Investment strengthens the School of Management’s hands-on, career-focused curriculum

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. 

Highlighting student achievement and regional collaboration

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.”