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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
