red Fox connections can open doors in the industry.
November 18, 2025 — Marist has formally dedicated Sammon House, a newly restored campus landmark that honors the legacy of admired Marist Brother Seán Sammon, FMS, and gives the University a new space to build community through intimate gatherings and engaging conversations—oftentimes over a meal.
