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