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.
Two Transformational Gifts Expand Student Opportunity
Marist University is celebrating two multimillion-dollar gifts that reflect growing confidence in the University’s future and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, academic excellence, and student success.
One gift strengthens Marist’s ability to act with agility and vision through unrestricted support; the other expands a signature scholarship and leadership program rooted in history and civic engagement.
Together, these gifts underscore the power of philanthropy to shape lives and help Marist deliver on the bold goals of its Marist 100 strategic plan.
McCormick Family Foundation Gift Expands Long Reach Society
Through a generous multimillion-dollar pledge, alumni Genine and Michael McCormick ’88/’88/P’16 have expanded the Long Reach Society and Scholarship program, an academic and leadership initiative for students pursuing majors or minors in History and American Studies.
Students selected to the Long Reach Society receive more than scholarship support—they gain access to immersive civic engagement opportunities, research experiences, mentorship, and a tight-knit academic community.
The program includes partnerships with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the FDR Presidential Library, and Marist’s own Centers for Civic Engagement and Public Opinion.
“Their gift does so much to advance several of the ambitious priorities outlined in Marist 100,” said President Weinman. “The Long Reach Society attracts talented students, surrounds them with support and challenge, and offers transformational learning experiences that prepare them for a lifetime of leadership.”
The McCormicks’ investment will expand the program to serve more students, with a vision to ultimately include 40 scholars. The family has a long history of philanthropic leadership at Marist, from establishing the McCormick Family Foundation to supporting the Marist Fund and naming McCormick Hall.
“We hope this gift inspires Marist students across all academic disciplines to explore history and engage with the world around them,” said Genine. “Studying and understanding history is important across all industries and essential to becoming responsible global citizens.”
Unrestricted Support Strengthens University Priorities
A generous multimillion-dollar gift from an anonymous alumna—one of the largest unrestricted donations in Marist’s history— will provide the University with critical flexibility to address emerging priorities and invest in high-impact areas.
These include scholarships, academic innovation, faculty support, and enhancements to campus resources that directly benefit students.
“This gift is an investment in Marist’s future and in the students who will go on to make a difference in the world,” said President Kevin Weinman. “These funds give us the agility to act in real time to enhance academic offerings, support students and faculty, and seize new opportunities that advance our mission.”
The donor’s generosity builds on a wave of recent momentum at Marist, including a record-breaking Day of Giving and other leadership commitments. The gift also accelerates the goals of Marist 100, the University’s strategic plan to elevate the student experience and expand Marist’s reach and reputation.
