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

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

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

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

What began as a student fashion show has evolved into one of Marist University's most enduring traditions—launching careers, building community, and giving generations of students a chance to put creativity into practice.

As students prepared for Silver Needle Runway's 40th anniversary show, they understood they were taking on more than another annual production. They were stepping into a legacy. For four decades, Silver Needle Runway has served as a defining experience for Marist fashion students. Entirely student-led, the event challenges participants to think beyond the classroom, collaborate across disciplines, and execute a professional-caliber production from concept to curtain call. That responsibility carried special meaning this year as students planned SNR40: BURN, a show designed to celebrate the event's history while looking toward its future. "Because it's such a significant milestone, we've been intentional about making it bigger, more elevated, and more memorable than ever before," said recent graduate Lindsay Tsiantoulas '26, student director of SNR40. What began as a showcase of student work has grown into a hallmark of the Marist fashion experience. Each year, students take responsibility for nearly every aspect of the production—from design and merchandising to marketing, styling, event management, photography, and social media. Along the way, they gain practical experience that mirrors the realities of the fashion industry itself. The result is more than a runway show. It is a living classroom where students learn to solve problems, meet deadlines, manage teams, and bring creative ideas to life. For many alumni, Silver Needle Runway remains one of their most memorable experiences at Marist. The skills developed through the event have translated into careers across fashion, retail, marketing, communications, and brand management, creating a network of graduates whose connection to the runway extends long after graduation. That enduring impact is part of what inspired this year's theme.       Passion Becomes Purpose Created by students, BURN explores the idea of sustaining creativity while navigating the demands of a fast-paced industry. The concept encourages emerging professionals to pursue their passions without losing sight of balance, purpose, and personal well-being. "We wanted this show to feel exciting and impactful, but also meaningful," said Tsiantoulas. "Every decision was made with the goal of honoring the legacy of Silver Needle Runway while creating something new for this generation of students." For Victoria Stout '26, the event represents the transformative power of fashion itself. “We often say, ‘we aren't saving lives, we are changing them,' to remind us that this is a learning experience that should be shaping our educational and future career paths in a positive way,” said Stout. That sentiment reflects the spirit that has fueled Silver Needle Runway for 40 years. Fashion can shape confidence, spark self-expression, build community, and open doors to opportunity. Through Silver Needle, students gain the experience and confidence to take those next steps professionally while contributing to a tradition larger than themselves. Forty years after the first Silver Needle Runway, the mission remains clear: to provide students with opportunities to learn by doing, challenge themselves creatively, and discover what they are capable of achieving. The runway may last only one evening, but its impact lasts far longer.    

A $100 Million Strategic Initiative Expanding Programs, Partnerships, and State-of-the-Art Facilities

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

Alumnus invests in the success of future student-athletes

Marist University has received a generous gift from Jim Elliott ’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.