Now enrolled in graduate school in London, England, Diana Kazarian ’24 represents Marist’s 95% success rate for new alumni.
Spring in Poughkeepsie. Summer in Venice. Fall in London.
It’s only been a few short months since her emotional Commencement in May, but Diana Kazarian ’24 has already been pursuing new artistic heights, bringing her creative vision and curatorial talents to life on the world stage and defining success on her own terms.
“Finishing one chapter is always emotional,” she said. “But you can’t grow by
staying in one place. I knew there was so much ahead—Venice and London were calling.”
Now equipped with her bachelor’s degree, Diana admits that her Marist experience was both a fundamental part of her artistic development, as well as a huge shift from her life in Krasnodar, a city in the south of Russia, where she was born.
“My time at Marist was multifaceted and diverse,” Diana said. “It was a huge change from my previous life, but it was exactly what I needed.”
While at Marist, Diana grew both academically and creatively, jumping on each new opportunity that came her way.
In 2023, she became the first student to curate the annual faculty exhibition, despite having no prior curatorial experience.
“Like a sculptor faced with a new medium, she embraced the challenge and learned to navigate the complexities of curation and interpersonal dynamics with finesse,” said Professor Ed Smith, who taught Dianna’s 3D design course.
But her unique experiences continued, and within a few short weeks of earning her degree, Diana, along with 16 Marist students, flew to Venice, Italy, as part of the Marist Venice Biennale Program. This experiential learning opportunity allowed her and her fellow Marist students to integrate complex art elements and perspectives at one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world.
For Diana, her role as spectator at the Biennale continued to build momentum for the curatorial prowess she developed as a student at Marist and highlighted her emerging role as a transformative force in the art world.
Smith describes her evolution with admiration. “Every piece she has created was deeply thought out and bordering on genius. The more she worked, the more formidable she became,” he said.
A leader among her peers, Diana often sought out Ed’s advice, leaning into his role as mentor and eventually expressing her desire to pursue art in graduate school.
“I encouraged her to aim for the best,” he said. Together, they spent weeks shaping her proposal for the Royal College of Art, a prestigious arts and design college located in London, England.
Smith was not at all surprised when Diana was accepted. “She’s a rare talent. Her commitment to her craft, her vision—it’s all singular and brilliant.”
Now, as Diana pursues her curatorial studies in London, she joins the 95% of Marist Alumni who are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation. She’s fresh on the heels of earning her degree and focused on exploring and refining her unique artistic voice.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Diana is determined to continue shaping the art world with every project and exhibit she undertakes.
“I don’t believe in limiting myself with a single definition of success. To define is to limit,”
she said. “Ed always taught us that it’s the small steps, the ongoing dialogue between opportunities and what we as artists can give back, that matters most.”
Former Marist Rower Makes Olympic Debut with Win for Team USA in 2024
Chris Carlson, a key member of the Marist men’s rowing team from 2015 to 2017, secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Carlson rowed in the 5-seat of the USA Heavyweight Eight, finishing with a time of 5:25.28.
This marked Carlson’s Olympic debut, and he has now competed on six U.S. National teams.
“It starts out as a dream. I watched Michael Phelps in 2008 when he won eight gold medals. You hold onto that Olympic dream for a really long time,” said Carlson of his win. “I was really grateful for all the messages and support from the Marist community, my teammates from Marist, and the athletics department.”
At Marist, Carlson rowed in both the Varsity Four and Varsity Eight. In both seasons, he participated in the IRA Championships with the Varsity Four and won the MAAC championship in the Varsity Eight in 2016. He also set a new school record in the 2K Erg test, breaking a record that had stood for over 15 years.
In the summer of 2017, Carlson was chosen to compete in the U.S. Rowing U23 National Team Selection Camp. The previous year, he rowed with the U23 development team at Vesper Rowing Club.
Originally from Bedford, New Hampshire, Carlson rowed at Brewster Academy, where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. He later completed his collegiate rowing career at the University of Washington.
“This past summer it was exhilarating for me personally and for the members of the program and his classmates to watch Chris represent the USA on the world stage,” said Rowing Coach Campbell Woods. “Chris has a special genetic gift for rowing with high strength and stamina but it’s important to note that talent alone does not make an athlete; Chris was driven to succeed, and he was relentless in his pursuit of his training.”
Marist is excited to announce the launch of the Marist Alumni Ambassador Program (MAAP), inviting alumni to help recruit future generations of Red Foxes.
Available to over 50,000 Marist alumni worldwide, the program supports new student recruitment and outreach, while providing alumni the opportunity to support Marist in a different way.
MAAP’s aim is to provide crucial support by engaging alumni in the recruitment process to identify and connect with talented prospective students. The program reinforces key goals outlined in Marist 100, supporting the talented and diverse faculty, staff, and students that underpin the Expansive Community pillar of the strategic plan.
“Working together with our alumni community as they share their passion for Marist with future Red Foxes reflects the ongoing impact on graduates,” said Corinne Schell ’83, Director of the Alumni Admission Program. “Their support signifies a commitment to the success of both individual alumni and Marist
as a whole.”
Alumni who join the program will collaborate with the Office of Admission by representing Marist at local college fairs, attending receptions, and participating in college sponsored events on and off campus. These personal connections made by alumni volunteers often inspire prospective students and families to join the Marist community.
“I became an ambassador to give back to Marist and stay connected with the changes since I graduated,” said Davis Ka’imipono Haas ’21, a resident of Hawaii. “It’s rewarding to use my experiences to help potential students see how Marist can shape their future. I love reassuring students here about the ‘mainland’ experience and providing guidance to those facing the challenges of being far from home.”
Interested in joining the program? Submit your application today!
Angel Macias Madrigal ’28 is pioneering the role as Marist’s first-ever Ralph Lauren Scholar
Angel Macias Madrigal ’28 is pioneering the role as Marist’s first-ever Ralph Lauren Scholar. The prestigious $100,000 scholarship, established by Ralph Lauren to support underrepresented students in fashion, covers tuition for four years and includes mentorship, an internship, and post-graduation opportunities with the company.
Angel, a native of Los Angeles, brings a unique background in both fashion and advocacy. A self-taught designer, he has several years of experience in garment construction and tailoring, alongside three years dedicated to Native American activism focused on social justice and representation. During high school, he also interned at a law firm, where he combined office duties with creative projects,including designing branded materials for community events.
Jennifer Finn, Chair of Marist’s Fashion Program, praised Angel, stating, “Angel’s thoughtful perspective and enthusiasm truly embody the spirit of our Fashion program. We are thrilled to see him thrive with the Ralph Lauren Design Scholars program.”
The Ralph Lauren Scholarship program at Marist aims to increase educational opportunities for underrepresented students in the fashion industry by removing financial barriers and providing resources and support. This scholarship is the latest collaboration between Marist and Ralph Lauren, building on last year’s initiative that allowed underrepresented high school students to take pre-college classes at Marist’s Poughkeepsie campus.
“I never imagined that my passion for fashion, largely self-taught, would lead to an award like this,” said Angel. “I’m eager to gain insights from my mentors and give back to Indigenous communities through my work in fashion. ”The scholarship allows me to pursue my love for design and explore academic interestslike psychology.
