New Endowed Scholarship Opens Doors to Fashion Industry

When Allen Miller asked his wife Susan Davidson what she wanted for her milestone birthday, she didn't ask for a trip, a celebration, or a special gift Instead, she asked for something that would outlast any celebration: a scholarship for Marist fashion students. The request came from a place Allen knew well. For the past eight years, Susan has taught in Marist University's Fashion Department while serving on the Fashion Advisory Board, sharing lessons drawn from a career she started as a young buyer visiting and working with garment factories in mainland China and concluded 40 years later as a senior executive and CEO regularly attending the great runway shows of New York, Paris, and Milan. To honor Susan's career and commitment to teaching, Allen established the Susan Davidson Endowed Scholarship, creating a lasting source of support for future generations of Marist fashion students. "It was important to us that this gift benefit students directly," Allen said. "We wanted to create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach." The gift also reflects the couple's longstanding commitment to Marist. In addition to Susan's work with students, Allen serves on the Hudson River Valley Institute Advisory Board. Together, they have dedicated their time, expertise, and resources to supporting the University's mission. The perspectives they share with students are rooted in decades of international experience. Before settling in the Hudson Valley, both Susan and Allen built careers that took them around the world. "Susan brings a remarkable depth of global experience to the classroom, but what truly sets her apart is her commitment to students. She challenges them to think beyond the industry as they know it and helps them understand the broader business, cultural, and global forces that shape fashion today.” –Rebecca Brown, Fashion Department Chair Susan held various leadership roles in merchandising and product development with companies such as Bloomingdales and Federated Department stores before becoming President of DKNY Jeans, President of KateSpade, CEO of Scoop and CEO of Zac Posen. Allen's career included work in international law and business across Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, giving him firsthand experience navigating an increasingly global marketplace. "The students are incredibly career- focused," Susan said. "They're eager to learn and excited to connect what they're studying in the classroom to what happens in the real world." That drive is one of the reasons the couple chose to support experiential opportunities for students. Throughout their careers, both learned that some of the most important lessons happen beyond textbooks—through professional experiences, industry connections, mentorship, and exposure to new environments. For Allen, one opportunity stood out in particular: helping students access New York City and the countless learning opportunities it provides. "Transportation, networking events, industry programs—those costs add up," he said. "We wanted to help students take advantage of experiences that can make a real difference in their professional development." The gift serves as a tribute to the work Susan has done at Marist. Through her teaching, she has helped students understand not only the fashion industry itself, but the global business, legal, and cultural forces that shape it.  

A Bold Investment in the Future of Science and Health A $100 Million Strategic Initiative Expanding Programs, Partnerships, and State-of-the-Art Facilities

Marist University today announced a major new Science and Health Initiative anchored by a state-of-the-art academic facility, marking a strategic $100 million investment to strengthen Marist’s role in preparing the next generation of scientists and healthcare leaders. The Science and Health Initiative is a long-term strategy to address growing societal and workforce needs by:  Strengthening existing academic programs and launching new fields of study Attracting exceptional students and faculty Investing in modern facilities to advance team-based learning, research, and discovery Building on Marist’s distinctive “and” not “or” educational model – which combines a strong liberal arts foundation with hands-on, career-focused preparation – the Initiative aims to provide students with both deep technical expertise and the analytical, communication, and leadership skills needed in rapidly evolving scientific and clinical environments.  

Red Foxes raised more than $1.5 million in support of the student experience

The Marist community came together in a powerful way for the University’s third annual Day of Giving, raising more than $1.5 million in support of the student experience and engaging a record number of donors. Over a 24-hour period, Red Foxes showed up—fueling scholarships and athletics, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, strengthening academic programs, and enhancing the student experience across campus. "This year’s Day of Giving reflects the strength of the Marist community and the momentum we’re building together," said Kirk Swenson Vice President for Advancement. "Seeing more donors than ever before step forward in support of our students is incredibly meaningful, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together around a shared purpose."

Commitment from the Dyson Foundation advances the University’s continued momentum and expands access

Marist University has received the largest scholarship gift in its history; a transformative $5 million commitment from the Dyson Foundation, advancing the University’s continued momentum and expanding access to a Marist education.  Beginning in the 2026–27 academic year and distributed over 10 years, the investment will provide sustained scholarship support for students throughout the Hudson Valley, strengthening the University’s ability to recognize and support local talent in its home region.

Jason Myers made history on football's biggest stage with a record-setting performance in Super Bowl LX

When Jason Myers ’13 jogged onto the field for Super Bowl LX, he wasn’t just representing the Seattle Seahawks. He was carrying a little bit of Poughkeepsie with him, too. By the end of the night, the former Marist University standout had etched his name into NFL history. In Seattle’s 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots, Myers drilled a Super Bowl-record five field goals, accounting for 17 points and becoming the first Marist alumnus ever to play in—and win—a Super Bowl. Across campus and throughout Red Fox Nation, alumni group chats lit up, social media feeds exploded with pride, and students packed viewing parties to watch one of their own shine on football’s biggest stage. A native Californian, Myers arrived at Marist in 2009 and quickly became one of the most accomplished kickers in program history. His career started with immediate heroics: a game- winning field goal with two seconds remaining to defeat Georgetown. Two years later, he connected on a then- program-record 49-yard field goal at Davidson. Along the way, he built relationships that would last well beyond football. “The tight-knit community there,” Myers said while speaking with Marist students covering Super Bowl media week in California. “I think that helped me a lot coming from the West Coast. I still keep in touch with a lot of friends I played with and those I didn’t play with. I’m just so thankful for my time there and still having a following and all the support from those guys.” Among those relationships is his enduring friendship with retired Marist football head coach Jim Parady, who traveled to Seattle for the NFC Championship Game and later watched Myers compete in the Super Bowl in person. “Watching Jason grow from his time at Marist into one of the best in the world has been one of the joys of my career,” Parady said. “We’ve stayed close over the years, and that friendship means the world to me. I’m incredibly proud of everything he’s achieved.”   For Myers, the climb to NFL stardom was anything but guaranteed. Undrafted after graduating in 2013, Myers fought for opportunities through the Arena Football League before eventually earning a shot with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015. A breakout Pro Bowl season with the New York Jets followed in 2018, leading to a multi-year contract with Seattle. Since arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Myers has become one of the franchise’s most dependable players and its all-time leading scorer. His Super Bowl performance capped a historic season. Myers became the first player in NFL history to surpass 200 combined points in a single regular season and postseason, finishing with 206. His dominance even sparked rare conversations about whether a kicker could earn Super Bowl MVP honors. Yet even amid the national spotlight, Myers remained unmistakably grounded—calm before kickoff, composed during the game, and reflective afterward. “Before the game, I was expecting to feel more nerves,” Myers said during postgame television interviews. “I just knew that whenever my time was called, I was going to be ready for that moment.” Back at Marist, the celebration took on a life of its own. The University launched a special-edition Jason Myers bobblehead giveaway ahead of the game, while Marist sports communication students attending Super Bowl media week personally presented Myers with one of the collectibles. For many in the Marist community, the excitement extended beyond football. Myers’ journey—from an under-recruited kicker at an FCS program to a Super Bowl champion and NFL record-holder—reflected something larger about perseverance, loyalty, and the lasting bonds formed at Marist. “This is exciting for Jason and for Marist,” said longtime kicking coach Tom Kelly. “I am proud of the person Jason has become even more than the kicker he has become.”