Kicker Makes Pro Bowl, Leads NFL in Scoring, Makes Playoffs

Marist graduate Jason Myers completed a magnificent 2022 season for the Seattle Seahawks, one which was complete with late-game heroics, postseason play, outstanding statistics, and terrific accolades.Myers is in his eighth season in the NFL as a placekicker and his fourth with the Seahawks. On the last day of the NFL regular season on Sunday, Jan. 8, Myers’ 32-yard field goal in overtime lifted the Seahawks to a 19–16 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. This result, coupled with the Detroit Lions’ victory over the Green Bay Packers, secured a playoff berth for the Seahawks. Although Seattle fell to San Francisco in the wildcard round, Myers made his presence felt with a 56-yard field goal on the final play of the first half.Myers was rewarded with his second career trip to the Pro Bowl and was named First Team All-Pro by the NFL Players’ Association. In the 2022 regular season, Myers led the NFL in scoring with 143 points. He converted 34 of his 37 field goal attempts and 42 of his 43 extra point tries. He also had 54 touchbacks on kickoffs.Myers is a 2013 Marist graduate who was a four-year member of the football program from the 2009 through 2012 seasons. He set the program record for longest field goal in 2011, which came from 49 yards out. That mark was equaled by Luke Paladino in 2019.Myers started his NFL career in Jacksonville. He kicked for the Jaguars from 2015 to 2017 before enjoying a Pro Bowl season with the New York Jets in 2018. He then signed a multiyear contract with Seattle in March of 2019. 

10 Jan 2023

Women’s Basketball Coach Brian Giorgis celebrated after his final home game for making a huge impact both on and off the court.

Women’s Basketball Coach Brian Giorgis celebrated after his final home game for making a huge impact both on and off the court.

02 Mar 2023

1970s band reunites

The rock band Sutton Ho, which formed at Marist in the early 1970s, got back together this past year — but only for dinner. They reunited in June at Keens Steakhouse in New York City.Sutton Ho was comprised of five Marist students: John Kaefer ’73 (drums), George Dawson ’71 (keyboards), Tom Meehan ’74 (bass), Kevin Dwyer ’72 (guitar), and Bob Coffin ’73 (vocals).After winning a band contest on campus, they played in clubs regionally in 1971 and 1972. They landed a much sought-after gig as the house band at the Mad Hatter in the Hamptons during summer 1972 before circumstances caused the band to fold in the fall of ’72.

24 Feb 2023

The event Oct. 28–30 featured reunion celebrations for the 25-, 30-, and 40-year classes, plus three 50th reunion classes — the Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972.

Picture the perfect autumn day, a tailgate with food trucks offering fare ranging from tacos, empanadas, and fresh apple-cider doughnuts to lobster bisque, chicken, steak, and Liège waffles served out the window of a polished, vintage Airstream, capped off by a football game where the Red Foxes triumphed, and you have Marist Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2022. The event Oct. 28–30, organized by the Alumni Office, featured reunion celebrations for the 25-, 30-, and 40-year classes, plus three 50th reunion classes — the Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 — due to the “pause” that COVID-19 put on celebrations the past two years. All alumni, even those not marking a reunion, were invited to attend.The weekend kicked off with a welcome luncheon for the 50-year classes on Oct. 28. The annual Alumni Awards presentation that evening honored Patrick D. Massaroni ’10, Patrice Connolly Pantello ’76, and Paul J. Browne ’71. For more about the awardees, visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyIx3idSkxJloJBfTtv5-IMBhCwqFCGu2Honored at the 13th annual Theatre Hall of Fame Induction were, left to right, (standing) Mark Giuffre ’85, Vinnie Begley ’70, (sitting) Justin R. Santore McManus ’10, Irene Elias ’17, and Victoria Kirichok-Pratt ’93.Activities Oct. 29 included receptions for student–athlete alumni, a cappella singers, other members of the Music Program, Center for Multicultural Affairs alumni, Marist Abroad alumni, Student Government Association alumni, and LGBTQ+ alumni. Marist’s theatre tradition was saluted at the 13th annual Theatre Hall of Fame induction. Honored for their outstanding contributions to theatre at the College were: Vinnie Begley ’70. Mark Giuffre ’85, Victoria Kirichok-Pratt ’93, Justin R. Santore McManus ’10, and Irene Elias ’17.That night, the Heritage Classes (1947–1966) and 50-year classes gathered for a reception and dinner in the Murray Student Center on campus. Meanwhile, the Class of 1982 took over Marist’s historic Cornell Boathouse and the Class of 1992 and the Class of 1997 each celebrated in downtown Poughkeepsie at the Academy and Refinery 51 respectively.On Oct. 30, Swimming and Diving alumni and their families and friends joined teammates, coaches and friends for breakfast and a round of golf at the 13th annual Swimming and Diving Alumni Golf Outing.Earlier in 2022, the Alumni Office held its first June Reunion Weekend. The 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year reunion classes were invited to campus June 11–12 to celebrate their milestone reunions. Activities included children’s games, Hudson River cruises, a Marist Poll presentation, campus tours, alumni kickball games, a Marist Fund donor reception, and a River Fest on the riverfront.  

24 Feb 2023

History is made as alumni from across the country return to campus for one special weekend.

Three classes gathered on campus in October to mark their half-century reunions. Alumni from locations across the country, including California, Illinois, Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia as well as the Northeast, made their way to Poughkeepsie to reconnect with classmates, faculty, and members of the greater Marist community. Fifty volunteers served from one to three years on their respective reunion planning committees, reaching out to friends old and new. “Zoom” became a welcomed resource. The weekend featured receptions, campus tours, a football game, a tailgate, and a gala dinner. The Classes of 1970 and 1971 met their inaugural scholarship recipients, and the Class of 1972 launched its scholarship drive. Alumni who could not travel to the Hudson Valley were remembered through the many stories shared. A memorial service celebrated the lives and friendships of classmates. Deans provided updates on academic programs and new initiatives, underscoring the College’s commitment to providing an excellent liberal arts education. The campus offered spectacular views from all points—with smiles all arounhe Class of 1971 at their 50-year reunionMembers of the Class of 1971 celebrated 50 years since graduation.Members of the Class of 1972 reconnected at their 50-year reunion. 

30 Mar 2023

Danisha Craig ’18 made her mark in the Marist record books as a member of the track team. Now she is part of the team at the US Department of Energy, achieving her goal of a career in public service.

Danisha Craig '18 is a Senate legislative affairs advisor within the Department of Energy in Washington, DC.

08 Dec 2022

As of Jan. 1, 2022, through Jan. 20, 2023

AlumniDr. Martin A. Lang ’51Thomas F. O’Connor ’53Thomas G. Murphy ’55Joseph A. McKiernan ’56Joseph J. McGrath ’57Bro. Joseph Maura, FMS ’58Bro. Ernest G. Beland ’62Anthony V. Campilii ’62/’79MBAMaurice H. Lachance Jr. ’63Michael B. Feddeck ’66Michael J. Ward III ’66John J. Winkelman ’66Eugene J. Connors ’67John Hollingsworth ’68Capt. Paul X. Rinn ’68, USN Ret.Bro. Joseph P. Scanlon, FMS ’68Barry J. Fraser ’69Myron Korykora ’69Gary J. Lindstrom ’69Peter G. Bavis ’70Joseph T. Negler ’70Arthur J. Smith ’70William J. Spampinato ’70Dr. B. James Vaughan ’70Richard A. Belz ’71James A. Eaton ’71Robert Pavlovic ’71Patricia Rittenhouse ’71Cheryl C. Bradley ’72Dr. Brian J. Minasian ’72/’86MARichard J. Cairns ’73Laurie Clare ’73Frank J. Lovallo Jr. ’73John P. Zappe ’73Arthur G. Eichler ’74Ernest A. Arico Jr. ’76Clifford B. Schoonmaker Jr. ’76Hector L. Tejeda ’77Charles A. Schreck ’79James F. Kemmis ’80James A. Pagliaro ’80Barbara J. Schelin ’80Gary T. Steltz ’80James M. Doherty ’81Patricia Nishball ’81MBAThomas P. Riozzi ’81MBAJames V. Yardley ’81Sally J. Petro ’82Ruth E. Warren ’82Hiram Driscoll ’84MBAJeanmarie Arnold ’85Louis F. Cava ’85Kevin J. Breen ’87Karen Ely ’88Edward J. Gaus, MD ’88Daniel V. Greco ’89Robert A. Kenny ’89Lawrence P. Lay ’89Joseph J. Filardi Jr. ’91Matthew V. Phung ’91Bruce W. Thomason ’91Daniel H. Massey ’92Julie E. Pazera ’92Ronald L. Vece ’92Maureen E. Dobbs ’95Jeffrey P. Sullivan ’99/’02MBASarah J. McChesney ’00Carol L. Leasure ’02Douglas Knapp ’03Thomas D. Tavino ’03Brandon J. Ellerbee ’05Carl M. Hessick ’05MBAKristine N. Morgan ’09MALucas A. Benson ’10Jason M. Giani ’10Vincent J. Bocchino ’15Christopher M. Naughton ’16FriendsWilliam BarbashDr. Eileen BestPhilip K. Boyle Sr.Rev. Msgr. John BrinnPaul E. BurkeClaire CarlsonBarbara CarpenterLeo DenaultGeorge M. DowningMichael EffronElaine GreenspanDr. Joan E. HoopesJohn E. Mack IIIMichael MaletJ. Joseph McGowanSusan G. McHughVictoria PlataniaHerbert RedlSueAnn RedlMary RitzLillian SakkasMichael J. Tomkovitch, Esq.Timothy J. WillisEileen ZyskStaffDr. Pamela J. HarperTrusteesEllen M. HancockBro. Sean D. Sammon, FMS ’70 

20 Jan 2023

Alumni work together on Olympics broadcasts.

Four Marist alumni worked on the 2022 Olympics for NBC in the network’s Stamford, CT, facility: Todd Bivona ’07, CJ Bottitta ’93, John Gilmartin ’75, and Kaare Numme ’00.

09 Dec 2022

Marist grads return to campus to assist students in career pursuits

Alumni returned to Marist to meet one on one with students at the VIP Networking Event in fall 2022 presented by the Center for Career Services. The graduates gave students tips on finding internships and full-time jobs and succeeding in their career fields.

09 Dec 2022

Helen Stahlin-Corveleyn ’00 was among 117 teachers, mentors, and mentoring organizations named as recipients of the national Presidential Awards for Excellence.

Helen Stahlin-Corveleyn ’00 was among 117 teachers, mentors, and mentoring organizations named by President Joe Biden as recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). The awards honor the important role that America’s teachers and mentors play in supporting learners who will be future STEM professionals, including climate scientists, mathematicians, innovators, space explorers, and engineers, according to a February 2022 announcement.Helen, who won in the Science category, teaches at Hopewell Elementary School in Hopewell, NJ. Her husband is Graig Corveleyn ’01.Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award that kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. A panel of mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assesses the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.The National Science Foundation, which manages PAEMST and PAESMEM on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, provides each recipient $10,000. Award recipients also receive a certificate signed by the president.  

24 Feb 2023

You might recognize the name Greg Bibb ’ 96 from when he called Marist basketball games — now he calls many of the shots as President, CEO, and Managing Partner of the WNBA Dallas Wings.

Greg Bibb ’96 always knew he wanted to be involved in sports. His love of athletics would take him from calling basketball games for Marist’s TV station all the way to serving as President, CEO, and Managing Partner of the WNBA’s Dallas Wings.“I had that sports aim and I felt that a communications degree with a concentration in radio, television, and film was the track to get there,” said Bibb, who, as an undergraduate, was the sports director for Marist’s TV station and covered sports for Marist’s newspaper, The Circle.Knowing the Marist internship program had contacts with the major sports networks, Bibb hoped he would earn a coveted internship if he worked hard enough. “I had that opportunity my junior year and had a chance to work on Monday Night Football and College Football Saturday,” he said. “It taught me so much about keeping up with a fast pace, working hard, and gave me that much more of a feel for the sports world.” He would one day be connected to an ABC Sports broadcast in a way he could never have imagined.“After Marist, I was able to take my sports background into a public relations opportunity with a soccer team and that actually forged a whole other path to grow in the industry,” he said. Eventually getting a chance to switch to the operational side, his roles have included executive VP of business operations of the NBA’s Washington Wizards and chief operating officer of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics. The latter he began in 2007 and then was in both roles starting in 2010. “I had the opportunity to try many things and learn from smart people,” he said.After later founding a sports-focused investment fund in 2013, he left basketball for a couple of years. A partner in the business, Bill Cameron, had an idea: come back and help him with his own WNBA team. “Getting back to being involved with the WNBA was a thrill,” Bibb said. “Bill was looking to move the Tulsa Shock to Dallas, the team today known as the Dallas Wings, and he asked if I would join the ownership group and lead the business.”“With the Wings, I’m in charge of all aspects of the organization. For example, growing our broadcast offerings… At one time, the team had a half dozen games on TV.” Referring to the 2022 season, he went on, “This past` year we played 36 games—and all 36 were broadcast. The telecast reaches all of Texas and Oklahoma, three-quarters of Arkansas, and half of Louisiana. That’s 11 million households that can see a Wings broadcast.”But one for ABC Sports, a playoff game against the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 21, was particularly momentous. “If you would have told me five years ago that we would be playing a playoff game on ABC before almost 800,000 viewers, I wouldn’t have believed you,” he said.But it’s more than the numbers for Bibb; it’s the hope. “I got involved with the WNBA to begin with partly because my wife, Tara, and I welcomed a baby girl,” he said. “This year is the 50th anniversary of Title IX and it’s important to create more opportunities for girls and women. My daughter has grown up around the WNBA and sees she can do anything she wants if she is willing to work for it. And it’s been just as important for our son … More opportunities need to exist for female athletes to be able to make a living professionally, and the success of the WNBA has a chance to help in that area.”Bibb, ever the competitor, doesn’t just have basketball nets on his mind, but lacrosse ones, too. He is also President, CEO, and Managing Partner of the professional lacrosse team Panther City Lacrosse Club, in Fort Worth, Texas. The team concluded its first season in the National Lacrosse League with high hopes in what he says is the fastest-growing city in the country, not to mention the 13th largest. “It combines the game of hockey that I played growing up and the game of basketball I’ve spent so much of my career in,” he said. “The participation rate in the sport keeps growing, there are cross-promotional opportunities with the Wings, and there’s the excitement of 20 to 30 goals a game on average. It’s another role for me that’s a great deal of fun…And, hey, isn’t fun what sports are all about?”

30 Jan 2023

Looking back on two decades of serving students, heritage tourists, scholars, educators, environmental organizations, the business community, and the general public who seek to know more about a region that has been called "the Landscape that defined America."

The Hudson River Valley Institute, a Center of Excellence at Marist dedicated to studying the history and culture of the Hudson River Valley, celebrated its 20th anniversary throughout 2022 with a variety of programs and initiatives involving the Marist community and beyond.To mark the occasion, the staff at the institute wrote an article that appears in the spring 2022 issue of HRVI’s peer-reviewed journal of regional studies, The Hudson River Valley Review. The article highlights many of the organizations (including the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area), people, and programs of prominence during the first 20 years and features the evolution of HRVI’s website www.hudsonrivervalley.org, a digital resource that houses materials for researchers, educators, heritage tourists, and the general public. Further, the article recognizes the essential role of the nearly 200 Marist students who have completed internships since 2002.In celebration of the ever-growing group of Marist alumni who have completed an internship, HRVI has been featuring former students in a yearlong social media initiative on Instagram and Facebook. These updates have been seen by more than 20,000 people and show the variety of career paths that can come from the institute’s interdisciplinary internship experiences. In the interview-style spotlights, alumni reflect on the importance of their time at HRVI to their education and work, with careers such as teaching, library sciences, public history, and law all featuring prominently among the individuals recognized. Many intern alumni cite their experience as being a transformative time in their development from undergraduate students to job candidates and professionals, and their work with the HRVI staff as their first experience putting classroom education to use in a professional setting.In addition to a year of celebration, 2022 has also been a year of transition for HRVI. In conjunction with the retirement of Col. (Ret.) James M. Johnson, the institute’s founding executive director and Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History, HRVI launched an ongoing fundraiser to establish the endowed Dr. James M. and Lois S. Johnson Student Research Fund. The fund is designed to enable interns to undertake more impactful experiences and develop more in-depth projects as well as to allow students from a variety of economic backgrounds equal access to the enrichment potential that comes from a fully realized internship with HRVI.“From our beginning, interns have been the lifeblood of HRVI,” said Johnson. “Their work becomes part of HRVI’s publicly available content and provides them with valuable experience that prepares them for graduate school and for their careers. Lois and I have each spent many years as educators and as supporters of Hudson River Valley history, and we are deeply honored to have an initiative that combines both of those passions and bears our names.” To learn more about the Johnson Student Research Fund, visit www.hudsonrivervalley.org/johnsonstudentfund.On Aug. 20, 2022, at Marist’s historic Colonel Oliver Hazard Payne Mansion, HRVI staff, supporters, friends, and intern alumni gathered to formally mark the 20th anniversary of the institute and honor Johnson on his retirement. The program included remarks from HRVI Director Dr. Thomas Wermuth ’84 and Advisory Board Chair Alex Reese among others.  Dr. Johnson received a Certificate of Appreciation from New York State Historian Devin Lander recognizing his many contributions to the study of the history of New York, with specific emphasis on his work studying the American Revolution. The guests included approximately 30 former interns dating from the very first group in 2002 through members of the recently graduated Class of 2022, many of whom met for the first time at the event.HRVI’s year of transition continued at the 11th annual Handel-Krom Lecture in Hudson River Valley History on Sept. 29, which was offered as the institute’s first program combining both in-person and virtual attendees after several years of successful programming that was offered online only. The lecture featured author Philip Dray discussing his recently published book, A Lynching at Port Jervis: Race and Reckoning in the Gilded Age. During the event, Wermuth announced HRVI’s Operations Director Andrew Villani ’08/’13MPA as the institute’s new executive director.A former student of Johnson’s and former intern at HRVI, Villani has been a member of the institute’s team since 2008, serving in several different roles.“Our 20th anniversary has been a great opportunity to look back at the early days and celebrate the contributions of our founders, early supporters, and many student interns who helped to get HRVI off the ground,” said Villani. “It has also given us a chance to look to the future and identify new opportunities to build on that growth and success in a meaningful way. I am thrilled and honored to guide the Hudson River Valley Institute into its next 20 years.”Planning is already underway for 2023. “We are already looking at the next round of articles for publication, projects for our internships, and speakers for our two major lectures,” said Villani. “Stay tuned for an exciting array of programs coming up in the near future!”Left to right are Alex Reese, chair of the HRVI Advisory Board; Dr. Thomas Wermuth ’84, HRVI director; Andy Villani, executive director; Col. (Ret.) James M. Johnson, Dr. Frank T. Bumpus Chair in Hudson River Valley History; Christopher Pryslopski, HRVI senior program director; Jason Schaaf, HRVI education coordinator; and Devin Lander, New York State Historian. Photo: Al Nowak/On Location Studios.Guests included approximately 30 former interns. In total, nearly 200 Marist students completed internships with HRVI since the establishment of the institute in 2002. Photo: Al Nowak/On Location Studios

28 Oct 2022

A reimagined home for the School of Management, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Center for Career Services takes shape.

Marist College has officially broken ground on a major expansion and renovation of the Dyson Center, the home of the College’s Schools of Management and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Members of the academic administration, student body, and other dignitaries, led by Marist Trustee and Dyson Foundation Chair Rob Dyson, put shovels in the ground in July for the $60 million project, paving the way for a facility that will serve as a campus centerpiece and will double the size of the former building. The construction project is supported by a lead gift from the Dyson Foundation. Founded in 1957 and based in Dutchess County, the Dyson Foundation works to improve people’s lives through grant funding, promoting philanthropy, and strengthening the capacity of nonprofit organizations. The new Dyson Center, rendering courtesy of Ann Beha Architects, now Annum Architects."I have been in the unique position to watch the incredible growth of Marist over four decades," said Dyson, a past chair of Marist’s Board of Trustees. “It heartens me that the new Dyson Center will be a centerpiece of learning and collaboration for many years to come."The original Dyson Center opened in 1990. The expansion and renovation have been designed by the internationally recognized firm Annum Architects (formerly Ann Beha Architects). The new facility will feature state-of-the-art classrooms; faculty offices; a 150-seat tiered lecture hall; and labs for student–faculty research, especially in the areas of cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.The building will also boast a number of multipurpose collaboration spaces for student and faculty use and will incorporate many sustainable elements, reflecting the College’s long-standing commitment to the environment. There will also be expansive new common areas, including an atrium with a soaring ceiling, a café, a lounge, and abundant social and collaborative space.The Collaborative Study Center in the new Dyson Center. Rendering courtesy of Ann Beha Architects, now Annum Architects.The new Dyson Center will bring a wealth of new resources to the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Management. Within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, teacher education students will have a new STEM classroom with an adjoining creative space. Psychology, criminal justice, and pre-law students will also be able to use unique learning spaces.The School of Management will include an expanded Student Investment Center with a professional trading floor providing the same technology found on Wall Street. It will also house the school’s Advising Center and the Bureau of Economic Research."The new Dyson Center will be an inspiring place for teaching, learning, research, and collaboration," said Marist President Kevin Weinman. "With its beautiful design, central location, and ample public space for socializing, group study, and individual work and reflection, students of all disciplines will benefit from this truly transformative facility. My sincerest thanks to Rob Dyson and everyone at the Dyson Foundation, Ann Beha, Marist’s Board of Trustees, and President Emeritus Dennis Murray for their work over many years to bring this vision to life.""The new Dyson Center will have specialized spaces for psychology labs, a mock courtroom, a command center, a therapy suite, a K–12 teacher training lab, maker space, and general classrooms configured to maximize current best practices for college instruction," said Dr. Deborah Gatins, dean of Marist’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. "I look forward to even more exciting faculty and student collaboration on projects and research.""For School of Management students, this building will create new opportunities to learn in an attractive environment," said Dr. Will Lamb, dean of Marist’s School of Management. "The classrooms are designed to allow our faculty and staff to adapt the layouts to the subject being taught. The new homes for our Investment Center and the Center for Career Services will help students prepare for and launch their careers in exciting new ways. The building will elevate the student experience and help us continue to attract the best and the brightest."The mock courtroom in the new Dyson Center. Rendering courtesy of Ann Beha Architects, now Annum Architects.The Center for Career Services, which offers a variety of programs and resources to assist Marist students and alumni in setting career goals and gaining employment, will also be housed in the Dyson Center."The Center for Career Services is incredibly excited about the new Dyson Center, along with its centralized location giving us a beautiful venue for hosting career and internship fairs, networking events, peer mentoring sessions, alumni/employer panel discussions, and more," said Mary Jones, executive director for the Center for Career Services. "We look forward to continuing to help Marist students achieve their career goals in this reimagined campus centerpiece."The new Dyson Center includes a number of environmentally sustainable initiatives including the adaptive reuse of the existing foundation and structure, highly insulated walls, a high-efficiency HVAC system, and a roof featuring living vegetation installed on top.The building is expected to open in spring 2024. For more photos of the groundbreaking and renderings of the design, visit marist.edu/dyson.A wide array of naming opportunities are available throughout the building. To learn more, please contact Chris DelGiorno, vice president for college advancement, chris.delgiorno@marist.edu

27 Oct 2022

A group of Marist students dedicated their Spring Break to helping families in need.

The College’s Habitat for Humanity Club traveled to Louisiana, where 10 students, led by advisors, worked on building new homes near New Orleans.

13 Apr 2023

The Marist Mindset List, composed by a trio of Marist faculty, list focuses on a variety of academic disciplines where incoming students are making an impact, and its primary purpose is to give students, their faculty, and even their parents a sense of common ground to spark meaningful conversations, both in and out of the classroom.

The Class of 2026 has arrived, and this year’s group of incoming students has hit the ground running in hopes of being at the back end of the COVID-19 pandemic. This group comes to college having lived much of their high school years with disruptions and due to COVID-19 are looking for a sense of “normal.” This experience has been impactful to this new group of students, who like any incoming class, has a unique take on cultural references and interests.Each year, the Marist Mindset List is crafted as a “cultural compass” exploring the triumphs and challenges for incoming college students. Also known as the “always/never” list, the Marist Mindset List digs into topics spanning public health in addition to political, computer, and environmental sciences as well as fashion and diversity, and equity and inclusion. The list features 10 items in all, which include additional reading in the form of links to sources and, in some cases, living examples of items. Much of the Class of 2026 was born in 2004, so cultural references were entered with that in mind.The list is compiled each year by the Marist Mindset team of Tommy Zurhellen, associate professor of English; Dr. Vanessa Lynn, assistant professor of criminal justice; and Joyce Yu-Jean Lee, assistant professor of art and digital media.“The Marist Mindset List for the Class of 2026 is particularly interesting to me, because we’re seeing how incoming students react to the gradual end of the pandemic that has already affected their academic paths in so many ways,” said Zurhellen. “COVID may be waning, but COVID fatigue is still very much a factor in the choices our students make. This year’s list certainly reflects that unique trend.”“While every Marist Mindset List has explored what touches and impacts an incoming class, this year we also see how many of the phenomena listed impact so many of us,” said Lynn, Marist Mindset Faculty Fellow. “I'm excited about that, because the list can be truly intergenerational.”The annual Mindset List was created at Beloit College in Wisconsin to reflect the world view of entering first year students—and to help faculty understand incoming classes. In 2019, the list moved to Marist, becoming the Marist Mindset List. Under the direction of Zurhellen, who is a Beloit alumnus, the list has become a collaborative effort each year with Marist faculty and students from different disciplines with diverse backgrounds.The 2022 Marist Mindset List for the Class of 2026Sports CommunicationThe Class of 2026 has always known LeBron James as the most recognizable sports icon on the planet. LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003 and in 2004, the year many of the Class of 2026 were born, his jersey topped the best-seller list for the first time; in 2022, James’s jersey still tops the list.Political ScienceFor incoming students, Hillary Clinton has always had a more significant role in American politics than Bill Clinton. Although older Americans may think of Hillary Clinton as primarily First Lady from the 1990s, incoming students born in 2004 only know her as a United States senator, secretary of state, and contemporary presidential candidate.Computer ScienceCreated in 2004, Facebook has been active for the entire lives of the Class of 2026. Although Facebook is only 19 years old, many incoming students already see the social media platform as outdated, preferring newer platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.EthicsIncoming students are the first generation in 50 years who must include their own reproductive rights as part of their overall college decision. The recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will affect so many decisions for young women, who currently make up 59 percent of college students in America.Global StudiesThe Class of 2026 will be the first since the “Duck and Cover” generation of the Cold War to live with the real possibility of world war and global conflict. The Russian invasion of Ukraine echoes the experiences of growing up during the Cold War, but today’s digital technology makes the images of war much more visceral.Environmental ScienceThe debate on climate change is over. Incoming students are now the first generation faced with the omnipresent reality to actually effect change to combat global warming. Greta Thunberg has set the stage for youth activism; now, incoming students are part of a new generation increasingly demanding legal reforms to improve future generations’ lives. Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Class of 2026 is the first cohort in recent memory for whom knowledge about a diverse country and world is actually regressing. Thirty-five states have recently introduced and/or passed legislation to either ban or censor teaching about race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and American history in schools.Public HealthIncoming students are still recovering from the mental health impact of COVID and COVID fatigue. Mental health has been an issue for some time, but the Class of 2026 is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic on their mental health.EducationThe Class of 2026 is the first to realistically see the possibility of canceling or reducing student debt. The Biden administration has publicly announced its determination to tackle the rise of crippling student debt. Will they get results?FashionIncoming students are aware of fashion sustainability, but nevertheless social media and influencer culture draw them to cheaper and faster options from online retailers. Students have a better understanding of sustainability than previous generations, but their consumer choices do not reflect a strong commitment to protecting the environment.See a full breakdown of this year’s Marist Mindset List for the Class of 2026 here.

28 Oct 2022

This past fall, the innovative Marist Poll team accurately measured the winners in Senate and gubernatorial contests across the nation, thanks to new, scientific polling methodologies.

This fall, the Marist Poll team tracked public opinion in the most hotly contested Senate and gubernatorial races across the country, and the results were spot-on! The Marist Poll accurately measured the winners in each of the called U.S. Senate and gubernatorial contests polled this election cycle. The Marist Poll’s success this year is the result of the implementation of new, scientific polling methodologies aimed at addressing the broader challenges confronting the polling community.Always innovators in the field of survey research and academia, the Marist Poll rigorously tested these methodologies during the year prior to the 2022 midterms, and the effort proved fruitful. The Marist Poll looks forward to sharing the insights from its election polls with the broader survey community as well as the hundreds of student workers, interns, and researchers who are at the fore of the Marist Poll Survey Center every semester.With an eye on the key issues driving the electorate, the Marist Poll also tracked the 2022 midterm elections with its national polling partners, NPR and PBS NewsHour. The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll measured public opinion on President Joe Biden’s job performance, the economy, the labor force, and much more. In total, the Marist Poll conducted 12 public battleground state polls and 2 national surveys since Sept. 1, generating an estimated ad value equivalency of more than $300 million, according to the media monitoring service Meltwater.Also last fall, it was the Marist Poll’s distinguished pleasure to participate in the Office of College Advancement’s October event for the Washington, DC, alumni chapter. These two action-packed days began with an informal dinner with Marist President Kevin Weinman and distinguished political journalists with whom the Marist Poll has worked over the decades. The Marist Poll also hosted a luncheon where Marist Poll alumni had the chance to get to know President Weinman. The culmination of the trip was the broader gathering of Marist’s DC alumni chapter during which Dr. Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, had the distinct honor of leading the discussion between Weinman and Marist’s best and brightest. From Marist students past to the present, undergraduates in Miringoff’s Political Communication and Politics course have, once again, experienced an insider’s view of the field. On-campus and virtual guest speakers this semester have included Congressman Jamie Raskin, author of Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy and who served as the lead impeachment manager in the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump; Lisa Desjardins, PBS NewsHour correspondent; Steve Thomma, executive director of the White House Correspondents Association; David Lightman, chief congressional correspondent for McClatchy; and Ron Brownstein, CNN senior political analyst and senior editor at The Atlantic.The Marist Poll would also like to take a moment to thank Marist alumni, staff, and friends of the College who contributed to the Marist Poll’s GiveCampus campaign. Those generous donations funded two student fellowship positions. The Marist Poll Summer Fellow for Distinguished Service in Media was awarded to Greta Stuckey ’23 who demonstrated outstanding journalistic integrity, exemplary writing and research skills, a passion for the media industry, and proven leadership ability. Sarah Knauss ’23 was named the Marist Poll Summer Fellow for Distinguished Service in Data Science which is awarded to a Marist College student who demonstrates exceptional analytical writing and research skills, exhibits a strong interest in the field of survey research and/or data analysis, and is a proven leader.  For those who might have missed it, the Marist Poll, in conjunction with the Marist Center for Sports Communication, surveyed Americans about Title IX, 50 years after the passage of this groundbreaking legislation. To commemorate the anniversary of Title IX in June, the Marist Poll and the Marist Center for Sports Communication hosted a virtual panel featuring female luminaries in sports, broadcasting, and policy. Marist Poll Director of Data Science and Technology Stephanie Calvano ’04 moderated the panel which included Margaret Dunkle, architect of Title IX; Aditi Kinkhabwala, former national reporter for the NFL Network; Rebecca Lobo, WNBA and women’s college basketball analyst and reporter for ESPN and former WNBA All-Star; Jane McManus, executive director of Seton Hall’s Center for Sports Media; and Julianne Viani ’08, basketball analyst in sports broadcasting for ESPN, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports, and YES Network, as well as other networks.  

15 Feb 2023

NYSAF will work with the College to lend professional expertise to its curricular programs as Marist students serve as interns and staff members.

New York Stage and Film at Marist College returns to Poughkeepsie July 14-August 6 for its 2023 Summer Season, which will feature a combination of emerging artists and Hollywood and Broadway headliners.

27 Mar 2023

Best-selling author Jeff Kinney will address traditional undergraduates of the Class of 2023 at Marist’s commencement ceremony May 20 and adult undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students will be honored the night before with Jerome Pickett ’98 as their commencement speaker.

Best-selling author of the popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and cartoonist Jeff Kinney will address traditional undergraduates of the Class of 2023 at Marist College’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 on the Campus Green. Adult undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students will be honored the night before, with esteemed Class of 1998 Marist alumnus, Jerome Pickett, serving as Commencement speaker.

28 Mar 2023

Marist alumnus Dr. Edward Summers ’04/’06M, founder of Bronx-based the Thinkubator, has been named to Robin Hood’s Power Fund, a new initiative supporting leaders of color and their organizations.

Marist alumnus Dr. Edward Summers ’04/’06M, founder of Bronx-based the Thinkubator, has been named to Robin Hood’s Power Fund, a new initiative supporting leaders of color and their organizations. Robin Hood, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization, funds impactful and scalable solutions to lift families out of poverty. The Power Fund invests in leaders who share Robin Hood’s mission of increasing economic mobility while championing racial and economic justice. Summers has dedicated his career to economic development in his hometown of the Bronx.To combat the barriers leaders of color face in accessing philanthropic dollars, the Power Fund takes a three-fold approach: a meaningful investment in an organization; targeted capacity-building and technical support; and a self-directed investment in the leader’s own development and elevation. The Power Fund was seeded with an initial investment of $10 million by Robin Hood and investors such as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, BlackRock, and Capital One.In 2020, Summers founded the Thinkubator, an innovative nonprofit that provides education, career, and work-based learning opportunities for low-income youth in the Bronx. The Thinkubator harnesses their creativity through a youth-led design thinking consultancy, internships, workforce training, career development, job placement, a Youth Council, educational programming, and advocacy. With financial support from the Power Fund, the Thinkubator can now enhance and expand its work. Said Summers, “I am excited, humbled, and honored by this opportunity to elevate the work and impact of the Thinkubator. I look forward to the transformational impact this funding will have on our organization and on the youth and communities we serve.”A two-time Marist graduate, Summers served for seven years as Presidential Fellow and a member of the senior leadership team under Marist President Dennis J. Murray. He is currently on the College’s Alumni Executive Board as well as its Diversity & Inclusion Alumni Advisory Board. 

21 Jul 2021

The Hunger Walk takes place for the 29th year.

On Nov. 3, Marist students continued the tradition of the Hunger Walk for the 29th year. The walk was part of Hunger Month, a program organized each November by Campus Ministry.More than 600 people took part in the approximately 30-minute walk around the campus. Students donated $3 each. A total of $1,167 was raised, according to Br. Michael Flanigan, FMS, who has coordinated the Hunger Walk for the past 13 years.Additional activities during Hunger Month include the collection of non-perishable food and Buck Hunger, the collection of donations of a dollar or more.The food is donated to the food pantry at Dutchess Outreach of Poughkeepsie. The cash donations are made to Bread for the World, Lazarus House (Lawrence, MA), the Guadalupe Middle School in Brownsville, TX, and the Lunch Box Soup Kitchen at Dutchess Outreach. 

16 Nov 2021

Matthew Szymaszek, DO, has been helping people fight the coronavirus from the outset of the pandemic.

Matthew Szymaszek, DO, has been helping people fight the coronavirus from the outset of the pandemic.The Simsbury, CT, native and long-distance runner for the Marist track and field team graduated in 2007 but returned to the College to finish research that he started with Dr. Zofia Gagnon, a former associate professor of environmental science, before taking the MCAT — the Medical College Admission Test, a standardized test that is part of the medical school admissions process — in 2008. He began medical school at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, where he met his wife, Lindsey, in 2009. After originally settling down in Delaware, the couple moved to Colorado. In the fall of 2019 Szymaszek started working in critical care for Pulmonary Associates in Colorado Springs, CO. Just a few months later, the world was rocked by the coronavirus. In March 2020, his work environment started changing. “I don’t think there was a single non-COVID patient at one time, and we have a couple different ICUs,” he said about the period around Thanksgiving 2020. “I think one of our towers — 16 beds — was all coronavirus patients, all on ventilators.”As the weeks and months went on, more data and research showed that there were more than just respiratory issues to deal with, namely blood clots that formed in kidneys. Still, day-to-day responsibilities didn’t change all that much. Szymaszek’s routine, he said, consists of “seeing everybody, making sure their work of breathing hadn’t changed, making sure they didn’t develop any other secondary organ disfunction — particularly, any kidney dysfunction — and then it’s symptomatic management after that.” Workplace efficiency, Szymaszek explained, was the primary way his job changed. “Taking care of patients is the primary focus,” he said, “but certainly, you still have to document everything that you’re doing. I think that was the biggest time crunch — trying to see everybody, making sure you weren’t missing anything, making sure all the nurses’ needs were addressed, talking with families.” Since the information about the virus was so fluid, the latter task was time-consuming and difficult to address. Hospital procedures and operation plans were updated daily, primarily in the limitation of visitors at the hospital and how to avoid clutter in ICUs. Patients were admitted to higher levels of care only when their need for additional oxygen escalated. Szymaszek and the other doctors gave input to the hospital’s higher-ups as well as each other. “It was our anecdotal experiences day in and day out that we would share with one another and learn from those things,” he said. One experience that proved to be an astute observation by one of the doctors was the beneficial impact of steroids. Results in the Randomized Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial involving hospitalized patients with COVID-19 showed that using dexamethasone over 10 days improved mortality.Learning from experience was a critical part of fighting an unknown enemy. “Our system as a whole, early on, developed a treatment algorithm as things were evolving and coming out of other countries,” Szymaszek said. The components of that algorithm have been and continue to be in flux. At first, they used convalescent plasma donations from recovered patients, which contain antibodies that can fight off the virus. Treatments that have been mainstays, Szymaszek explained, are steroids (such as dexamethasone and Solu-Medrol) and anticoagulation medicines, which help protect against blood clots.Of course, no treatments were discovered to be a magic wand. Steroids brought along problems in people with preexisting conditions, namely with blood-sugar levels. “That’s always been an ongoing battle…because they’re on high-dose steroids off and on for weeks and weeks,” Szymaszek said. “And if they have already have some underlying diabetes and other issues, it just becomes a nightmare to get those things under control.”Vaccines initially slowed the progression of cases and severity of disease, but the advent of the delta variant has only spurred more hospitalizations and unprecedented "crisis standards" of care for some hospital systems.  “We continue to have a steady influx of patients infected with coronavirus not just from the local community but also from hospital systems both in and out of the state,” said Szymaszek. “In the beginning of the pandemic, most patients were hospitalized with COVID and there was a noticeable decline in other medical conditions such as stroke or cardiac conditions and even trauma-related cases. Now, we have an increase in both COVID and other medical conditions which is why trying to find open beds for some systems is a challenge. At this stage of the pandemic the vast majority of cases can be prevented with vaccination, and yes, there are going to be breakthrough cases as more people are vaccinated, but the chances of requiring hospitalization or death are incredibly reduced. “The science is constantly evolving and I think that's what is hard for people to understand. What we knew a year or a few months ago may not be true today as we continue to learn more about this virus and its variants.” Szymaszek has paved himself numerous different paths to unwind and get away from work. One of the reasons the Szymaszeks moved to Colorado was to be close to Lindsey’s family so that her parents could help watch their children. Another was that it offered them plenty of outdoor activities. It’s a gold mine for the outdoorsy couple, who live on the north side of Garden of the Gods Park, in the foothills of Pikes Peak Mountain, and within hours of numerous skiing resorts. Szymaszek likes hiking, biking, fly fishing, and taking his boys — six-year-old Owen and five-year-old Evan — walking on nature trails. “My boys are in school and a local mask mandate has dramatically cut cases and quarantines for students and teachers when compared to when it was optional.”Staying true to his roots as a long-distance runner, Szymaszek competes in time trials with his college teammates. The pool of competitors features Sean Hopkins ’05, Sean Prinz ’06, Justin Harris ’07, Michael Schab ’06, and Michael Rolek ’08. Out of boredom during quarantine time, Prinz proposed the idea of doing competitions to stay active. They would pick various events and share the results with each other.Head coach Pete Colaizzo ’86 remembers Szymaszek — or as he called him, CT, the abbreviation for his home state — as “one of the highest-mileage guys on the team,” he said. “Always ran a lot. Always ran twice a day — early morning runs, late night runs, in addition to our practices. He’s the type of guy you just want on the team.”  Szymaszek continues to participate in triathlons and half Ironmans, with more races on the horizon this winter and spring. For him, running has always been more than exercise; it’s an emotional outlet.“I don’t think I would have been able to get through med school if it weren’t for the running,” he said. “That was the only thing that was consistent, [that] I knew I could rely on, to go out and clear my mind, think about stuff. That certainly still holds true now.” 

21 Jul 2021

Assisting a foundation in supporting Maine nonprofits.

One reason Justin Burkhardt ’02 took his current job with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, in Portland, ME, was because the company was “mission-driven,” he says. Throughout the pandemic, he has had an opportunity to support that mission, alleviating food insecurity.Originally from Milford, NH, Burkhardt was a political science and American studies major at Marist. After graduating, he worked for Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, the first female governor of New Hampshire. When Shaheen became a US senator, Burkhardt joined her Washington, DC, staff and served as deputy chief of staff. After six and a half years on Capitol Hill, he relocated to Maine with his partner, David, and took a position as the marketing strategy manager with Harvard Pilgrim, a not-for-profit health care services company based in New England. The company’s mission is to improve the quality and value of health care for the communities it serves throughout the Northeast.His position involves not only developing marketing strategies but also assisting the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation in supporting Maine nonprofits. One program has been especially meaningful to him: Harvard Pilgrim’s Greater Portland COVID-19 Relief Meal Delivery Project.“During my time at Harvard Pilgrim, I have been involved in dozens of initiatives focused on giving back to the community,” he says. “However, this may be one of the most impactful.”When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in mid-March of 2020, Burkhardt was sent from his Portland office to work from his home in Cape Elizabeth, ME, for the rest of the year. That didn’t stop him from making an impact on his community, though. As part of his work with the foundation, he identified a Portland-based nonprofit, Cooking for Community, worthwhile of support. This newly formed initiative brought together food producers, restaurants, and agencies to ease food insecurity in the state. “Both of our missions aligned to help those in need,” said Burkhardt.Harvard Pilgrim partnered with Cooking for Community and the YMCA of Southern Maine to deliver meals to individuals and families impacted by the pandemic. Cooking for Community coordinated with local restaurants to prepare weekly meals, using many ingredients purchased from local farms. The YMCA of Southern Maine delivered the meals to homes across 24 towns. In its first 11 months of operation, from April 2020 to February 2021, Cooking with Community served more than 92,000 meals. Currently 2,200 meals a week are distributed through its partnerships with 20 social service organizations and 20 restaurants, putting dozens of food industry workers back to work.In addition, Burkhardt reached out to Maine’s nonprofit community to raise awareness about additional grant opportunities through the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation. From March to July 2020, the foundation gave more than $1.7 million in COVID-19 relief grants to help more than 70 small and large nonprofits throughout the state of Maine. “It feels,” said Burkhardt, “like we made a positive impact.”

Former Marist rower Hillary Saeger ’07 made the leap from the river to the ocean when she was asked to join the USRowing Coastal Development Group this past February.

Former Marist rower Hillary Saeger ’07 made the leap from the river to the ocean when she was asked to join the USRowing Coastal Development Group this past February. In contrast to traditional Olympic-style rowing, coastal rowing takes place in the rougher waters of the coastline and ocean. Competitors must deal with not only the surf but also other challenges that occur in open waters such as tides and currents. In her role, Saeger hopes to lead the way for the transition from traditional to coastal rowing and to make it more accessible for all athletes. “We want everyone to have the opportunity to try coastal rowing and take it to any level they want to,” explained Saeger. She noted that participants are hoping to increase interest in the sport in anticipation of its entry into the Olympics in 2028 Los Angeles. “I am looking forward to getting someone into a coastal boat for the first time and showing them what it's all about and how much more interesting it can be than traditional rowing,” she said.After graduating from Marist, Saeger returned to Boston, where she joined Riverside Boat Club and learned to scull. She trained for her first national team selection race two years after graduating. “I made the national team in 2009 in the lightweight women's quad and went on to place third at the world champs that year. After that, I stayed in the rowing community in Boston and went on to make a total of seven national teams, and earned three Worlds medals.” She took a break from lightweight rowing in 2019 and instead trained for the Coastal World Championships in Hong Kong, where she raced in the double and quad, placing fifth and sixth respectively.Saeger’s favorite rowing memory is from a race in Bled, Slovenia, for the World Championships in 2011. “I was in the lightweight women's quad and we were getting faster each race we did there and made it into the A final. During the A final race, in the last 500 meters, our stroke seat let out a roar and the whole boat just started moving faster. We finished and we were looking at the giant TV screen awaiting results. We got third by a tenth of a second and we all rejoiced together. All of my favorite memories involve working in a tight group and making something amazing happen because everyone is working together and trusts one another. That's when anything is truly possible.”Saeger was also named to the MAAC's 40th anniversary women’s rowing team, which highlights some of the top rowers in MAAC history. “I am honored to be recognized for my achievements over the years,” she says of the experience. “After college it has always felt like a continuum from what I learned at Marist. I took what I learned from rowing in the eight, but most important I took away what a committed group of women can do if they never doubt what they can achieve together. We were never the tallest, strongest, or most technical boat out racing but we definitely had the biggest heart, and that is what made our boat most successful. I hope my achievements can be shared with everyone I have rowed with at Marist and inspire others to keep going for their goals and dreams no matter what the odds seem against you.”

21 Jul 2021

Graduation was upon him and he was tossing around a few different career ideas that were focused on freelancing.

Graduation was upon him and he was tossing around a few different career ideas that were focused on freelancing. Unsure exactly what he wanted to do, Alec Rizzo ’17 decided to stay in his home state of Connecticut and pursue what he really wanted to do: make films, of any kind, including documentaries. He purchased his own equipment and began to freelance, jumping at any opportunity to gain experience behind the camera. He knew this would get him closer to his ultimate career path in film. After a year of freelancing after graduation, Rizzo landed a position as a production assistant for network content at WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) in Stamford, CT. The job has provided him with opportunities and travel he could have only imagined.Over the past year or so, Rizzo has traveled all over the country to produce content for the WWE Network’s original programming, including WWE24, a series of documentaries that chronicle a WWE superstar. One afternoon, he was heading to lunch when his boss, Dan Pucherelli ’02, approached him. “Hey, how do feel about traveling to Africa?” Pucherelli said. Without hesitation, Rizzo said yes, not only to gain experience, but also to embrace the opportunity to capture the culture, upbringing, and career of Kofi Kingston, WWE superstar and WWE champion at the time. The trip would be highlighted in the documentary WWE24 Kofi Kingston: The Year of Return, one of the many documentaries available on the WWE Network.Rizzo’s first step was to get his passport as he had never traveled out of the country. The trip began on May 29, 2020, with an overnight flight to Africa. Going to Ghana was a true homecoming experience for Kingston, his first visit back to his home country in 26 years, since leaving for the United States with his family as a child. With Kingston holding his first WWE championship title, it made for an even more dramatic return. While in Ghana, the film crew traveled to many villages and cities, witnessing a hero’s welcome for Kingston at nearly every stop over the course of the four-day trip. Rizzo and the film crew documented the entire trip, including Kingston meeting the president and king of Ghana.  “I’d do it all again,” said Rizzo of the experience and knowledge he gained not only professionally but personally in learning about the culture and history of Ghana. Following Rizzo’s trip to Ghana, his position has taken him to Des Moines, IA, Charlotte, NC, Chicago, IL, and Houston, TX, just to name a few. Rizzo knew before graduating from Marist that he wanted to be involved in filmmaking. “If you told me at graduation I’d be doing this, I’d say perfect, it’s exactly what I want to do. It didn’t happen right after graduation. I had to go and find it.”  He credits Marist for the internship opportunities and the hands-on classes that provided him with the skills and knowledge to “get out there” and freelance after graduation. More specifically, he recalls Jeff Bass’s class in Avid Media Composer, an industry standard for film and video editing. “I always had the confidence as soon as I got the camera in my hand that I’d be fine, I could do it, because of Marist.”  His freelance work provided him the opportunity at WWE, but ultimately, it was Marist that set the foundation he needed. “I don’t think anything I’ve done is significantly special or is out of reach for anyone at Marist right now. Anyone can do what I did and am doing. There’s so much to do and learn at WWE,” he said. “You have to want it and have the passion for what you want to do.” 

21 Jul 2021

Maxwell Brodsky, Tampa Bay’s digital operations manager, is watching the game from a press box with a few coworkers, preparing content for the end of the game, which at that point they think will end in a Tampa Bay victory.

It’s the third quarter of Super Bowl LV. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leading the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 21–9. Maxwell Brodsky, Tampa Bay’s digital operations manager, is watching the game from a press box with a few coworkers, preparing content for the end of the game, which at that point they think will end in a Tampa Bay victory. When the Bucs tack on 10 more points, the group feels all the more confident that the Bucs will secure their second Super Bowl in franchise history and first in nearly 20 years.Brodsky, who grew up a diehard New York Giants fan, said that rooting for a team that you work for is a much different experience than simply rooting for a team. “You always root for the team that you’re on ’cause you’re part of it,” the 2013 Marist graduate said. “You’re a family. It’s part of what you do. The NFL’s not a nine-to-five. It’s constant, so it’s a really huge part of your life.”When Tampa Bay linebacker Devin White intercepted a pass with less than two minutes remaining, Brodsky knew they sealed the deal. Brodsky’s been with the Bucs longer than all but six players. They didn’t win double-digit games or make the playoffs during the first four seasons he worked for them. This past season, they cleared both hurdles…and won the Super Bowl in dominating fashion. The press box, Brodsky explained, was a workplace, so there wasn’t supposed to be any cheering. Still, when the game ended, he couldn’t hold back his emotions. “I cried like a baby the second we won,” he proudly admitted. In 2016, the Buccaneers hired Brodsky to be a digital content coordinator, a position that tasked him — among other things — with posting videos and photo galleries to the Bucs’ website. He was promoted to senior digital content coordinator two years later, where he was given more stories to post as well as some new responsibilities — overseeing the format of the team’s website and app, pitching stories to writers, and more.As a digital operations manager, Brodsky is now tasked with dealing with the bigger picture. “What I try to focus on is basically ‘How does everything look? How can fans consume content? How well is our content doing?’ ” he said. Search engine optimization for website content is a big part of his job, as is using Google analytic tools to judge how well the content is doing. Brodsky put in years of hard work for multiple NFL teams before experiencing that dream-come-true moment. He studied sports communication at Marist. “All I knew was I wanted to be in sports in some capacity. I took as many classes as I could in sports comm.” He took journalism classes, which paid off in an unexpected way. Writing stories, he said, “wasn’t one of my fortes” but the classes taught how to write and structure titles and descriptions, a big part of his job.One class that he took and greatly enjoyed was a football coaching class taught by head coach Jim Parady and defensive coordinator Scott Rumsey. Brodsky excelled and inquired with them on being further involved with the team. He was hired as a student assistant. Among the many responsibilities he had, Brodsky cut film, set up drills, worked with quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends during practices, and helped coordinate special teams during games.Brodsky’s start in the sports world came as an affiliate editor for NBCOlympics.com. He wrote recaps of events, compiled analytic reports, and more for the 2014 Sochi Games. Following that, Brodsky interned with the New York Jets for six months and Green Bay Packers for a year. With the Jets, he worked with both digital media (uploading articles, photo galleries, and videos to the team website) and social media (creating posts for various platforms, mostly about the Jets cheerleading squad). He started to drift toward the digital media side in Green Bay, where he updated the team website, posted/created content, and coordinated live interviews from Lambeau Field.Moving to the location of each position, Brodsky said, is a lot to handle. He has lived in the market for each team he worked for, including three different apartments during his time with the Bucs. For the native of Connecticut, each place he has lived in, even New Jersey, the location of the Jets, is unique.Brodsky had to spend much of his time without his then-girlfriend, Rebecca, who was living in Japan and working as an English teacher. He was alone in Wisconsin and for the beginning of his time in Tampa. Rebecca returned from Japan with a cat, which necessitated a move to accommodate Casper, their new pet. They got another cat, Luna, before finding a townhouse to call home and tying the knot this past May.Wedding rings were the only rings in fashion for anyone associated with the Buccaneers when Brodsky arrived. The team hadn’t made the playoffs since 2007 and was toiling in mediocrity since 2015. The football gods finally smiled on Tampa Bay in the 2020 offseason, when Tom Brady decided to sign with the team. Brodsky had to prepare to go live at 8:00 in the morning the next day, which required him waking up four hours earlier to get everything ready.Brodsky, having experience with good and bad teams, said it’s much easier to cover a team that’s good because there is so much more to work with. “You have to be hopeful for the future, which is one of the important things, as well as focus on the specific good things,” he said. “So, if there’s a really cool highlight, roll with that. If the game’s not going so well, you have to just mention it and move on.”That probably won’t be the case as long as the Bucs keep this team intact. The young playmakers surrounding Brady and a rock-solid defense should allow Tampa Bay to compete for more titles until Brady decides to hang up his cleats for good. The excitement isn’t lost on Brodsky. “I get to listen to Tom Brady talk on a press conference for my job. It’s amazing,” he said.All of Brodsky’s work culminated in a night he’ll never forget. “The fact that we get to win it in our own home stadium was the coolest experience of my life,” Brodsky said. The road to get there has been a lifelong journey. He has always been a football fan, taking opportunities to get involved the sport and watching the NFL for as long as he can remember. Now, he’s a part of the league he grew up loving. “It’s always weird when you mix your hobby with your profession. But if you can do it and you can make it work, it’s just a great thing.” 

21 Jul 2021

Lauren Clarke ’13 and her family started a wish-granting charity honoring her sister.

Lauren Clarke ’13 and her family started a wish-granting charity honoring her sister. Colleen Clarke Bucket List Wishes Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation granting wishes to young adults with a life-limiting physical disability or life-threatening diagnosis. Through social media, Lauren reconnected with Allie Pasquale ’13 and Victoria Weisheit ’13. CCBLWishes was able to grant Allie the wish of redesigning a spare bedroom into a healing, oasis escape lounge and art studio. Victoria’s mother, Regina, served as the interior designer for Allie’s project. During the process, another group from the Marist Class of 2013 came together to donate an adorable mini-fridge to the room. “Allie and Victoria and I are forever grateful to Marist for bringing us together,” said Lauren, “and being able to reconnect through this experience was a gift to us all.”  

21 Jul 2021

You’re invited to join the Marist Alumni Book Club!

You’re invited to join the Marist Alumni Book Club! In this online community, alumni can connect with each other and enjoy books related to lifelong learning, social issues, literature, psychology, and other user-submitted ideas. There is no cost to participate — you just have to get a copy of the book to enjoy. You can sign up at https://www.pbc.guru/marist or keep reading to learn more.How it works:The book club will connect through a private online forum where people can discuss the current book and network with each other. The group will spend two months on each book, so you'll have plenty of time to read.Why should you join?1. Connect with fellow alumni2. Be a part of a lifelong learning community3. Reading is good for you! What will we read?We will vote among several options each period and select a book based on reader interests. Previous books have included Educated by Tara Westover and The Power by Naomi Alderman.How do I invite a friend to the book club?You can send a friend the sign-up link: https://www.pbc.guru/marist. The more the merrier!How often will books be read, what is the time commitment, and what are the expectations?We will spend about two months on each book. We will read books highlighting lifelong learning and personal growth, novels, and other books that take an average of nine hours to read cover to cover. If you have between one and two hours a week to read, you can make it happen!Will there be any in-person meetings of the book club?No, the book club will be entirely online. You can participate anywhere you have Internet access and on days and times that are convenient for you.Is there any cost to participate?Participation is free!How do book club discussions work?The book club will be moderated by a PBC Guru moderator who manages the forum and provides additional content related to the book. The moderator will pose questions to the group, share relevant articles, and facilitate conversation about topics in the book. Members will be encouraged to post and share as well. This format allows for ongoing conversation and makes it easy for readers to connect with each other through the forum.Marist has enlisted PBC Guru to manage the club and moderate the forums. They will help make this program a great experience for all participants. Please email them at info@pbc.guru with any questions or visit their website at http://www.pbc.guru to see more of what they do. 

13 Aug 2021

Each year the Marist Alumni Association presents the Alumni Leadership Award to two graduating seniors at the College’s Baccalaureate. The 2021 recipients of the award are Natalie D. Ford ’21 and Zachary F. Jacobs ’21. 

Each year the Marist Alumni Association presents the Alumni Leadership Award to two graduating seniors at the College’s Baccalaureate. The 2021 recipients of the award are Natalie D. Ford ’21 and Zachary F. Jacobs ’21. Ford, from Madison, MS, majored in fashion design. At Marist, she was president of the Class of 2021 and volunteered on the 2021 Commencement Committee, in Campus Ministry, at New York Fashion Week, in the Marist Community Garden, and as a tour guide with Ars et Fides.In addition, she worked as a campus tour guide and ambassador, a fashion design studio assistant, and a sales associate at Lily Rain.Jacobs, from Holliston, MA, majored in athletic training. He volunteered with Campus Ministry, the New York Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, the WWCGP Cycling Classic, National Athletic Trainers Association District 2 and the Student Leadership Committee and served as president of the Marian Hall Resident Student Council. His paid work experience includes clinical internships at five schools/organizations in the Hudson Valley and serving as a Marist tour guide and admission greeter as well as a Marist peer student tutor.Nominations for the award can be made by employees of Marist who are also graduates of the College. Alumni Leadership Award recipients over the past five years:2016 — Janie Pierson & Nicholas Bayer2017 — Irene Elias & Nicholas Marengo2018 — Brooke DiPalma & Alec Lee2019 — Lauren Vecchio & Matthew Marotti2020 — Jillian Kaczmarek & Spencer Hogan 

01 Jun 2021

Although the Class of 1970 and 1971 Reunion Committees opted to postpone their 50th reunions, Marist hosted a successful outdoor and COVID-safe Homecoming and Reunion on Oct. 23.

Although the Class of 1970 and 1971 Reunion Committees opted to postpone their 50th reunions, Marist hosted a successful outdoor and COVID-safe Homecoming and Reunion on Oct. 23. The day included Marist Singers and Band alumni performing with current student Singers and Band members, the Theatre Hall of Fame induction, the Morehead State vs. Marist football game, and four tents celebrating affinity groups on campus: the Student Government Association, the Study Abroad Program, the Marist Music Program, and the Fashion Department. The day ended with a reunion celebration for all classes under a large tent on the Marist Green.Photos by Al Nowak/On Location StudiosAlumni Join Marist Band and Singers at Homecoming 2021    Homecoming and Reunion Picnic 2021                       Marist vs. Morehead State Homecoming and Reunion 2021        Theatre Hall of Fame 2021         .carousel { color: #170724; --carousel-button-bg: #fff; --carousel-button-shadow: 0 2px 1px -1px rgb(0 0 0 / 20%), 0 1px 1px 0 rgb(0 0 0 / 14%), 0 1px 3px 0 rgb(0 0 0 / 12%); --carousel-button-svg-width: 20px; --carousel-button-svg-height: 20px; --carousel-button-svg-stroke-width: 2.5; } document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function(event) { const myCarousel = new Carousel(document.querySelector("#moyo_.carousel"), {}); }); document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function(event) { const myCarousel = new Carousel(document.querySelector("#dybk_.carousel"), {}); }); document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function(event) { const myCarousel = new Carousel(document.querySelector("#vdas_.carousel"), {}); }); document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function(event) { const myCarousel = new Carousel(document.querySelector("#iekw_.carousel"), {}); });

28 Oct 2021

Julie Cullinane Kinney ’90 and author Jeff Kinney take Marist alumni inside his best-selling series Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

More than 250 alumni and friends along with their families got an exclusive look inside the evolution of the best-selling book series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” thanks to the generosity of Marist alumna Julie Cullinane Kinney ’90 and her husband, Jeff, the creator of the series. In a virtual presentation Oct. 15, Julie and Jeff shared the origins of the 16-book cartoon series featuring hapless middle-schooler Greg Heffley that has become an international sensation. The ticket price to the Marist-only event included a signed copy of Jeff’s newest book, Big Shot, published in October. All proceeds from the event, organized by the Marist Alumni Relations Office, benefited the Marist Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund, raising more than $10,000. Special thanks go to Julie and Jeff for making the event possible. Julie interviewed Jeff about the evolution of the series Diary of a Wimpy Kid in a virtual program from their bookstore, An Unlikely Story, in Plainville, MA.Since the first Wimpy Kid book made its debut in 2007, more than 250 million copies have been published in 79 editions in 65 languages. The Wimpy Kid series has been a constant on the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly best-seller lists and has remained on the New York Times children’s series best-seller list for more than 657 weeks. The series has won a number of regional and national awards including two Children’s Choice Book Awards and six Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for Favorite Book. Jeff Kinney was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people and is also the creator of Poptropica, named one of Time’s 50 Best Websites. The Disney+ movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid premiered in early December.Jeff and Julie took part in the Zoom program from their bookstore, An Unlikely Story, in Plainville, MA. Julie, a communications major in college and a former reporter and editor for a Massachusetts newspaper, interviewed Jeff for the Marist audience. She noted it was the first time she had interviewed him live for a virtual event. Then Jeff took live questions and gave a tour of his studio on the top floor of the bookstore, where his awards are on view.Jeff, a graduate of the University of Maryland, had been developing the book for a year when he and Julie began dating in 1999. He kept a journal jammed with notes and sketches that captured not only memories from his youth but also some of the couple’s early dating experiences. He continued writing and drawing for the next seven years as they dated, married, and had two sons, and as he worked full time as a software programmer. “It proves that you can do two things at once,” he noted, “that you can have your day job and pay your rent and you can also chase a rock-star dream in your spare time.” His dream was to be a newspaper cartoonist like Charles Schulz, the creator of Charlie Brown and "Peanuts.” For three years Jeff tried to make it happen. But “nobody liked my stuff,” he said. Then he decided to try something different. He bought a ticket to Comic Con, a comic convention in New York City, planning to show his sample packet around to editors there. But the convention had oversold its tickets and sent everyone away. While on a bus tour of New York City just for kicks, Jeff noticed that Billy Joel was playing a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden. He called Julie saying he wanted to stay overnight to go to the concert. A huge Billy Joel fan herself, she encouraged him to go for it. “Billy Joel was our thing at Marist in the ’80s,” she said.He managed to get a ticket and went to the show. The next day, he was able to get into the Comic Con. An editor who saw his work said it was exactly what he was looking for. “So it was thanks to Billy Joel that I got to be a published author,” Jeff said.Throughout the presentation the Zoom chat room bubbled over with questions for Jeff. What inspired him to write the Wimpy Kid series?“My own childhood,” he said. “I was reading Harry Potter at the time. I was like, “Man, this is really good writing, it’s a good story.” But I did think Harry was very, very different than I was as a kid. I did think there might be an appetite for a character who was not so perfect and not so heroic as Harry.”He said his newest Wimpy Kid book, Big Shot, shows what it’s like to be in athletics but not be a star athlete. “I think it’s important that a kid can see himself.”Earlier, he had elaborated on the appeal of his wimpy protagonist.“Greg is a messy character. When kids read kids’ books, the character is usually aspirational. They’re heroic. Like think of Harry Potter, characters like that. They’re the hero that we want to be. And Greg isn’t, really. You know, books can be mirrors and windows, right? Windows, you see into another world. That’s Harry Potter. Mirrors are books where you see yourself. That’s Wimpy Kid. And I think a lot of kids are messy.”Another young fan asked where Greg’s memorable nickname “Ploopy” came from.“Ploopy was a nickname that my older sister came up with for me,” Jeff explained. “And for some reason, it just got me. It made me so mad, like it would make my ears turn red.”He got over it, though. “We’ve made our peace. And I’m making money off of her calling me ‘Ploopy.’ So I think I won that situation.” 

26 Oct 2021

Healthcare executive Dirk McMahon ’82, entrepreneur and author Kristin Noto ’91, and technology executive Donna Dillenberger have joined the Marist College Board of Trustees.

In 2021 the Marist College Board of Trustees welcomed three new members. Dirk McMahon ’82, president and chief operating officer of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) and Donna Dillenberger, IBM Fellow at the company’s Research Center in Yorktown Heights and CTO of systems research for Hybrid Cloud, were elected to the board at its February meeting, while Kristin Noto ’91, an entrepreneur and author with extensive experience serving not-for-profit organizations, was elected at the November annual meeting. McMahon, who graduated from Marist with a BS in finance, has held senior leadership positions across both UnitedHealth Group business platforms — UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest health insurer. Prior to that, he was president and chief operating officer of Optum, a global health services company, and head of airport operations worldwide for Northwest Airlines. In addition to earning his undergraduate degree from Marist, McMahon received an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. He and his family reside in Minnesota.Kristin Noto '91Noto received a BA in psychology from Marist, and her father is also an alumnus of the College. She is the author of Live E.P.I.C.: Invest in Yourself. Cultivate Character, and Embrace the 7 Moral Virtues that Lead to a Happier Life, as well as an inventor with several registered patents on houseware products. Noto also serves on the West Coast Advisory Board for the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children, families, and communities affected by mental illness and learning disabilities. She is a former executive board member of the USA Lacrosse Foundation. Noto and her family live in Northern California. Donna DillenbergerDillenberger has had a distinguished career at IBM and currently serves as IBM Fellow at the company’s Research Center in Yorktown Heights and CTO of systems research for Hybrid Cloud. Her focus is on machine learning, counterfeit detection, cloud security and availability, and enterprise systems. In the past, Dillenberger has worked on machine learning models for the financial, insurance, retail, and healthcare industries and has designed new features for systems scalability and availability. She is the author of numerous research publications and holds multiple patents, becoming a Master Inventor at IBM. In recognition of her work, IBM’s CEO appointed her an IBM Fellow, the highest technical honor at the company. IBM Fellows are given broad latitude to identify and pursue projects. In the history of IBM, only 317 people have received such a distinction.Dillenberger received her BS in mathematics from New York University and an MS in computer science from Columbia University. She was an adjunct professor at Columbia’s Graduate School of Engineering and was a lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Stanford University. 

30 Nov 2021

Moss and Terrence Echols ’21 Also Selected for Unique Mentorship Program

Kaylin Moss ’21 has received the 2021 Generation Google Scholarship, a Google-sponsored program. She is one of 42 college students nationwide to win the award. Moss is majoring in computer science with a concentration in software development.The Generation Google Scholarship was established to help aspiring students pursuing computer science degrees excel in technology and become leaders in the field, according to buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com. Selected students receive $10,000 USD (for those studying in the US) or $5,000 CAD (for those studying in Canada) for the 2021–2022 school year. The scholarship is awarded based on the strength of each candidate's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrated leadership, and academic performance.Moss was also one of two Marist students selected for the inaugural Gumbo Coalition University Mentorship Program. Moss and Terrence Echols ’21 each received a $1,500 scholarship from Resorts World Casino.Following a competitive application process, Echols and Moss were selected to enroll in the mentorship program sponsored by Resorts World Casino.They were two of 10 college students who earned the opportunity to participate in the intensive six-week virtual mentorship program to hear from prominent authors and speakers from all over the nation.The lecture series is based on Marc Morial’s book The Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve. Students in the program read chapters of the book and participated in virtual discussions with other leaders on the topics and lessons contained in the chapters.“Throughout history, effective leadership has guided us through the most challenging times,” said Michelle Stoddart, vice president of community development at Resorts World New York. “Now more than ever, a new generation of students must be equipped to lead boldly in the face of the medical, political, and environmental challenges we face as a country. By teaming up with the renowned civic leader and former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial, Resorts World is proud to present the Gumbo Coalition University, a virtual platform that will shape the leaders of tomorrow.”Morial, who was mayor of New Orleans from 1994 to 2002, is president and CEO of the National Urban League, the nation’s largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. Both Marist students learned about the Gumbo Coalition University Mentorship Program from Desmond Murray, associate director for the employer experience in the Marist College Center for Career Services. Their applications included an essay discussing their professional experience and career-related goals. Candidates who advanced to the next round were invited to meet virtually with the program’s speakers and talk about what leadership meant to them.Echols majored in communications with a concentration in public relations/advertising and has already begun graduate work in Marist’s five-year dual degree program in integrated marketing communication. He was a student-athlete on the men’s basketball team and a senior researcher in Marist’s chapter of the American Advertising Federation. As an AAF member, he wrote copy and helped prepare presentations with his group for the National Student Advertising Competition. “Collaborating with everyone using online platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Meet has really helped me get comfortable having meaningful conversations in a virtual environment,” Echols said.He mentioned how joining the Marist Radio Club as a freshman inspired him to create his own podcast, which has helped him articulate his thoughts and ideas on a variety of topics. This summer he is interning with Galaxy Media, a multidimensional media company that services clients in Syracuse, NY. He has thought about owning his own advertising agency one day but definitely aspires to a leadership role in marketing or public relations. He said participating in the Gumbo Coalition University Mentorship Program aligned with these goals.“I’m learning how I can be someone who others look to for guidance, and that’s inspiring.”Moss participated in the Marist/IBM Joint Study program for one year and completed a virtual internship with IBM in the summer of 2020. “The joint study exposed me to a lot of public speaking roles and presentations,” she said. “So I felt like I had a lot to draw on from that experience when applying for the (Gumbo Coalition University Mentorship) program.”In October 2020 Moss founded a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at Marist. The honor society’s main goal is to create an inclusive community for Black students and other students who are interested in pursuing opportunities in technology, engineering, and other sciences. In addition, Moss was recently named the winner of the health technology company Zillion’s Women in STEM Scholarship. She was chosen for her commitment to learning, perseverance, and advocacy for women in science. Moss sees computer science as an industry where she can hone her artistic talents.“In my career, I want to focus on things like software development, web design, user interfaces, and anything else that creates new digital experiences.” 

Rowing Alumni Pay Tribute to Bill Austin

On Dec. 5 in Poughkeepsie, 21 alumni who were rowers at Marist in the 1970s got together to honor former crew coach Bill Austin. Bill was presented with a framed and signed picture commemorating the dinner that he hosted for the rowers during their September alumni weekend. Throughout his eight-year head coaching stint spanning the late ’60s thru mid-’70s, Bill brought together countless oarsmen to represent Marist, most of whom remain close friends to this day.

17 Dec 2021

Marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, this class is unique in every way.

The Mindset List, aka the “always/never” list, is a compilation of key points about incoming college students. Created at Beloit College in 1998 to reflect the world view of entering first year students—and to help faculty understand incoming classes—the list started with the members of the class of 2002, born in 1980. In 2019, the list moved to Marist, becoming the Marist Mindset List. The list is widely considered a cultural touchstone.Read more

07 Sep 2021

Seven Student Winners Announced

Seven Marist fashion students were recently announced as winners of the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF), a nonprofit organization that awards more than $1 million each year in scholarships to some of the most talented fashion students in the country, helping these students succeed in all sectors of the industry.With seven student winners, Marist was ranked among the top three overall for scholarship recipients, reinforcing the College’s excellence in fashion education. Marist is proud to have 25 projects submitted, with six design winners and one merchandising winner among the 439 submissions from 55 institutions nationally. Students must create a 14- to 20-page submission including an executive summary, research, target market information, omnichannel launch plan, six-month financial plan, inspiration boards, various fashion boards, and sketches. “I am thrilled to see seven of our Marist Fashion students excel in such a competitive landscape,” said John Bartlett, director of the Fashion Program. “Two of our winners received the Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarships, a new partnership created by the late Mr. Abloh to celebrate the work of Black students." The students who received the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarships are individuals who excel academically and show promise in the industry; these students, along with all winners, receive $7,500 and individual mentoring. “The mission of the Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund is to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of academic promise of Black, African-American, or African descent,” according to the FSF webpage.Recently named by Forbes magazine as one of the Best Colleges That are Shaping the Future of Fashion, Marist Fashion has a storied history in graduating students who have won FSF awards. This is a result of the dedicated faculty who act as mentors throughout the timeline of their projects. “This reiterates Marist Fashion being ranked one of the top 10 fashion schools by Forbes magazine and standing out amongst our competitors,” said Rebecca Brown, professional lecturer of fashion merchandising. The 2021 winners include: •    Madi Breeman ’23 – Merchandising•    Mark Bissell ’22 – Design/Product Development•    Shannon Wines ’23 – Design/Product Development•    Ashley Catalano – ’22 Design/Product Development•    Camille McHenry ’22 – Design/Product Development – Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” •    Taliyah Coles ’22 – Design/Product Development – Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern”•    Madeline McCarthy ’22 – Design/Product DevelopmentFSF Scholarship winners receive numerous networking opportunities including career fairs, mentorship, masterclasses, and more. “I am very proud of our students and our faculty mentors who support them. I believe these honors speak to the value of a fashion program within a liberal arts institution,” said Jacqueline Reich, dean of the School of Communication and the Arts. 

10 Jan 2022

Discover news and updates from your fellow alumni

Discover news and updates from your fellow alumni: Click here and use the dropdown menu to search by decade. Share your news with the Red Fox community! You can easily and securely update your information online by logging into Marist Connect with your Marist account and password at maristconnect.marist.edu. You can also email the Alumni Office at maristalumni@marist.edu or call (845) 575-3283.

21 Jul 2021

Tom Coyne, CEO and founder of Coyne PR, was recognized by the PRNEWS Platinum Awards.

Tom Coyne ’91, CEO and founder of Coyne PR, has been recognized as CEO of the Year by the PRNEWS Platinum Awards. The awards were celebrated in New York on Oct. 12.“As CEO of the company he started 30 years ago, Thomas Coyne was instrumental in steering his agency to more than 30 new business victories this past year,” noted the PRNews Platinum Awards web page. “During the pandemic, he did not furlough a single employee, and he has added more than 80 professionals in the past year. Tom made it the agency’s goal to become an industry pay-leader in the New York market by increasing execution-level salaries by 23 percent and promoting more than 50 percent of the agency. This past year, the agency donated over $1 million in time and financial support.” In addition, Coyne PR won in the External Publications Category for its work with Express Scripts Pharmacy. 

28 Apr 2023

The College celebrates its past and charts a course for its future as Kevin Weinman is installed as Marist’s fifth president.

The inauguration of President Kevin Weinman as Marist College’s fifth president last September was a day of excitement and pride, as the Marist community and representatives across higher education came together to celebrate an institution rich in history and well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.Thousands of individuals gathered on the Campus Green on Sept. 23 on a picturesque autumn day, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, local community leaders, and friends of the College. Delegates from 51 other colleges and universities across the country also made the trip to Poughkeepsie, including representatives from Amherst, Dartmouth, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of New Hampshire, Notre Dame, and Columbia. Many of the delegates had not visited Marist before and expressed how struck they were by the College’s beautiful campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and deep sense of community.Kevin Weinman onstage during the ceremony, prior to removing the robes associated with his earned degree and donning the Marist College presidential gown.A focal point of President Weinman’s remarks highlighted one of Marist’s most distinctive qualities: the blend of a liberal arts education and preprofessional training that is at the heart of a Marist education and is key to solving society’s most pressing problems. “As you know, there is much debate about the continuing value of the liberal arts compared to a form of education that focuses on professional training. I don’t understand this. In fact, I see no debate here at all,” he said. “The debate between the relative merits of a liberal arts education versus professional education presumes that we must choose one or the other. We don’t. Not only can they co-exist, they are mutually reinforcing. This is especially true at Marist College. Here, we aspire to and, not or.”This unique combination is what has prepared generations of Marist graduates for success and is a big part of what attracted Weinman to the College, in addition to its very student-centric culture. “You are why I am here,” he said, addressing the students directly. “You inspire me each and every day. It will be my never-ending mission to help you get the most out of your Marist experience.”Marist Student Government Association President Gabriel Borbon ’23 spoke on behalf of the student body, praising Weinman’s strong commitment to engaging with students from the moment he joined Marist as president on Oct. 4, 2021.“Dr. Weinman’s first meeting on his very first day was with the student government. That fact alone should tell you a lot about how much he values the students at Marist,” Borbon said. “In one short year, he has shown that he is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives. I think the Marist community can rest assured that the future of Marist College is bright and that there are even better days to come.”Dr. Carolyn “Biddy” Martin, president emerita at Amherst College, who was president of Amherst while Weinman served as Amherst’s chief financial and administrative officer, delivered the keynote address.“Kevin’s forms of expertise are so wide-ranging, certainly in finance, in computation and data-driven analysis, but he combines those with an appreciation of the imaginative arts, and the rigorous reading and analytic methods of the humanities. That is what students, and the rest of the world, need. All of that," Martin said. "In addition to his other qualities, you will find Kevin’s steadiness and his positive outlook make him an ideal person to lead. Kevin is truly a connector of fields, professions, opportunities, and people. What we see here today is evidence of that.”A ceremony that celebrated the College’s history, academic mission, and rich traditions was balanced with fun, lighthearted moments and even a bit of humor. In a video, Word on the River student host Joe Tuosto ’23 challenged Weinman to taste-test a popular student sandwich mashup from the North End café: putting a chicken sandwich on top of a grilled cheese. Weinman’s verdict after his first bite: “That is everything I’d imagine it would be.” In her keynote, Martin told a few tales on her former colleague. On the subject of Marist’s campus in Florence, Italy, she said, “I noted with interest that your new president hadn’t been here a year before he decided he needed to visit that [campus].”During the ceremony, Weinman’s son, Alex, recalled the day his father introduced him to the game of golf. “While he tried to teach me lessons about stance, grip, and follow-through, the most important lesson I learned for being on the golf course with him is this: stand far behind my dad when he’s swinging a golf club. No one is safe when Kevin Weinman takes a swing.”Weinman’s daughter, Brooke, and his wife, Beth, also played key roles in the ceremony. Brooke performed River Flows in You by Yiruma on the piano, and Beth shared reflections about her husband.“I have known Kevin for over 28 years now. Throughout this time, he has always worked hard and dedicated himself to making the lives of those around him better, but I have never seen him so excited about an opportunity to make a difference as he is here at Marist,” Beth Weinman said. “Marist, you are getting someone who does not do anything halfway, who tries to be everywhere all the time, and who cares deeply for everyone he’s around.”In acknowledging President Emeritus Dennis Murray, President Weinman noted it is Murray’s “vision and leadership for nearly 40 years that transformed Marist into the remarkable college it is today.” As a result, the institution is well positioned for continued growth and success.  “Even as we celebrate the Marist here today, I am already looking ahead to our centennial in 2029,” said Weinman. “My dream includes both an epic celebration of the conclusion of a remarkable first century and a launchpad for an even more amazing second century.”He identified two key areas that will drive Marist forward into its next 100 years: innovate, and innovate relentlessly, and make Marist’s form of education available and accessible to any student who has the talent and drive to succeed here. He invited not only current students, faculty, and staff to help advance this ambitious vision, but also alumni who have been core to getting Marist to where it is today.Weinman touted past achievements of the Marist community that have made innovation part of the school’s DNA, such as its 34-year partnership with IBM, world-renowned Fashion Program, thriving branch campus in Florence, Italy, and nationally recognized online programs. “As we are innovating and improving, we are also opening our campus to an ever more diverse and talented group of students,” he added. “We must continue to focus on making a Marist education accessible to every student who can succeed here. Every student must feel a sense of belonging … I won’t rest until we achieve this important goal.”These bold priorities, coupled with a new strategic plan, which is expected to be completed in May 2023, will give alumni, students, faculty, staff, and parents countless opportunities and different ways to engage to help shape and contribute to the Marist of the future.Weinman concluded his address by noting that the Hudson River represents Marist’s values, community, and aspirations. “It supports incredible biodiversity and contributes to the vibrancy of life in the region. In this way the river mirrors the human diversity and richness of Marist College. I tell Marist students all the time … their lives are going to be complicated. Like this stunning river, the crosscurrents they face will be relentless and unpredictable. Their Marist education equips them to succeed no matter what comes their way.” The inauguration ceremony was the culmination of two days of activities that showcased the best of the Marist community. It included an open house at the Steel Plant Studios featuring the work of faculty, students, and alumni from the Art Department and Fashion Program; installations of student and alumni research and creative activity; an academic symposium showcasing Marist faculty and “snap talks” where select faculty presented research. After the inauguration, all were welcome at a reception on the Champagnat Green.To see inauguration events, including video of the full ceremony and the entire slate of campus activities, visit https://www.marist.edu/inauguration. 

28 Mar 2023

A Trailblazer on the Court and in Fashion

Former student-athlete Sydney Coffey ’16 is not just a talented basketball player; she is a visionary entrepreneur who has carved out a unique space for herself in the world of fashion. As the founder of Morlé - meaning “more legs” - a clothing brand tailored exclusively for tall women, Coffey has seamlessly blended her passion for sports with her love for fashion, creating a unique brand that resonates with both female athletes and fashion enthusiasts.  “I turned my dreams into reality,” said Coffey. “With Morlé I want to revolutionize the fashion industry by advocating for tall women. Together we can reshape beauty standards and provide an unmatched experience of style and empowerment."  Growing up in Hopkins, Minnesota, Coffey was immersed in basketball from an early age. Her father, Richard Coffey, played in the NBA (National Basketball Association), setting the stage for Sydney’s athletic career. She excelled on the court, leading her high school team to three state championships, and earning a scholarship to play DI basketball at Marist College.   While at Marist, Coffey succeeded as a dedicated fashion merchandising major, balancing the demands of being a student-athlete while pursuing her love for fashion. She studied communications with a focus on fashion design, laying the groundwork for her future as an entrepreneur.   After college, Coffey took her athletic talents overseas to play professionally, where she continued to scout the intersection of sports and fashion, noticing a specific target market – tall women like her – that was not being explored. It was during these overseas adventures in 2020 that Morlé was officially born.   “I was traveling the world hearing the same stories over and over again from women my height and taller, stories about how difficult it is to find clothing we can feel good about,” said Coffey. “Now, Morlé creates a space for women to embrace their height and find a sense of community, too.”   Coffey and the brand have quickly gained traction, thanks to its innovative designs. Coffey’s visions further materialized this spring when Morlé debuted at the Women’s Final Four Tip-Off Fashion Show in Cleveland, Ohio. Dedicated to tall women and athletes, the event provided Coffey with a unique networking opportunity where she was surrounded by female athletes and spoke directly with the customers she hopes to serve.   “Having my first fashion show at the Final Four was incredibly meaningful,” she said. “I met so many women who didn’t know this type of fashion existed before that day. Now, they know Morlé is one of the brands that can provide them with the clothing they’re looking for.”   According to Marist Women’s Basketball Coach Erin Doughty ’06 ’08M, Coffey is redefining what it means to be a business owner in the world of fashion. “Her journey from student-athlete to successful entrepreneur is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in her potential,” said Doughty. “She saw a need in the fashion industry and decided to create a brand that focused on stylish clothing for tall women like herself. I am not surprised at all by the quick growth of her company, and I know it will continue to thrive under her leadership.”       

Seeking Alumni to Support New Student Outreach!

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!  

Alumni Across Generations Celebrated Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend brought alumni home to reconnect with fellow Red Foxes over sports, music, food, and festivities. The weekend was filled with events, football game tailgating, and unique alumni honors. It’s always a special time when Red Foxes come back to campus.     

Honoring Legacies in the New Dyson Center

As the reimagined Dyson Center opened its doors for the start of classes in late August 2024, the Marist community was granted access to the building’s potential to inspire generations of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. A dynamic hub of innovation and learning, Dyson’s impressive design sets the tone for a bright future ahead.  But beyond the impressive architecture and state-of-the-art learning spaces, Dyson also tells the story of the enduring power of philanthropy at Marist.  Made possible in part by the generosity of many donors, including the Dyson Foundation under the leadership of Chairman Robert R. Dyson and President and CEO Andrea L. Reynolds, the new facility showcases numerous named spaces – from a premier lecture hall, faculty offices, classrooms, to a new mock courtroom and teaching methods lab.  These spaces, named by committed donors, inspire current students while evoking the legacies of community members who have left their mark on Marist, and whose new space ensures their legacy endures.      EDWARD TAYLOR COOMBS CLASSROOM  Gift from the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation  With sweeping views of the Hudson River, the Edward Taylor Coombs Classroom on Dyson’s fourth floor commemorates Eddie Coombs, a Marist lacrosse player whose life was tragically cut short in 2011. This space, a gift from the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation, celebrates Eddie’s legacy not just as an athlete but as a devoted student and community leader. Founded by Eddie’s family, the foundation continues his legacy by supporting scholarships and youth programs that empower young student-athletes to reach their potential both on and off the field.  Known for his kindness, work ethic, and sportsmanship, Eddie made a lasting impression on his teammates and coaches, inspiring the Marist community to honor his memory. Each year, Marist presents the No. 34 jersey—a number Eddie wore—to a senior lacrosse player who exemplifies Eddie’s spirit and dedication, keeping his influence alive among new generations of athletes.  “The classroom is absolutely breathtaking. said Forrestine Coombs, Edward’s mother  It maintains his academic legacy on campus, not just as an athlete, but as a student-athlete.”  The Coombs family has supported Marist for more than a decade, with this classroom serving as a physical reminder of Eddie’s enduring impact on campus. Through their foundation, Eddie’s legacy lives on in this new space, inspiring Marist students to embrace the values he embodied.      O’SHEA LECTURE HALL  Gift from Life Trustee John P. O’Shea and Family  The O’Shea Lecture Hall represents the O’Shea family’s deep-rooted connection to Marist and their lasting commitment to advancing the academic experience.  The O’Sheas have been dedicated supporters of Marist for decades, contributing not only financially but also through their active engagement in various initiatives. This lecture hall is a tribute to their legacy of generosity and educational advocacy, serving as a dynamic space where students gather to learn, collaborate, and engage in critical discourse.  The contributions of John O’Shea and his late wife Nancy reflect their vision of Marist as a community of excellence and opportunity. From supporting student programs to participating in campus developments, the O’Shea family has played a crucial role in helping shape Marist’s mission and growth.  “This lecture hall embodies the O’Shea family’s dedication to fostering an environment where students can thrive, learn, and create lasting connections,” said Chris DelGiorno ’88, Vice President for Advancement at Marist.     WILLIAM “BILL” AUSTIN COLLABORATIVE ROOM  Gift from Wayne Jr. ’80 and Marisa Schmidt  Named in honor of beloved Marist rowing coach Bill Austin, the William Austin Collaborative Room reflects Coach Austin’s legacy of teamwork, mentorship, and dedication. Known for guiding the Marist rowing team to numerous victories, Coach Austin left an indelible mark on the Marist community, influencing generations of athletes with his passion for the sport and his commitment to character development.  The Schmidt family’s decision to name a space after Coach Austin is a tribute to his profound impact on Marist athletes. The room stands as a collaborative space where students can work together, fostering the sense of unity and mutual support that Coach Austin championed throughout his career.  The Schmidt’s meaningful pledge also included the naming of a classroom in honor of Wayne’s father, Wayne F. Schmidt Sr.      JEROME AND TINA PICKETT MOCK COURTROOM Gift from Jerome ’98/’22M and Tina Pickett Aspace designed for immersive legal studies, the Jerome and Tina Pickett Mock Courtroom brings a new professional setting to the Marist campus, preparing students for careers in law and criminal justice. Alumnus Jerome Pickett has a distinguished career in security and law enforcement, bringing a wealth of real-world experience that enhances this academic space. The courtroom serves as a training ground for students, equipping them with hands-on experience in trial procedures, critical thinking, and advocacy. Through their gift, the Picketts aim to inspire future leaders and provide Marist students with a platform to hone their skills in a realistic environment, underscoring the values of justice, ethics, and service to others "Having a space where students can actively engage in courtroom simulations brings their education to life and prepares them for the demands of their future careers," said Pickett.      FULL LIST OF DYSON’S NAMED SPACES Dean’s Suite in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, a gift from the Class of 1968 in honor of their 55th Reunion Edward Taylor Coombs Classroom, a gift from the Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation Evelyn M. Davies Teaching Methods Lab, a gift from the Evelyn M. Davies Charitable Trust, Mark V. Dennis, Marist Trustee School of Management Faculty Office, in memory of Thomas G. Crotty ’81, a gift from the Crotty Family School of Management Faculty Office, a gift from Timothy ’69 and Mary Ann Keneally School of Management Faculty Office, a gift from Alyssa ’89 and Charles Moeder Jerome and Tina Pickett Mock Courtroom, a gift from Jerome ’98/’22M and Tina Pickett O’Shea Lecture Hall, a gift from Life Trustee John P. O’Shea and Family Pamela J. Harper, PhD Classroom, a gift from her colleagues, students, friends, and family Pike Rooftop Terrace, a gift from Pike Construction Services Investment Center, a gift from the Jeannette F. Schlobach Charitable Trust, Mark V. Dennis, CPA, Trustee School of Management Advisory Board Café, a gift from an anonymous donor Ulrich Room, a gift from the Dr. Edwin A. Ulrich Charitable Trust Wayne F. Schmidt Sr. Classroom, a gift from Wayne Jr. ’80 and Marisa Schmidt William “Bill” Austin Collaborative Room, a gift from Wayne Jr. ’80 and Marisa Schmidt Interested in learning more about named spaces on the Marist campus? Contact Vice President of Advancement, Chris DelGiorno ’88 at chris.degiorno@marist.edu    

Jay and Beth's Enduring Legacy

He’s a force in transportation infrastructure; she’s a protector of the environment and a leader at a top-tier tech company. Now, this inspiring couple has turned their focus to something deeply personal – supporting Marist, the place where their story and future began. Jay Doyle ’75 and Beth Marshdoyle ’75 first met at Marist University in the early 1970s. Decades later, they remain deeply connected—not only as alumni, but as stewards of its future. “Marist isn’t just a University we attended, it’s where our lives began together, and it’s a part of who we are,” said Beth. Jay and Beth’s journeys at Marist initially followed distinct paths. Jay was a political science major and a dedicated cross-country and track athlete. “I loved running in the Hudson Valley. It gave me a deep connection to the region and to Marist,” said Jay. Beth, an environmental science major, was engaged in sustainability efforts on campus long before it became a mainstream issue. “My experience at Marist really set the stage for my passion for environmental causes,” said Beth, who now serves on the advisory board for Land’s Sake, a nonprofit farm in Weston, Massachusetts. After graduation, Jay and Beth married and took what they learned at Marist into the world, never losing sight of the values instilled in them as students. Both pursued careers influenced by their Marist experiences. Beth earned advanced degrees and built a successful career as an account executive at Apple. Jay also earned an advanced degree and became a vice president at the global design firm AECOM, where he focuses on transportation planning and community development. “It’s rewarding to know that the projects I work on help shape cities and towns, improving lives. That sense of purpose started at Marist,” Jay said. As their careers grew, so did their desire to give back to the Marist community. Beth rekindled connections with her former classmates during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this renewed sense of connection prompted the couple to reflect on how they could further support Marist. In 2021, they established the Emily Marie Doyle Scholarship in memory of their infant daughter. This scholarship supports first-year students majoring in science, with a preference for environmental science students. “Scholarships made my education possible,” said Beth. “Now we want to make that possible for others.” The Doyles’ support for Marist continues to grow; they recently pledged a significant gift of $150,000 to help build Marist’s new Track and Turf Field, which includes naming the Record Board. “It’s exciting to know that future generations will have access to facilities we never had,” said Jay. Beth and Jay also contribute annually to the Marist Fund and have recently joined the University’s Legacy Society. Their generosity isn’t just about financial support—it’s about staying connected. They serve on the reunion committee, helping to drive alumni engagement. “As we approach our 50th reunion, we’ve been focused on what our class legacy will be. We want to ensure Marist continues to grow and serve its students in meaningful ways,” Beth said.  

Inspired to Lead and Protect

A  frequent visitor to the 9/11 Memorial,  Jack Oehm ’80 finds purpose in the enduring strength of the human spirit. “It’s a reminder of how fragile life is and how important it is to make every moment count," said Jack. A retired firefighter who witnessed the towers crumble in 2001, Jack dedicated himself to protecting the lives of first responders and supporting the families of fallen heroes. Service rooted in Marist values Jack’s Marist story began as a student-athlete with a passion for track and field, where he discovered the power of community and teamwork. “The friendships I made, the lessons I learned, and the support of my teammates taught me the importance of lifting others up,” he said. “Marist wasn’t just about academics; it was about preparing us to  lead lives of purpose.” Drawn to the fire department after graduating with his degree in accounting, Jack saw firefighting as a way to live out the compassion and resilience instilled in him at Marist. Whether responding to emergencies or supporting families during crises, he embodies Marist’s mission to serve others.   A legacy of giving back Jack has been a steadfast supporter of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which honors the legacy of first responders lost on September 11. Through organizing events and fundraising, Jack helps provide mortgage-free smart homes to the families of fallen heroes. Founded in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life on September 11, 2001, the organization also preserves the legacy of 9/11 heroes through events like the annual Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk and extends disaster relief to communities in need. Its mission is to ensure that the bravery and sacrifices of these individuals are never forgotten.  “Tunnel to Towers reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, we have the power to come together and support one another," he said.  Inspiring the next generation A dedicated public speaker, Jack frequently speaks to students and various groups, encouraging them to make a difference in their own ways and in their own communities. “You don’t have to be a firefighter or join a big organization to make a difference. Small acts of kindness can ripple into big changes.”   Jack’s frequent visits to the 9/11 Memorial are a deeply personal way to honor the lives lost and share the lessons of courage and unity. “Being there is humbling,” he said. “It’s a reminder to live with purpose and to make every moment count.” A powerful example of the Marist spirit in action, Jack’s story proves that being “Inspired to Do More” is more than a tagline—for him, it’s a way of life.  

Alumnus invests in the success of future student-athletes

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. 

A New Era Powered by Philanthropy

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.   

Alumni stories reflect the many paths that begin at Marist

Every Marist journey is shaped by individual moments. Some unfold in classrooms or on playing fields, others through mentorship, study abroad, or unexpected turns after graduation. Across generations, alumni carry these experiences forward in ways both planned and surprising. Together, their stories reflect the many paths that begin at Marist and continue long after commencement.  Peter Strom ’00   “The moments between classes mattered just as much as the coursework.”  Peter Strom studied environmental science with a public policy focus, drawn to a program that encouraged critical thinking and new perspectives. Faculty mentorship played a key role in shaping how he approached learning.  While his classes were meaningful, Strom most cherishes the everyday moments on campus that fostered connection and curiosity. Those experiences helped him better understand his own interests.  After graduation, Strom found his passion in hands-on environmental work. He now runs an ecologically focused gardening and urban forestry business, following a path that grew naturally from his Marist experience.     Heather Graham Krum ’05  “Marist is where my creativity found direction.”  Heather Graham Krum’s time at Marist opened doors she never expected. What began with interests in theater and music expanded into fencing, gaming, animation, and digital art.  Mentorship proved pivotal, particularly as a digital art major navigating both creative exploration and academic requirements. Faculty support helped her stay on track and envision a future in the arts.  After Marist, Krum built a career in animation and digital media, working with studios including Scholastic and JJ Sedelmaier Productions. The creative confidence she gained at Marist continues to guide her work.     Rachel Moin Fantauzzi ’[Year]  “Studying abroad changed how I see the world and my place in it.”  Focused on academics and entrepreneurship, Rachel Moin Fantauzzi valued the small classes and close faculty relationships that defined her Marist experience. As a legacy student, she felt connected to the institution from the start.  Despite an accelerated academic plan, Fantauzzi embraced the opportunity to study abroad in South Africa. That experience expanded her worldview and shaped her future ambitions.  With continued faculty support, Fantauzzi earned a Fulbright scholarship to South Korea after graduation. She credits Marist with fostering the curiosity and confidence that continue to guide her journey.     Kyle Bakker ’15  “My path after Marist was anything but predictable.”  Kyle Bakker came to Marist to play football and build lasting friendships. Those relationships remain central to his life, even as his career took unexpected turns.  After graduation, Bakker moved from commercial real estate into law enforcement, working as a police officer in the Seattle area. Life eventually led him in a direction he never anticipated.  Today, Bakker is a cattle rancher and barley farmer in Montana. His Marist experience remains a steady foundation beneath a life shaped by change and adaptability.  These alumni stories were collected as part of Marist University’s Oral History project in partnership with Publishing Concepts (PCI), which is documenting alumni experiences across generations to preserve Marist’s history. Alumni interested in participating or learning more about the publication may contact the Marist Alumni Relations team. 

Road to the Workplace Trip Connects Students with Alumni at Paramount Headquarters

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.

Homecoming 2025

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.

A University Where Students Don't Choose One Path, They're Given Access to MORE

When Vallane Sneva ’27 arrives for morning lab, the DI student-athlete is often still in her volleyball warm-up jacket from practice. But within minutes, she's balancing chemical equations with the same persistence and focus she brings to the court.

Honoring Revered Marist Brother

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.