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.
From an NBA All-Star to championship coaches and record-setting student- athletes, Marist Athletics introduces the inaugural members of its Hall of Fame
This spring, Marist unveiled the inaugural class of the Athletics Hall of Fame, celebrating the student- athletes, coaches, and supporters whose achievements helped elevate the University’s NCAA Division I athletics programs and establish the Red Foxes as a championship competitor in The Metro Conference (MAAC), formerly the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
The class includes a former NFL player, an NBA All-Star, two legendary MAAC student-athletes, a championship- winning coach with 11 conference titles, and a longtime trustee whose leadership helped shape the future of Marist’s Division I athletics programs.
Six members make up the inaugural class: Terrence Fede ’13, Rachele Fitz ’10, Jack Gartland, Brian Giorgis, Rik Smits ’88, and Chris Tracz ’05. They will be honored during a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at the McCann Center as part of Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. Their plaques will be permanently installed in the arena, establishing an annual tradition celebrating the individuals who have helped define Marist’s Division I athletics legacy.
“Some of the most impactful figures in the history of Marist Athletics are represented in this inaugural class,” said Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray. “I can't thank our nominating and selection committees enough for the terrific job they did, both in their preparation and our detailed conversations. There were so many deserving nominees, and while unfortunately we can't induct everyone at once, we look forward to the continued recognition of our outstanding representatives of Marist University in the years to come.”
Reflecting the breadth of excellence across Marist Athletics, from professional standouts and championship coaches to record-setting student-athletes, the inaugural class played a significant role in elevating the Red Foxes’ reputation in NCAA Division I competition.
"A Hall of Fame is about preserving the history of a program and honoring the people who built it. This inaugural class reflects the talent, leadership, and commitment that have defined Marist Athletics for decades," said Murray.
Read more about the Inaugural Hall of Fame and register for the October induction ceremony celebration.
New Endowed Scholarship Opens Doors to Fashion Industry
When Allen Miller asked his wife Susan Davidson what she wanted for her milestone birthday, she didn't ask for a trip, a celebration, or a special gift
Instead, she asked for something that would outlast any celebration: a scholarship for Marist fashion students.
The request came from a place Allen knew well. For the past eight years, Susan has taught in Marist University's Fashion Department while serving on the Fashion Advisory Board, sharing lessons drawn from a career she started as a young buyer visiting and working with garment factories in mainland China and concluded 40 years later as a senior executive and CEO regularly attending the great runway shows of New York, Paris, and Milan.
To honor Susan's career and commitment to teaching, Allen established the Susan Davidson Endowed Scholarship, creating a lasting source of support for future generations of Marist fashion students.
"It was important to us that this gift benefit students directly," Allen said. "We wanted to create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach."
The gift also reflects the couple's longstanding commitment to Marist. In addition to Susan's work with students, Allen serves on the Hudson River Valley Institute Advisory Board. Together, they have dedicated their time, expertise, and resources to supporting the University's mission.
The perspectives they share with students are rooted in decades of international experience. Before settling in the Hudson Valley, both Susan and Allen built careers that took them around the world.
"Susan brings a remarkable depth of global experience to the classroom, but what truly sets her apart is her commitment to students. She challenges them to think beyond the industry as they know it and helps them understand the broader business, cultural, and global forces that shape fashion today.”
–Rebecca Brown, Fashion Department Chair
Susan held various leadership roles in merchandising and product development with companies such as Bloomingdales and Federated Department stores before becoming President of DKNY Jeans, President of KateSpade, CEO of Scoop and CEO of Zac Posen. Allen's career included work in international law and business across Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, giving him firsthand experience navigating an increasingly global marketplace.
"The students are incredibly career- focused," Susan said. "They're eager to learn and excited to connect what they're studying in the classroom to what happens in the real world."
That drive is one of the reasons the couple chose to support experiential opportunities for students. Throughout their careers, both learned that some of the most important lessons happen beyond textbooks—through professional experiences, industry connections, mentorship, and exposure to new environments.
For Allen, one opportunity stood out in particular: helping students access New York City and the countless learning opportunities it provides.
"Transportation, networking events, industry programs—those costs add up," he said. "We wanted to help students take advantage of experiences that can make a real difference in their professional development."
The gift serves as a tribute to the work Susan has done at Marist. Through her teaching, she has helped students understand not only the fashion industry itself, but the global business, legal, and cultural forces that shape it.
Red Foxes raised more than $1.5 million in support of the student experience
The Marist community came together in a powerful way for the University’s third annual Day of Giving, raising more than $1.5 million in support of the student experience and engaging a record number of donors.
Over a 24-hour period, Red Foxes showed up—fueling scholarships and athletics, expanding hands-on learning opportunities, strengthening academic programs, and enhancing the student experience across campus.
"This year’s Day of Giving reflects the strength of the Marist community and the momentum we’re building together," said Kirk Swenson Vice President for Advancement. "Seeing more donors than ever before step forward in support of our students is incredibly meaningful, and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we come together around a shared purpose."
