Marist College
Encyclopedia
Marist College is a private liberal arts college
on the east bank of the Hudson River
near Poughkeepsie, New York
. The site was established in 1905 by Marist Brothers
, and the college was chartered in 1929. The college has 43 bachelors and masters degree programs and 20 certificates across the traditional undergraduate, graduate, adult education, and distance learning environments including online.
Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students attend the Poughkeepsie campus (41°43′22"N 73°56′0"W). Marist College study sites also exist in 26 countries abroad including Egypt, China, England, Italy and Australia. In 2006, Marist opened a branch campus in Florence
, Italy by partnering with the Lorenzo de' Medici School. In 2009, the school was bequeathed a mansion that has estimated value of $65 million in Esopus
, New York
, that will be used as a leadership institute.
Since 2003, Marist no longer considers itself a Catholic
college, and it maintains a chapel on campus that offers services for an array of faiths.Although the college is no longer religiously affiliated, religion continues as a field of study and a part of many students' and administrators' lives; as does the continued presence of several Marist Brothers who reside and work on campus. Religious communities and groups are also available to students on campus who wish to further strengthen their faith. In addition, there are numerous churches in the surrounding area of Poughkeepsie.
are a Catholic society founded in France by Saint Marcellin Champagnat in 1816, focused on educational work throughout the world. In 1905, members of the order arrived in the Mid-Hudson Valley
to establish the first Marist house of studies in the United States. On the east bank of the Hudson River
, just north of Poughkeepsie, they purchased property and a house from Thomas McPherson. They named the building and property "Saint Ann's Hermitage", and began training young men for a life of "study, work, prayer and service" (from which the school motto is derived).
In 1908, the Brothers purchased more land to expand the Hermitage, and soon increased the size of their property to 150 acre (0.607029 km²).
By 1929, the training center at the Hermitage had evolved into the Marist Normal Training School, offering college-level courses. The charter for the Marist Normal Training School was obtained by Brother Leo Brouilette. In 1946, the State of New York granted the institution an official four-year college charter under the name "Marian College", led by Brother Paul Ambrose Fontaine, FMS. Marian College continued the mission of training Marist Brothers as teachers of the congregation's schools.
From 1947 to 1957, the Brothers began working on the weekends, during summers, and in their spare time to build a gym
nasium (the original Marian Hall), Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Adrian Hall (which was demolished in 2001), and a residence for the student Brothers (the original Fontaine Hall).
The Marist College Library was originally housed on the top floor of Greystone in 1928. In 1945, reference, periodical and work areas took over the second floor as well, and then in 1949, the library also claimed Greystone's lowest level. The library remained in Greystone for 35 years.
In 1958, Marist Brother Linus Richard Foy took charge of the college. At 28, he was the youngest college president in the United States. Two years later, Marian College became Marist College and the mission of the college broadened to include the wider community; lay
male students were admitted to pursue degree study. An evening division was also introduced to serve the educational needs of the surrounding communities.
Sheahan Hall, the first residence hall, opened in 1962. It was named for Monsignor J. F. Sheahan (pastor of St. Peter's Church, Poughkeepsie) without whom the Marist Brothers might not have been able to purchase the Bech Estate that now comprises the entire south campus area. It was quickly followed by Leo Hall in 1963 and Champagnat Hall in 1965. They were named for Brother Leo Brouiletter (Provincial of the Marist Brothers, 1921–1930) and Saint Marcellin Champagnat respectively. Donnelly Hall (named for Brother Nilus Donnelly, who supervised construction of the 12 major campus facilities built by the Brothers), a dormitory at the time, was built in 1962 by the brothers themselves.
Women were admitted to the evening division classes in 1966, then to the day classes in 1968. Marist's president, Brother Linus Foy, resigned from the Marist Brothers around this time but continued serving as president. Benoit House and Gregory House were erected in 1968 as a residence for the Marist Brothers living on campus. Benoit House honored the memory of Brother Francis Xavier Benoit who taught at Marist for nineteen years, while serving also as Director of Construction for the Marist Brothers. Gregory House was named in memory of Brother Joseph Gregory Marchessault who was chairman of the Physics Department at Marist at the time of his death in 1969. Benoit and Gregory Houses became African American and Free University centers, respectively, during the sixties and seventies. They functioned as residences before being removed to make way for the Hancock Technology Center in 2009.
In 1969, due to the institution's rapid expansion and laws regulating federal aid to religiously affiliated educational institutions in New York State, ownership of the college was transferred to the Marist College Educational Corporation with an independent, predominantly lay board of trustees.
In the 1970s, programs for the educationally disadvantaged were expanded, a computer center was added, graduate programs in business administration and community psychology
were instituted, and the James J. McCann Recreation Center was completed.
In 1973, President Foy began a cooperative program with area secondary schools, in which selected high school seniors take freshman courses and "bridge" into college. In fall 1974, the college expanded its commitment to continuing education by increasing course offerings in the evening division and summer session and in 1984, opened an off-campus extension center in Fishkill
. (A second extension center was opened in the Orange County
town of Goshen
in fall 1993.)
The burgeoning library moved from Greystone to Donnelly Hall in 1963. In the space now occupied by the Computer Center and DN256, Donnelly Hall housed what was known as the Spellman Library for the next 12 years. The library moved from Donnelly to Fontaine Hall in 1975. It remained there until 1998, when the library moved temporarily across Route 9 to the former Poughkeepsie Steel Plant, purchased by Marist College to house the library while the new James A. Cannavino Library was constructed.
On February 18, 1975, freshman Shelley Sperling was shot and killed in the dining hall by her ex-boyfriend.
became president. During Murray's tenure as president, enrollment doubled, the campus grew to 180 acre (0.7284348 km²), every building on campus was either renovated or newly constructed, and numerous strategic partnerships were formed.
One of the first strategic partnerships was formed with IBM
, a major employer in the Mid-Hudson Valley. In 1984, Marist received $2.5 million in equipment and almost $2 million in software from the IBM Corporation to expand academic and administrative uses of computers on campus.
The Foy Townhouses, named after Dr. Linus Richard Foy, were built in 1982. Marian Hall was built in 1983 within and around the college's first gymnasium. It incorporates the first building to be constructed through the manual labor of the Brothers (1947). Because it is located adjacent to the spot where the Marian building (the college's principal classroom building) once stood, it carries on the name of that building as well as the original of the four year college.
To expand student housing, Gartland Commons was built on the north end of the campus in 1985. It is a townhouse community, housing approximately 300 students.
In 1987, the Lowell Thomas
Communications Center opened, providing space for communications
, math, and computer science
studies. The building was built over the site of an outdoor swimming pool from the early days of Marist that was fed by a natural spring.
In 1990, the Margaret M and Charles H Dyson
Center opened, providing a home for the School of Management, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Graduate and Continuing Education.
Construction continued in 1994 with a $27 million Student Center, bookstore, dining facilities, art gallery, and a new adjoining dormitory (Midrise Hall). In 1996, Talmadge Court was purchased by the college as an official student residence. In 1998, across neighboring Route 9, the Lower West Cedar townhouses were built.
Fontaine Hall, an academic and office building was constructed on the north end, followed by The James A. Cannavino Library right in the center of the main campus. Built with a concentrated focus on technology, the library is considered by campus planners to be the jewel and the heart of campus. The Library is named for James A. Cannavino, a long-time member of the Marist Board of Trustees.
With student enrollment increasing and a lack of housing for upperclassmen, the school purchased additional land across Route 9 for expansion. Upper West Cedar, built in 2000, was constructed in a similar style to the Lower West Cedar Townhouses. The Upper Fulton Townhouses followed in 2004 and then the Lower Fulton Townhouses in 2008. These housing areas are connected by a central walkway that leads to the main campus. Also, the Upper Fulton Townhouses were featured on Good Morning America
in 2007 for a report on how some colleges and universities were building nicer dormitories to attract more students.
The housing expansion was a sore point with the Poughkeepsie residents, who blamed the college for excessive traffic on the Route 9 corridor. The New York State Department of Transportation
and Marist College both blame massively increasing population in the Mid-Hudson Valley, a result of the migration of the residents of nearby New York City
starting in late 2001. In May 2007, Marist was granted a variance allowing them to build despite a moratorium on new construction in the area.
In 2003, Marist invited New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
to deliver the commencement address for the graduating class, incurring protests aimed at the college for Spitzer's public support of abortion
rights. Having received complaints, Cardinal Archbishop of New York
Edward Egan declared Marist "is no longer a Catholic institution" and therefore not under the Church's jurisdiction. Although Marist had become independent in 1969 and it "does not identify itself as a Catholic college in any way", under Pope John Paul II
's decree Ex Corde Ecclesiae
, all colleges which claimed to be Catholic prior to 1991 are considered Catholic until declared otherwise by a bishop.
During the fall 2005 semester, approximately one third of the total classes (just over 500) utilized Ucompass Educator. Of those 500 courses between 30 and 35 (5-6%) were offered fully online
The college's Longview Park was completed in 2007 with a bike/walk path along the Hudson's shore, a fishing pier, the renovation of the historic Cornell boathouse, and better access to scenic vistas, particularly from the gazebo built on a promontory in the center of the park.
In September 2009, it was announced that Marist was bequeathed $75 million by the industrialist Raymond A. Rich. The donation consists of a 60 acres (242,811.6 m²) estate, known as the Payne Mansion
, located in the Ulster County
town of Esopus
and is estimated to be worth $65 million. The rest of the money, approximately $10 million, is to be used to establish the Raymond A. Rich Institute. The 42000 square feet (3,901.9 m²) mansion was designed by Carrère and Hastings
, who also designed the New York Public Library
. The school plans to use the house as part of the institute. The Raymond A. Rich Institute will focus on developing the communication, interpersonal, and social skills necessary to lead complex organizations in a global setting. The gift was the ninth largest donation in world in 2009.
In spring 2011, Marist completed construction of a new technology building, the Hancock Center, which is located on the main campus where the Benoit and Gregory (residence houses) used to stand. The 57000 square feet (5,295.5 m²) building is designed in a Gothic architectural
style by the architect firm of Robert A. M. Stern
. It comprises three computer labs, Marist Institute for Public Opinion, nine classrooms, six seminar rooms and a trading room for the business school.
The New York State Department of Transportation
completed a pedestrian underpass under US 9 to facilitate safer movement between the sections of campus which the boulevard separates. Its construction eliminated a pedestrian-only traffic signal. In addition, one entrance near the Lowell Thomas Communcation Center was closed to vehicular traffic. All three entrances of the college were renovated and the main gate closed to vehicular traffic.
near Poughkeepsie, New York
, on US 9. In 2004 Marist announced its Campus Master Plan which called for the development of a pedestrian-friendly campus heart, with plenty of open and inviting green spaces for interaction. The creation of this campus heart involved the connection of the East and West campuses, the continued improvement of academic and recreational spaces, the addition of green space, and the relocation of parking to the periphery. The Master Plan is still being implemented, but the progress to date has created what many consider one of the most beautiful campuses in the Northeast.
for a story on how some colleges and universities are constructing nicer student housing to attract more students. All underclassmen live on the west side of Route 9, which is the main part of campus. Upperclassmen reside on the east side of Route 9, which is also considered the "wet side" of campus because the consumption of alcohol is allowed because all students are over the age of 21. While all incoming freshman are automatically assigned to a dorm, sophomores and above partake in a points system to choose housing. The priority points system, as it is known, dictates that students must accumulate a certain amount of points from clubs, sports, and GPA and are then ranked. The students with the highest points are allowed to choose housing first, thus filling the nicer housing first. The students with the lower points choose last, and are not always guaranteed housing. If students are entering as a group, then the student’s points are averaged together. According to Marist, this system promotes student activity in clubs and sports and offers an incentive to keep a high GPA.
degrees, 12 Masters degrees, and 12 Certificate
programs. These programs are divided between the six undergraduate schools and the School of Global and Professional Programs. All Marist students must take what is known as ‘core’ classes during their four years in order to graduate. There are a number of different 3-credit core classes students can take, usually consisting of writing, history, cultural diversity, and a philosophy class. The requirements are the same for all majors and emphasize Marist's tradition of a liberal arts
education. Marist has become increasingly selective. In the incoming freshman class, 36 percent of applicants were accepted. 10,000 applicants were received for 950 spots. Marist is partnered with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
, located in Hyde Park
. Marist also has had a longstanding partnership with IBM
. IBM
tests concepts and applications in education, business and communication. The joint study began in 1988 with the installation of a $10 million IBM 3090 mainframe computer on campus. In 2009, Marist and IBM
began three research projects involving grid computing, e-learning applications and computing on demand.
magazine named Marist one of its "50 Best Buys" in private education for the fifth consecutive year. Marist was the only New York college to make the list.
In 2006, Forbes
and The Princeton Review
named Marist among the 25 "most connected campuses" in the United States. The August 2006 edition of Campus Technology magazine named Marist a "Campus Technology Innovator" for the college's "iDentity Quest" podcasting program, which provides iPods to students to record reflections on life in other countries and to share this information with classmates and professors.
In 2006, Marist partnered with Lorenzo de' Medici School to form a branch campus in Florence
, Italy. There, students can study for a semester or academic year and choose from over 400 different classes. Additionally, there is Bachelor's Degree
program for those who wish to pursue a four-year degree. Degrees are offered in Art History, Conservation Studies/Restoration, Digital Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Studio Art (B.A.) and Studio Art (B.S.).
There are also several short-term programs that consist of a 2-3 week trip to a country that is based around a 3-4-credit class. Examples of previous classes have been Hong Kong
, China and Taiwan for the class Technology Management; Ireland for the class Dubliners and the Literature of Ireland; Ghana: Politics, Community Development, and Entrepreneurship.
(MIPO), a polling organization
active in the political arena, The Hudson River Valley Institute
(HRVI), the educational arm of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
, and the Center for Collaborative and On-Demand Computing (CCODC) are also at Marist. HRVI oversees the publication of the Hudson River Valley Review, a journal of regional studies.
, which exists primarily to serve as the educational arm of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Furthermore, the Library, under the control of the National Archives and Records Administration, serves as the primary resource for student history majors completing capping papers. In addition, Marist College is tasked with the administration of the Library web site, fdrlibrary.marist.edu, and has co-sponsored several major conferences in conjunction with the Presidential Library and FERI.
Other major projects include the Hudson River Valley Institute (the educational arm of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area).
Marist also participates in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
, the Institute of Ecosystem Studies
, and many other projects.
, sports, religion
, politics
, and student government. There are three student-run literary organizations: The Circle, Generator Magazine and the Literary Arts Society. The Circle, the school newspaper
, has been in publication since 1965, and is published weekly. Generator Magazine features student written poetry and short-stories. The Literary Arts Society produces two students publications; The MOSAIC, a literary magazine printed once a semester, publishes creative works by students as well as the winners of the annual Fiction and Poetry contest. The FoxForum, a new publication, prints academic papers and opinion pieces written by students; it is published every month. Marist also has a student run TV channel, MCTV. The channel broadcasts its own shows, including original programming and news. Intramural sports groups are very popular among students, with equestrian
, fencing
, rugby
, ski
, ultimate
, and volleyball
. All of the above organizations are managed by the Office of College Activities
While several fraternities
operate off-campus, Greek life is not very popular among students, many of whom choose to live on campus. Six fraternal organizations operate through Marist, and primarily focus on philanthropic and community programs. Although Marist no longer has any religious affiliation, several Marist Brothers still reside on campus. They were allowed to continue living on campus after the school broke away from the church. The brothers operate a student organization known as the Campus Ministry, that serves the spiritual needs of the campus as well as serving the Poughkeepsie community. In addition to sports and clubs, there is a student government organization. The Marist College Student Government Association is made up of three branches: the Executive Board, the Student Senate, and the Student Judicial Board.
(MAAC); with the only exception being football, which is a member of the Pioneer Football League
(PFL). The Men's teams consist of basketball, baseball, tennis, crew, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, cross country, track & football. While the women's teams are basketball, volleyball, tennis, crew, lacrosse, soccer, cross country, swimming & diving and water polo. These varsity programs involve more than 550 Marist student-athletes. The crew programs are two of the few in the nation that have on-campus facilities on the shores of the Hudson River.
In addition to Division I programs, the Department of Athletics also offers many other sports on the club and intramural levels. Club sports give Marist students the opportunity to compete against other colleges and universities without the strict requirements of the NCAA. Club sports offered at Marist include men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s rugby, men’s volleyball,equestrian, fencing and bowling. Marist also offers 18 intramural programs.
Marist Student Booster Club
The Marist Student Booster Club is an organization that is dedicated to supporting all Marist Athletic teams.
The Student Booster Club looks to host events throughout the year in conjunction with many different athletic
competitions. Some of the club’s goals are to host pre-game events, coordinate bus
trips to high-profile away games and raise the student attendance for all Marist Athletics events
Marist Fight Song
Marist, College, Let the bells ring.
Honor, Glory, Your Praises We Sing.
We're here with banners fly-ing!
Our shouts of victory cry-ing! Rah! – Rah! – Rah!
Alma, Mater, We love you dear.
Conquering, Heroes, We're here to cheer.
We have no fear for Marist College,
We'll fight on to victory.
Marist, Foxes, We're on the run.
Up hill, downhill, having much fun.
We lure our every foe,
Into the Red Fox hole. Rah! – Rah! – Rah!
Scratch them, tear them, rip them a part.
Offense, Defense – right from the start,
We have no fear for our Red Foxes,
They'll fight on to Victory.
Men's basketball – Siena College
, Iona College
Women's basketball – Canisius College
, Siena College
, Ohio State University
Men's rowing – Trinity College, Hartford, Hobart College
, Ithaca College
, University of Delaware
, United States Military Academy
Football – Georgetown University
, Sacred Heart University
, University of San Diego
Swimming – Rider University
, Loyola University Maryland
Softball – Canisius College
Track – Manhattan College
, Iona College
Baseball – Manhattan College
, United States Military Academy
, Siena College
Women's soccer – Siena College
The James J. McCann Recreation Center consists of three major areas and dozens of minor ones. The three major areas are the Field House
, the Natatorium
, and the Strength & Conditioning Center.
The Field House is a 3,200-seat multi-purpose arena home to the men's and women's basketball
and women's volleyball
team
s. It also hosts special events such as concerts for the student population.
The natatorium is a 265000 gallons (1,003.1 m³) facility, ranging in depth from 4 feet (1.2 m) to 13 feet (4 m). It provides six 25 yards (22.9 m) lanes and an independent diving well. The well contains two 1-meter and one 3-meter diving board.
The Strength & Conditioning Center is two floors. The lower floor consists of weight training equipment, the upper floor consists of cardiovascular training equipment. All told, the facility can easily accommodate 100 students simultaneously.
Minor areas include two racquetball courts, a 2200 square feet (204.4 m²) dance studio, five locker rooms, a classroom, the Pepsi Hall of Fame multi-media meeting room, the 2100 square feet (195.1 m²) Dr. Maynard Center for Sports Medicine, the Academic Enhancement Center, the 4200 square feet (390.2 m²) Coach's Complex, an 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²) Mondo-surfaced auxiliary gymnasium, used heavily by intramurals and club sports, and a student lounge.
During the 2010–11 academic year, an 11660 square feet (1,083.2 m²) addition to the McCann Center gymnasium was completed. New offices and lockers for the men's and women's basketball
teams were constructed. The renovation included new and expanded public restrooms, a renovated entrance lobby, new wood floor and the bleachers in the field house were replaced with chair-back seating. Additionally video scoreboards were added in two corners of the arena and a video table was added.
. It is rare in collegiate rowing to have on-campus rowing facilities.
Two houses exist: the original Cornell University
boathouse, and the newer Marist boathouse. The Marist boathouse features boat bay, which contain a fleet of 16 top-of-the-line Vespoli shells. Additionally, on the second floor are 30 Concept II ergs, free weights, a video viewing lounge and a coaching office. The Cornell boathouse is used by local high schools. The Cornell boathouse was remodeled in 2008, and currently is used by the school President for administrative functions, as well as housing a few racing shells for the women's team.
was erected on the main athletic field, and named Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field
, it was officially opened on October 6, 2007. It has a capacity of 5,000 with amphitheater-style seating on the west side of the field for lawn chairs and blankets.. The facility includes a state of the art field turf playing surface and a stone-faced precast concrete grandstand. The ground level field house contains two large, day-lit varsity locker rooms with showers, a medical training room, an equipment room, and support spaces. A field storage room is provided with vehicular access. The building also includes a public concession stand and restrooms. Lockers and concession areas are highlighted on the façade by large wooden exterior alcoves that create bays for students and players.
The grandstand features a large press box, served by elevators, that is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and wireless communications. VIP hospitality wings provide seating for 120 people with a fully operable window wall facing the field. Press box and VIP seats also enjoy dramatic views of the Hudson River and the Poughkeepsie Bridge
beyond.
There was quite a stir regarding the removal of approximately 20 trees in preparation for this project. The oldest of the trees was determined post-mortem to be 180 years old and was therefore in existence 80 years before the college came to be. Actually, it began life around the time of the founder of the Marist Brothers, Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The fuss died down to a dull roar after an e-mail was sent around by the administration stating that the planting of 40 new trees was included in the project plans.
pavilion
opened to support the men's and women's tennis programs. It features eight lighted, regulation-sized courts, a center walkway, and a pergola-covered spectator area. Along with Marist the United States Military Academy
and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, host site of the U.S. Open, are the only tennis venues in the area that can boast a Deco II playing surface.The pavilion is located on the East campus.
and Loyola have each won four overall titles.
In March 2007, Marist's Women's Basketball team surprised a nation of NCAA fans under the leadership of co-captains Alisa Kresge and Nikki Flores, carried by Rachele Fitz. They became the third 13th seed to make it to the Sweet 16 since the women's tournament expanded to 64 teams. They defeated 4th-seeded Ohio State
and 5th-seeded Middle Tennessee
to make it to the Sweet 16. The Men's Basketball team defeated Oklahoma State in the first round of the NIT 67-64.
On June 28, 2007, Jared Jordan
became the second Marist College basketball player to be selected in the NBA draft, as the 45th overall pick, 15th pick in the second round by the Los Angeles Clippers. Rik Smits
was the first Marist player to play in the NBA, and had a long successful career with the Indiana Pacers.
In February 2008, Marist joined the Pioneer Football League
as its tenth member effective for the 2009 season, ending the MAAC Football League.
In March 2008, the women's basketball team was seeded 7th in the New Orleans Regional of the NCAA Basketball Tournament
where they defeated the 10th seeded Depaul
Blue Demons 76–57. They were then defeated by the 2nd seeded LSU
Lady Tigers 68–49 on March 24, 2008, ending Marist's 22 game winning streak.
The 2009 and 2010 Women's NCAA Basketball Tournaments saw Marist lose in the first rounds to Virginia
& Georgetown
respectively.
In the 2011 NCAA tournament the women's basketball team defeated Iowa State
in the first round and were thoroughly defeating Duke
at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the 2nd round until Marist's best player Erica Allenspach was injured. Duke
took the lead late in the 2nd half and prevailed 71-66.
Since joining the MAAC in 1997:
'83, President of 1-800FLOWERS.com
; Ian O'Connor
'86, a New York Times best-selling author and national sports columnist; Bill O'Reilly
'71, political commentator and host of The O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel; and Rik Smits
'88, NBA All-Star and 2nd pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.
Liberal arts college
A liberal arts college is one with a primary emphasis on undergraduate study in the liberal arts and sciences.Students in the liberal arts generally major in a particular discipline while receiving exposure to a wide range of academic subjects, including sciences as well as the traditional...
on the east bank of the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
near Poughkeepsie, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
. The site was established in 1905 by Marist Brothers
Marist Brothers
The Marist Brothers, or Little Brothers of Mary, are a Catholic religious order of brothers and affiliated lay people. The order was founded in France, at La Valla-en-Gier near Lyon in 1817 by Saint Marcellin Champagnat, a young French priest of the Society of Mary...
, and the college was chartered in 1929. The college has 43 bachelors and masters degree programs and 20 certificates across the traditional undergraduate, graduate, adult education, and distance learning environments including online.
Approximately 5,000 undergraduate students attend the Poughkeepsie campus (41°43′22"N 73°56′0"W). Marist College study sites also exist in 26 countries abroad including Egypt, China, England, Italy and Australia. In 2006, Marist opened a branch campus in Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
, Italy by partnering with the Lorenzo de' Medici School. In 2009, the school was bequeathed a mansion that has estimated value of $65 million in Esopus
Esopus, New York
Esopus is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. The population was 9,331 at the 2000 census. The name comes from the local Indian tribe and means "high banks."...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, that will be used as a leadership institute.
Since 2003, Marist no longer considers itself a Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
college, and it maintains a chapel on campus that offers services for an array of faiths.Although the college is no longer religiously affiliated, religion continues as a field of study and a part of many students' and administrators' lives; as does the continued presence of several Marist Brothers who reside and work on campus. Religious communities and groups are also available to students on campus who wish to further strengthen their faith. In addition, there are numerous churches in the surrounding area of Poughkeepsie.
Foundation as a training institution for Marist Brothers
The Marist BrothersMarist Brothers
The Marist Brothers, or Little Brothers of Mary, are a Catholic religious order of brothers and affiliated lay people. The order was founded in France, at La Valla-en-Gier near Lyon in 1817 by Saint Marcellin Champagnat, a young French priest of the Society of Mary...
are a Catholic society founded in France by Saint Marcellin Champagnat in 1816, focused on educational work throughout the world. In 1905, members of the order arrived in the Mid-Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley comprises the valley of the Hudson River and its adjacent communities in New York State, United States, from northern Westchester County northward to the cities of Albany and Troy.-History:...
to establish the first Marist house of studies in the United States. On the east bank of the Hudson River
Hudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
, just north of Poughkeepsie, they purchased property and a house from Thomas McPherson. They named the building and property "Saint Ann's Hermitage", and began training young men for a life of "study, work, prayer and service" (from which the school motto is derived).
In 1908, the Brothers purchased more land to expand the Hermitage, and soon increased the size of their property to 150 acre (0.607029 km²).
By 1929, the training center at the Hermitage had evolved into the Marist Normal Training School, offering college-level courses. The charter for the Marist Normal Training School was obtained by Brother Leo Brouilette. In 1946, the State of New York granted the institution an official four-year college charter under the name "Marian College", led by Brother Paul Ambrose Fontaine, FMS. Marian College continued the mission of training Marist Brothers as teachers of the congregation's schools.
From 1947 to 1957, the Brothers began working on the weekends, during summers, and in their spare time to build a gym
Gym
The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, that mean a locality for both physical and intellectual education of young men...
nasium (the original Marian Hall), Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Adrian Hall (which was demolished in 2001), and a residence for the student Brothers (the original Fontaine Hall).
The Marist College Library was originally housed on the top floor of Greystone in 1928. In 1945, reference, periodical and work areas took over the second floor as well, and then in 1949, the library also claimed Greystone's lowest level. The library remained in Greystone for 35 years.
Laity
In religious organizations, the laity comprises all people who are not in the clergy. A person who is a member of a religious order who is not ordained legitimate clergy is considered as a member of the laity, even though they are members of a religious order .In the past in Christian cultures, the...
male students were admitted to pursue degree study. An evening division was also introduced to serve the educational needs of the surrounding communities.
Sheahan Hall, the first residence hall, opened in 1962. It was named for Monsignor J. F. Sheahan (pastor of St. Peter's Church, Poughkeepsie) without whom the Marist Brothers might not have been able to purchase the Bech Estate that now comprises the entire south campus area. It was quickly followed by Leo Hall in 1963 and Champagnat Hall in 1965. They were named for Brother Leo Brouiletter (Provincial of the Marist Brothers, 1921–1930) and Saint Marcellin Champagnat respectively. Donnelly Hall (named for Brother Nilus Donnelly, who supervised construction of the 12 major campus facilities built by the Brothers), a dormitory at the time, was built in 1962 by the brothers themselves.
Women were admitted to the evening division classes in 1966, then to the day classes in 1968. Marist's president, Brother Linus Foy, resigned from the Marist Brothers around this time but continued serving as president. Benoit House and Gregory House were erected in 1968 as a residence for the Marist Brothers living on campus. Benoit House honored the memory of Brother Francis Xavier Benoit who taught at Marist for nineteen years, while serving also as Director of Construction for the Marist Brothers. Gregory House was named in memory of Brother Joseph Gregory Marchessault who was chairman of the Physics Department at Marist at the time of his death in 1969. Benoit and Gregory Houses became African American and Free University centers, respectively, during the sixties and seventies. They functioned as residences before being removed to make way for the Hancock Technology Center in 2009.
In 1969, due to the institution's rapid expansion and laws regulating federal aid to religiously affiliated educational institutions in New York State, ownership of the college was transferred to the Marist College Educational Corporation with an independent, predominantly lay board of trustees.
In the 1970s, programs for the educationally disadvantaged were expanded, a computer center was added, graduate programs in business administration and community psychology
Community psychology
Community psychology deals with the relationships of the individual to communities and the wider society. Community psychologists seek to understand the quality of life of individuals, communities, and society...
were instituted, and the James J. McCann Recreation Center was completed.
In 1973, President Foy began a cooperative program with area secondary schools, in which selected high school seniors take freshman courses and "bridge" into college. In fall 1974, the college expanded its commitment to continuing education by increasing course offerings in the evening division and summer session and in 1984, opened an off-campus extension center in Fishkill
Fishkill (town), New York
Fishkill is an affluent suburban town in the southwest part of Dutchess County, New York, USA. The population was 20,258 at the 2000 census, however, current estimates put the town's population at over 22,100. Fishkill partly surrounds the city of Beacon....
. (A second extension center was opened in the Orange County
Orange County, New York
Orange County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. It is part of the Poughkeepsie–Newburgh–Middletown, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area and is located at the northern reaches of the New York metropolitan area. The county sits in the state's scenic Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson Valley...
town of Goshen
Goshen (town), New York
Goshen is a town in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 12,913 at the 2000 census.The Town of Goshen contains a village also called Goshen, the county seat of Orange County. The town is centrally located in the county....
in fall 1993.)
The burgeoning library moved from Greystone to Donnelly Hall in 1963. In the space now occupied by the Computer Center and DN256, Donnelly Hall housed what was known as the Spellman Library for the next 12 years. The library moved from Donnelly to Fontaine Hall in 1975. It remained there until 1998, when the library moved temporarily across Route 9 to the former Poughkeepsie Steel Plant, purchased by Marist College to house the library while the new James A. Cannavino Library was constructed.
On February 18, 1975, freshman Shelley Sperling was shot and killed in the dining hall by her ex-boyfriend.
Modern Day
In 1979 Dr. Dennis J. MurrayDennis J. Murray
Dennis J. Murray is the current President of Marist College.During Murray's tenure as President, enrollment has more than doubled, 16 new academic programs have been established, several new academic centers and student residences have been added, and the property has been expanded to .He received...
became president. During Murray's tenure as president, enrollment doubled, the campus grew to 180 acre (0.7284348 km²), every building on campus was either renovated or newly constructed, and numerous strategic partnerships were formed.
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
, a major employer in the Mid-Hudson Valley. In 1984, Marist received $2.5 million in equipment and almost $2 million in software from the IBM Corporation to expand academic and administrative uses of computers on campus.
The Foy Townhouses, named after Dr. Linus Richard Foy, were built in 1982. Marian Hall was built in 1983 within and around the college's first gymnasium. It incorporates the first building to be constructed through the manual labor of the Brothers (1947). Because it is located adjacent to the spot where the Marian building (the college's principal classroom building) once stood, it carries on the name of that building as well as the original of the four year college.
To expand student housing, Gartland Commons was built on the north end of the campus in 1985. It is a townhouse community, housing approximately 300 students.
In 1987, the Lowell Thomas
Lowell Thomas
Lowell Jackson Thomas was an American writer, broadcaster, and traveler, best known as the man who made Lawrence of Arabia famous...
Communications Center opened, providing space for communications
Communication studies
Communication Studies is an academic field that deals with processes of communication, commonly defined as the sharing of symbols over distances in space and time. Hence, communication studies encompasses a wide range of topics and contexts ranging from face-to-face conversation to speeches to mass...
, math, and computer science
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
studies. The building was built over the site of an outdoor swimming pool from the early days of Marist that was fed by a natural spring.
Charles Dyson
Charlie Henry Dyson was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was founder of the Dyson Kissner-Moran Corporation and the Dyson Foundation .-Business career:...
Center opened, providing a home for the School of Management, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and School of Graduate and Continuing Education.
Construction continued in 1994 with a $27 million Student Center, bookstore, dining facilities, art gallery, and a new adjoining dormitory (Midrise Hall). In 1996, Talmadge Court was purchased by the college as an official student residence. In 1998, across neighboring Route 9, the Lower West Cedar townhouses were built.
Fontaine Hall, an academic and office building was constructed on the north end, followed by The James A. Cannavino Library right in the center of the main campus. Built with a concentrated focus on technology, the library is considered by campus planners to be the jewel and the heart of campus. The Library is named for James A. Cannavino, a long-time member of the Marist Board of Trustees.
With student enrollment increasing and a lack of housing for upperclassmen, the school purchased additional land across Route 9 for expansion. Upper West Cedar, built in 2000, was constructed in a similar style to the Lower West Cedar Townhouses. The Upper Fulton Townhouses followed in 2004 and then the Lower Fulton Townhouses in 2008. These housing areas are connected by a central walkway that leads to the main campus. Also, the Upper Fulton Townhouses were featured on Good Morning America
Good Morning America
Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...
in 2007 for a report on how some colleges and universities were building nicer dormitories to attract more students.
The housing expansion was a sore point with the Poughkeepsie residents, who blamed the college for excessive traffic on the Route 9 corridor. The New York State Department of Transportation
New York State Department of Transportation
The New York State Department of Transportation is responsible for the development and operation of highways, railroads, mass transit systems, ports, waterways and aviation facilities in the U.S...
and Marist College both blame massively increasing population in the Mid-Hudson Valley, a result of the migration of the residents of nearby New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
starting in late 2001. In May 2007, Marist was granted a variance allowing them to build despite a moratorium on new construction in the area.
In 2003, Marist invited New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer
Eliot Spitzer
Eliot Laurence Spitzer is an American lawyer, former Democratic Party politician, and political commentator. He was the co-host of In the Arena, a talk-show and punditry forum broadcast on CNN until CNN cancelled his show in July of 2011...
to deliver the commencement address for the graduating class, incurring protests aimed at the college for Spitzer's public support of abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
rights. Having received complaints, Cardinal Archbishop of New York
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York covers New York, Bronx, and Richmond counties in New York City , as well as Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties in New York state. There are 480 parishes...
Edward Egan declared Marist "is no longer a Catholic institution" and therefore not under the Church's jurisdiction. Although Marist had become independent in 1969 and it "does not identify itself as a Catholic college in any way", under Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II
Blessed Pope John Paul II , born Karol Józef Wojtyła , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City from 16 October 1978 until his death on 2 April 2005, at of age. His was the second-longest documented pontificate, which lasted ; only Pope Pius IX ...
's decree Ex Corde Ecclesiae
Ex Corde Ecclesiae
is an Apostolic constitution issued by Pope John Paul II regarding Catholic colleges and universities.Promulgated on August 15, 1990 and intended to become effective in the academic year starting in 1991, its aim was to define and refine the Catholicism of Catholic institutions of higher education...
, all colleges which claimed to be Catholic prior to 1991 are considered Catholic until declared otherwise by a bishop.
During the fall 2005 semester, approximately one third of the total classes (just over 500) utilized Ucompass Educator. Of those 500 courses between 30 and 35 (5-6%) were offered fully online
The college's Longview Park was completed in 2007 with a bike/walk path along the Hudson's shore, a fishing pier, the renovation of the historic Cornell boathouse, and better access to scenic vistas, particularly from the gazebo built on a promontory in the center of the park.
In September 2009, it was announced that Marist was bequeathed $75 million by the industrialist Raymond A. Rich. The donation consists of a 60 acres (242,811.6 m²) estate, known as the Payne Mansion
Payne Mansion
The Payne Mansion is located in the town of Esopus in Ulster County, New York. The Beaux Arts-style palazzo was designed by the renowned architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings, who also designed the New York Public Library and the Frick Collection...
, located in the Ulster County
Ulster County, New York
Ulster County is a county located in the state of New York, USA. It sits in the state's Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson Valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 182,493. Recent population estimates completed by the United States Census Bureau for the 12-month period ending July 1 are at...
town of Esopus
Esopus, New York
Esopus is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. The population was 9,331 at the 2000 census. The name comes from the local Indian tribe and means "high banks."...
and is estimated to be worth $65 million. The rest of the money, approximately $10 million, is to be used to establish the Raymond A. Rich Institute. The 42000 square feet (3,901.9 m²) mansion was designed by Carrère and Hastings
Carrère and Hastings
Carrère and Hastings, the firm of John Merven Carrère and Thomas Hastings , located in New York City, was one of the outstanding Beaux-Arts architecture firms in the United States. The partnership operated from 1885 until 1911, when Carrère was killed in an automobile accident...
, who also designed the New York Public Library
New York Public Library
The New York Public Library is the largest public library in North America and is one of the United States' most significant research libraries...
. The school plans to use the house as part of the institute. The Raymond A. Rich Institute will focus on developing the communication, interpersonal, and social skills necessary to lead complex organizations in a global setting. The gift was the ninth largest donation in world in 2009.
In spring 2011, Marist completed construction of a new technology building, the Hancock Center, which is located on the main campus where the Benoit and Gregory (residence houses) used to stand. The 57000 square feet (5,295.5 m²) building is designed in a Gothic architectural
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
style by the architect firm of Robert A. M. Stern
Robert A. M. Stern
Robert Arthur Morton Stern, usually credited as Robert A. M. Stern, is an American architect and Dean of the Yale University School of Architecture....
. It comprises three computer labs, Marist Institute for Public Opinion, nine classrooms, six seminar rooms and a trading room for the business school.
The New York State Department of Transportation
New York State Department of Transportation
The New York State Department of Transportation is responsible for the development and operation of highways, railroads, mass transit systems, ports, waterways and aviation facilities in the U.S...
completed a pedestrian underpass under US 9 to facilitate safer movement between the sections of campus which the boulevard separates. Its construction eliminated a pedestrian-only traffic signal. In addition, one entrance near the Lowell Thomas Communcation Center was closed to vehicular traffic. All three entrances of the college were renovated and the main gate closed to vehicular traffic.
Campus
The campus, with an area of 240 acre (0.9712464 km²), is located on the east bank of the Hudson RiverHudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
near Poughkeepsie, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, on US 9. In 2004 Marist announced its Campus Master Plan which called for the development of a pedestrian-friendly campus heart, with plenty of open and inviting green spaces for interaction. The creation of this campus heart involved the connection of the East and West campuses, the continued improvement of academic and recreational spaces, the addition of green space, and the relocation of parking to the periphery. The Master Plan is still being implemented, but the progress to date has created what many consider one of the most beautiful campuses in the Northeast.
Residential life
Marist requires all freshmen to live on campus. Freshman housing consists of three hall-style dormitories: Sheahan Hall, housing 140 students; Leo Hall, housing 300 students; and Champagnat Hall, housing over 400 students. For the next three years, housing is not guaranteed but enough housing consists to hold a large portion of the upperclassmen population. Townhouses make up all of the housing available for upperclassmen, mostly built within the last fifteen years. Additionally, the Upper Fulton townhouses were featured on Good Morning AmericaGood Morning America
Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...
for a story on how some colleges and universities are constructing nicer student housing to attract more students. All underclassmen live on the west side of Route 9, which is the main part of campus. Upperclassmen reside on the east side of Route 9, which is also considered the "wet side" of campus because the consumption of alcohol is allowed because all students are over the age of 21. While all incoming freshman are automatically assigned to a dorm, sophomores and above partake in a points system to choose housing. The priority points system, as it is known, dictates that students must accumulate a certain amount of points from clubs, sports, and GPA and are then ranked. The students with the highest points are allowed to choose housing first, thus filling the nicer housing first. The students with the lower points choose last, and are not always guaranteed housing. If students are entering as a group, then the student’s points are averaged together. According to Marist, this system promotes student activity in clubs and sports and offers an incentive to keep a high GPA.
Profile
Marist College offers 43 Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
degrees, 12 Masters degrees, and 12 Certificate
Academic certificate
An academic certificate is a document that certifies that a person has received specific education or has passed a test or series of tests.In many countries, certificate is a qualification attained in secondary education. For instance, students in the Republic of Ireland sit the Junior Certificate...
programs. These programs are divided between the six undergraduate schools and the School of Global and Professional Programs. All Marist students must take what is known as ‘core’ classes during their four years in order to graduate. There are a number of different 3-credit core classes students can take, usually consisting of writing, history, cultural diversity, and a philosophy class. The requirements are the same for all majors and emphasize Marist's tradition of a liberal arts
Liberal arts
The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...
education. Marist has become increasingly selective. In the incoming freshman class, 36 percent of applicants were accepted. 10,000 applicants were received for 950 spots. Marist is partnered with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York is the first presidential library built in the United States. It was conceived and built under the direction of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1939 to 1940.- History :...
, located in Hyde Park
Hyde Park, New York
Hyde Park is a town located in the northwest part of Dutchess County, New York, United States, just north of the city of Poughkeepsie. The town is most famous for being the hometown of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt....
. Marist also has had a longstanding partnership with IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
. IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
tests concepts and applications in education, business and communication. The joint study began in 1988 with the installation of a $10 million IBM 3090 mainframe computer on campus. In 2009, Marist and IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
began three research projects involving grid computing, e-learning applications and computing on demand.
Rankings
Since the 1990s, Marist has consistently risen in many college rankings. In the 2010 issue of U.S. News and World Report's "America’s best colleges", Marist was ranked 10th out of 172 universities in the category Regional Universities (North). Marist's acceptance rate of 36 percent made it the most selective school in this category. For the eighth year in a row, The Princeton Review named Marist as one of the nations best schools in its publication "The Best 373 Colleges". Kiplinger's Personal FinanceKiplinger's Personal Finance
Kiplinger's Personal Finance is a magazine that has been continuously published, on a monthly basis, from 1947 to the present day. It was the nation's first personal finance magazine, and claims to deliver "sound, unbiased advice in clear, concise language"...
magazine named Marist one of its "50 Best Buys" in private education for the fifth consecutive year. Marist was the only New York college to make the list.
In 2006, Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
and The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review is an American-based standardized test preparation and admissions consulting company. The Princeton Review operates in 41 states and 22 countries across the globe. It offers test preparation for standardized aptitude tests such as the SAT and advice regarding college...
named Marist among the 25 "most connected campuses" in the United States. The August 2006 edition of Campus Technology magazine named Marist a "Campus Technology Innovator" for the college's "iDentity Quest" podcasting program, which provides iPods to students to record reflections on life in other countries and to share this information with classmates and professors.
International links
Marist College offers students semester and academic year programs in: Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, South Africa, and Tanzania), Asia and the Pacific (Australia, China, India, Japan, and New Zealand), Europe (Czech Republic, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Scotland, and Spain), Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and Ecuador), and the Middle East (Jordan).In 2006, Marist partnered with Lorenzo de' Medici School to form a branch campus in Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
, Italy. There, students can study for a semester or academic year and choose from over 400 different classes. Additionally, there is Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
program for those who wish to pursue a four-year degree. Degrees are offered in Art History, Conservation Studies/Restoration, Digital Media, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Studio Art (B.A.) and Studio Art (B.S.).
There are also several short-term programs that consist of a 2-3 week trip to a country that is based around a 3-4-credit class. Examples of previous classes have been Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, China and Taiwan for the class Technology Management; Ireland for the class Dubliners and the Literature of Ireland; Ghana: Politics, Community Development, and Entrepreneurship.
MIPO and CCODC
Marist is home to the Marist Institute of Public OpinionMarist Poll
- MIPO :The "MIPO" is a national public opinion poll at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The poll is operated by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. The poll, founded in 1978, was one of the first college-based public opinion poll in the United States....
(MIPO), a polling organization
Opinion poll
An opinion poll, sometimes simply referred to as a poll is a survey of public opinion from a particular sample. Opinion polls are usually designed to represent the opinions of a population by conducting a series of questions and then extrapolating generalities in ratio or within confidence...
active in the political arena, The Hudson River Valley Institute
Hudson River Valley Institute
The Hudson River Valley Institute is a center for regional studies of the Hudson Valley of New York State. It is an academic extension of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York. The academic institution provides internships for Marist History majors and contributes to local happenings, such as...
(HRVI), the educational arm of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area
U.S. National Heritage Area
A National Heritage Area is a site designated by United States and intended to encourage historic preservation of the area and an appreciation of the history and heritage of the site...
, and the Center for Collaborative and On-Demand Computing (CCODC) are also at Marist. HRVI oversees the publication of the Hudson River Valley Review, a journal of regional studies.
Local involvement
Marist College enjoys a unique partnership with the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (FERI) in Hyde ParkHyde Park, New York
Hyde Park is a town located in the northwest part of Dutchess County, New York, United States, just north of the city of Poughkeepsie. The town is most famous for being the hometown of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt....
, which exists primarily to serve as the educational arm of the FDR Presidential Library and Museum. Furthermore, the Library, under the control of the National Archives and Records Administration, serves as the primary resource for student history majors completing capping papers. In addition, Marist College is tasked with the administration of the Library web site, fdrlibrary.marist.edu, and has co-sponsored several major conferences in conjunction with the Presidential Library and FERI.
Other major projects include the Hudson River Valley Institute (the educational arm of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area).
Marist also participates in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, New York is the first presidential library built in the United States. It was conceived and built under the direction of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt from 1939 to 1940.- History :...
, the Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Institute of Ecosystem Studies
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies , formerly known as the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, is an independent, not-for-profit environmental research organization dedicated to the scientific study of the world’s ecosystems and the natural and human factors that influence them...
, and many other projects.
Accreditations
- The institution as a whole is accreditedEducational accreditationEducational accreditation is a type of quality assurance process under which services and operations of educational institutions or programs are evaluated by an external body to determine if applicable standards are met...
by The Middle States Commission on Higher EducationMiddle States Association of Colleges and SchoolsThe Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is a voluntary, peer-based, non-profit association dedicated to educational excellence and improvement through peer evaluation and accreditation...
. It was most recently reaccredited in 2003. - The School of Management is accredited for its Business program by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of BusinessAssociation to Advance Collegiate Schools of BusinessThe Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business was founded in 1916 to accredit schools of business worldwide. The first accreditations took place in 1919. The stated mission is to advance quality management education worldwide through accreditation and thought leadership. It is regarded...
(AACSB International). - The Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
- The Medical Technology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
- The Social Work bachelor’s completion program is accredited by the Council on Social Work EducationCouncil on Social Work EducationThe Council on Social Work Education is the national association for social work education in the United States of America.The CSWE sets and maintains standards of courses and accreditation of bachelor's degree's and Master's degree programs in social work.The CSWE specifies foundation social work...
(CSWE).
Student organizations
Marist College has 93 registered clubs and organizations that cover a variety of interests: performing artsPerforming arts
The performing arts are those forms art which differ from the plastic arts insofar as the former uses the artist's own body, face, and presence as a medium, and the latter uses materials such as clay, metal or paint which can be molded or transformed to create some physical art object...
, sports, religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
, politics
Politics
Politics is a process by which groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs, including behavior within civil governments, but also applies to institutions, fields, and special interest groups such as the...
, and student government. There are three student-run literary organizations: The Circle, Generator Magazine and the Literary Arts Society. The Circle, the school newspaper
Newspaper
A newspaper is a scheduled publication containing news of current events, informative articles, diverse features and advertising. It usually is printed on relatively inexpensive, low-grade paper such as newsprint. By 2007, there were 6580 daily newspapers in the world selling 395 million copies a...
, has been in publication since 1965, and is published weekly. Generator Magazine features student written poetry and short-stories. The Literary Arts Society produces two students publications; The MOSAIC, a literary magazine printed once a semester, publishes creative works by students as well as the winners of the annual Fiction and Poetry contest. The FoxForum, a new publication, prints academic papers and opinion pieces written by students; it is published every month. Marist also has a student run TV channel, MCTV. The channel broadcasts its own shows, including original programming and news. Intramural sports groups are very popular among students, with equestrian
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
, fencing
Fencing
Fencing, which is also known as modern fencing to distinguish it from historical fencing, is a family of combat sports using bladed weapons.Fencing is one of four sports which have been featured at every one of the modern Olympic Games...
, rugby
Rugby football
Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...
, ski
Ski
A ski is a long, flat device worn on the foot, usually attached through a boot, designed to help the wearer slide smoothly over snow. Originally intended as an aid to travel in snowy regions, they are now mainly used for recreational and sporting purposes...
, ultimate
Ultimate (sport)
Ultimate is a sport played with a 175 gram flying disc. The object of the game is to score points by passing the disc to a player in the opposing end zone, similar to an end zone in American football or rugby...
, and volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
. All of the above organizations are managed by the Office of College Activities
While several fraternities
Fraternities and sororities
Fraternities and sororities are fraternal social organizations for undergraduate students. In Latin, the term refers mainly to such organizations at colleges and universities in the United States, although it is also applied to analogous European groups also known as corporations...
operate off-campus, Greek life is not very popular among students, many of whom choose to live on campus. Six fraternal organizations operate through Marist, and primarily focus on philanthropic and community programs. Although Marist no longer has any religious affiliation, several Marist Brothers still reside on campus. They were allowed to continue living on campus after the school broke away from the church. The brothers operate a student organization known as the Campus Ministry, that serves the spiritual needs of the campus as well as serving the Poughkeepsie community. In addition to sports and clubs, there is a student government organization. The Marist College Student Government Association is made up of three branches: the Executive Board, the Student Senate, and the Student Judicial Board.
Marist Band
The Marist College Band involves approximately 140 students performing in a variety of twelve ensembles. It performs full symphonic concert programs of standard wind-band literature, tours nationally, does half-time shows at home football games, and performs at home Marist basketball games, Marist basketball games at Madison Square Garden and at the MAAC Championship Basketball Tournament that occurs the first weekend in March. Membership in this large ensemble entitles the student to also participate as a member of the Brass Ensemble, Low-Brass Choir, Flute Choir, Woodwind Ensemble, Woodwind Quintet, Musical Theater Pit Orchestra, and the Jazz Band known as the "Jazz Foxes". Other ensembles that flourish under the umbrella of the Marist College Band include the Handbell Choir, Guitar Ensemble and a variety of rock bands.Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Marist has an active Army ROTC program on campus. The program is based out of the original St. Ann's Hermitage building. It is a satellite program of Ram battalion in Fordham University. Cadets also come from nearby Vassar College, SUNY New Paltz, Mount Saint Mary's College, Orange County Community College and Dutchess County Community College.Athletics
The Marist department of athletics sponsors 23 NCAA Division I sports. Most of the programs compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic ConferenceMetro Atlantic Athletic Conference
The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the northeastern United States. MAAC teams compete in the NCAA's Division I. Most of the members are Catholic or formerly Catholic institutions; the only exception is the private but secular Rider...
(MAAC); with the only exception being football, which is a member of the Pioneer Football League
Pioneer Football League
The Pioneer Football League is a college athletic conference which operates in the East, Midwest, and California of the United States. It has member schools that range from New York, North Carolina, and Florida in the east to California in the west. The conference participates in the NCAA's...
(PFL). The Men's teams consist of basketball, baseball, tennis, crew, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, cross country, track & football. While the women's teams are basketball, volleyball, tennis, crew, lacrosse, soccer, cross country, swimming & diving and water polo. These varsity programs involve more than 550 Marist student-athletes. The crew programs are two of the few in the nation that have on-campus facilities on the shores of the Hudson River.
In addition to Division I programs, the Department of Athletics also offers many other sports on the club and intramural levels. Club sports give Marist students the opportunity to compete against other colleges and universities without the strict requirements of the NCAA. Club sports offered at Marist include men’s ice hockey, men’s and women’s rugby, men’s volleyball,equestrian, fencing and bowling. Marist also offers 18 intramural programs.
Marist Student Booster Club
The Marist Student Booster Club is an organization that is dedicated to supporting all Marist Athletic teams.
The Student Booster Club looks to host events throughout the year in conjunction with many different athletic
competitions. Some of the club’s goals are to host pre-game events, coordinate bus
trips to high-profile away games and raise the student attendance for all Marist Athletics events
Marist Fight Song
Marist, College, Let the bells ring.
Honor, Glory, Your Praises We Sing.
We're here with banners fly-ing!
Our shouts of victory cry-ing! Rah! – Rah! – Rah!
Alma, Mater, We love you dear.
Conquering, Heroes, We're here to cheer.
We have no fear for Marist College,
We'll fight on to victory.
Marist, Foxes, We're on the run.
Up hill, downhill, having much fun.
We lure our every foe,
Into the Red Fox hole. Rah! – Rah! – Rah!
Scratch them, tear them, rip them a part.
Offense, Defense – right from the start,
We have no fear for our Red Foxes,
They'll fight on to Victory.
Rivalries
Men's tennis – Fairfield UniversityFairfield University
Fairfield University is a private, co-educational undergraduate and master's level teaching-oriented university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in the New England region of the United States. It was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, and today is one of 28 member institutions of the...
Men's basketball – Siena College
Siena College
Siena College is an independent Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, in the town of Colonie, New York, United States. Siena is a four-year, coeducational, independent college in the Franciscan tradition, founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1937. It has 3,000 full-time students and...
, Iona College
Iona College (New York)
Iona College is located in New Rochelle, New York, 20 miles north of Manhattan in suburban Westchester County. The college occupies 35 acres on North Ave. The college also operates a Graduate Center in Pearl River, Rockland County, New York....
Women's basketball – Canisius College
Canisius College
Canisius College is a private Roman Catholic college in Buffalo, New York, United States. The college was founded in 1870 by members of the Society of Jesus from Germany and is named after St. Peter Canisius. The college is one of 28 institutions in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and...
, Siena College
Siena College
Siena College is an independent Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, in the town of Colonie, New York, United States. Siena is a four-year, coeducational, independent college in the Franciscan tradition, founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1937. It has 3,000 full-time students and...
, Ohio State University
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
Men's rowing – Trinity College, Hartford, Hobart College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Hobart and William Smith Colleges, located in Geneva, New York, are together a liberal arts college offering Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees. In athletics, however, the two schools compete with separate teams, known as the Hobart Statesmen and the...
, Ithaca College
Ithaca College
Ithaca College is a private college located on the South Hill of Ithaca, New York. The school was founded by William Egbert in 1892 as a conservatory of music. The college has a strong liberal arts core, but also offers several pre-professional programs and some graduate programs. The college is...
, University of Delaware
University of Delaware
The university is organized into seven colleges:* College of Agriculture and Natural Resources* College of Arts and Sciences* Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics* College of Earth, Ocean and Environment* College of Education and Human Development...
, United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
Football – Georgetown University
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
, Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University is a Roman Catholic university located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. Sacred Heart was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sacred Heart University was the first Catholic university in...
, University of San Diego
University of San Diego
The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic university in San Diego, California. USD offers more than sixty bachelor's, master’s, and doctoral programs...
Swimming – Rider University
Rider University
Rider University is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university located chiefly in Lawrenceville, in Mercer County, New Jersey, United States...
, Loyola University Maryland
Softball – Canisius College
Canisius College
Canisius College is a private Roman Catholic college in Buffalo, New York, United States. The college was founded in 1870 by members of the Society of Jesus from Germany and is named after St. Peter Canisius. The college is one of 28 institutions in the Association of Jesuit Colleges and...
Track – Manhattan College
Manhattan College
Manhattan College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college in the Lasallian tradition in New York City, United States. Despite the college's name, it is no longer located in Manhattan but in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, roughly 10 miles north of Midtown. Manhattan College offers...
, Iona College
Iona College (New York)
Iona College is located in New Rochelle, New York, 20 miles north of Manhattan in suburban Westchester County. The college occupies 35 acres on North Ave. The college also operates a Graduate Center in Pearl River, Rockland County, New York....
Baseball – Manhattan College
Manhattan College
Manhattan College is a Roman Catholic liberal arts college in the Lasallian tradition in New York City, United States. Despite the college's name, it is no longer located in Manhattan but in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, roughly 10 miles north of Midtown. Manhattan College offers...
, United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
, Siena College
Siena College
Siena College is an independent Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, in the town of Colonie, New York, United States. Siena is a four-year, coeducational, independent college in the Franciscan tradition, founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1937. It has 3,000 full-time students and...
Women's soccer – Siena College
Siena College
Siena College is an independent Roman Catholic liberal arts college in Loudonville, in the town of Colonie, New York, United States. Siena is a four-year, coeducational, independent college in the Franciscan tradition, founded by the Franciscan Friars in 1937. It has 3,000 full-time students and...
James J. McCann Recreation Center
McCann Field House
McCann Field House is a 3,200-seat multi-purpose arena in Poughkeepsie, New York, USA. It was built in 1977 and is home to the Marist College Red Foxes men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball teams.The Field House's namesake is James J. McCann...
, the Natatorium
Natatorium
A natatorium is a term given for a building containing a swimming pool. In Latin, a cella natatoria was a swimming pool in its own building, although it is sometimes also used to refer to any indoor pool even if not housed in a dedicated building...
, and the Strength & Conditioning Center.
The Field House is a 3,200-seat multi-purpose arena home to the men's and women's basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
and women's volleyball
Volleyball
Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules.The complete rules are extensive...
team
Team
A team comprises a group of people or animals linked in a common purpose. Teams are especially appropriate for conducting tasks that are high in complexity and have many interdependent subtasks.A group in itself does not necessarily constitute a team...
s. It also hosts special events such as concerts for the student population.
The natatorium is a 265000 gallons (1,003.1 m³) facility, ranging in depth from 4 feet (1.2 m) to 13 feet (4 m). It provides six 25 yards (22.9 m) lanes and an independent diving well. The well contains two 1-meter and one 3-meter diving board.
The Strength & Conditioning Center is two floors. The lower floor consists of weight training equipment, the upper floor consists of cardiovascular training equipment. All told, the facility can easily accommodate 100 students simultaneously.
Minor areas include two racquetball courts, a 2200 square feet (204.4 m²) dance studio, five locker rooms, a classroom, the Pepsi Hall of Fame multi-media meeting room, the 2100 square feet (195.1 m²) Dr. Maynard Center for Sports Medicine, the Academic Enhancement Center, the 4200 square feet (390.2 m²) Coach's Complex, an 11000 square feet (1,021.9 m²) Mondo-surfaced auxiliary gymnasium, used heavily by intramurals and club sports, and a student lounge.
During the 2010–11 academic year, an 11660 square feet (1,083.2 m²) addition to the McCann Center gymnasium was completed. New offices and lockers for the men's and women's basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
teams were constructed. The renovation included new and expanded public restrooms, a renovated entrance lobby, new wood floor and the bleachers in the field house were replaced with chair-back seating. Additionally video scoreboards were added in two corners of the arena and a video table was added.
Boathouse row
The athletic facilities with the greatest amount of history in the Marist College Athletic Department are the boathouses located on campus, which sit on the banks of the Hudson RiverHudson River
The Hudson is a river that flows from north to south through eastern New York. The highest official source is at Lake Tear of the Clouds, on the slopes of Mount Marcy in the Adirondack Mountains. The river itself officially begins in Henderson Lake in Newcomb, New York...
. It is rare in collegiate rowing to have on-campus rowing facilities.
Two houses exist: the original Cornell University
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions...
boathouse, and the newer Marist boathouse. The Marist boathouse features boat bay, which contain a fleet of 16 top-of-the-line Vespoli shells. Additionally, on the second floor are 30 Concept II ergs, free weights, a video viewing lounge and a coaching office. The Cornell boathouse is used by local high schools. The Cornell boathouse was remodeled in 2008, and currently is used by the school President for administrative functions, as well as housing a few racing shells for the women's team.
Gartland Athletic Field
Also known as North Field, the Gartland Athletic Field now serves as a core practice facility for Marist intercollegiate sports, including soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. It is also a playing field for club sports and general recreation. At almost 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) in size, the field is large enough to accommodate three team practices simultaneously. The intercollegiate Softball field, equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic Score Board and newly renovated dugouts, resides in the far corner of North field. A practice softball field at the opposite end of the field is used during tournament play, intramural games, and sole club sports.Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field
A grandstandGrandstand
A grandstand is a large and normally permanent structure for seating spectators, most often at a racetrack. This includes both auto racing and horse racing. The grandstand is in essence like a single section of a stadium, but differs from a stadium in that it does not wrap all or most of the way...
was erected on the main athletic field, and named Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field
Leonidoff Field
Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field is a 5,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in Poughkeepsie, New York. It is home to the Marist College Red Foxes football team. The facility opened in 1968...
, it was officially opened on October 6, 2007. It has a capacity of 5,000 with amphitheater-style seating on the west side of the field for lawn chairs and blankets.. The facility includes a state of the art field turf playing surface and a stone-faced precast concrete grandstand. The ground level field house contains two large, day-lit varsity locker rooms with showers, a medical training room, an equipment room, and support spaces. A field storage room is provided with vehicular access. The building also includes a public concession stand and restrooms. Lockers and concession areas are highlighted on the façade by large wooden exterior alcoves that create bays for students and players.
The grandstand features a large press box, served by elevators, that is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and wireless communications. VIP hospitality wings provide seating for 120 people with a fully operable window wall facing the field. Press box and VIP seats also enjoy dramatic views of the Hudson River and the Poughkeepsie Bridge
Poughkeepsie Bridge
The Poughkeepsie Bridge is a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie, New York on the east bank and Highland, New York on the west bank...
beyond.
There was quite a stir regarding the removal of approximately 20 trees in preparation for this project. The oldest of the trees was determined post-mortem to be 180 years old and was therefore in existence 80 years before the college came to be. Actually, it began life around the time of the founder of the Marist Brothers, Saint Marcellin Champagnat. The fuss died down to a dull roar after an e-mail was sent around by the administration stating that the planting of 40 new trees was included in the project plans.
McCann Baseball Field
This ballpark features seating behind the backstop and along the third base line that can accommodate over 350 fans. The facility has a dead center field measurement of 414 feet (126.2 m), the deepest distance of any MAAC field, while the power alleys check in at 377 feet (114.9 m).Tennis pavilion
In 2006, a tennisTennis
Tennis is a sport usually played between two players or between two teams of two players each . Each player uses a racket that is strung to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent's court. Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society at all...
pavilion
Pavilion (structure)
In architecture a pavilion has two main meanings.-Free-standing structure:Pavilion may refer to a free-standing structure sited a short distance from a main residence, whose architecture makes it an object of pleasure. Large or small, there is usually a connection with relaxation and pleasure in...
opened to support the men's and women's tennis programs. It features eight lighted, regulation-sized courts, a center walkway, and a pergola-covered spectator area. Along with Marist the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, host site of the U.S. Open, are the only tennis venues in the area that can boast a Deco II playing surface.The pavilion is located on the East campus.
Athletic accomplishments
Marist, which captured seven Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles during the 2004-05 academic year, has taken home the conference's highest honors, earning all three JetBlue Airways MAAC Commissioner's Cups. This season marks the fifth time in seven years that the Red Foxes have claimed the overall competition and now makes Marist the only school to win the overall title five times. La SalleLa Salle University
La Salle University is a private, co-educational, Roman Catholic university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Named for St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle, the school was founded in 1863 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. As of 2008 the school has approximately 7,554...
and Loyola have each won four overall titles.
In March 2007, Marist's Women's Basketball team surprised a nation of NCAA fans under the leadership of co-captains Alisa Kresge and Nikki Flores, carried by Rachele Fitz. They became the third 13th seed to make it to the Sweet 16 since the women's tournament expanded to 64 teams. They defeated 4th-seeded Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes women's basketball
The Ohio State women's basketball team represents The Ohio State University and plays its home games in the Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, which they moved into in 1998. Prior to 1998, they played at St. John Arena. They have won 12 Big Ten titles, which is the most in the...
and 5th-seeded Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
The Blue Raiders are the men's and women's athletic teams at Middle Tennessee State University. MTSU athletic teams participate in NCAA Division I in the Sun Belt Conference...
to make it to the Sweet 16. The Men's Basketball team defeated Oklahoma State in the first round of the NIT 67-64.
On June 28, 2007, Jared Jordan
Jared Jordan
Jared Ahern Jordan is an American professional basketball player.-College career:Jordan, who graduated from Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford, Connecticut in 2003, became the point guard for the Marist College basketball team until his graduation in 2007...
became the second Marist College basketball player to be selected in the NBA draft, as the 45th overall pick, 15th pick in the second round by the Los Angeles Clippers. Rik Smits
Rik Smits
Rik Smits is a retired Dutch professional basketball player who spent his entire professional career with the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association. The 7'4" center was drafted by the Pacers out of Marist College with the second overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft...
was the first Marist player to play in the NBA, and had a long successful career with the Indiana Pacers.
In February 2008, Marist joined the Pioneer Football League
Pioneer Football League
The Pioneer Football League is a college athletic conference which operates in the East, Midwest, and California of the United States. It has member schools that range from New York, North Carolina, and Florida in the east to California in the west. The conference participates in the NCAA's...
as its tenth member effective for the 2009 season, ending the MAAC Football League.
In March 2008, the women's basketball team was seeded 7th in the New Orleans Regional of the NCAA Basketball Tournament
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
where they defeated the 10th seeded Depaul
DePaul University
DePaul University is a private institution of higher education and research in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul...
Blue Demons 76–57. They were then defeated by the 2nd seeded LSU
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, most often referred to as Louisiana State University, or LSU, is a public coeducational university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The University was founded in 1853 in what is now known as Pineville, Louisiana, under the name...
Lady Tigers 68–49 on March 24, 2008, ending Marist's 22 game winning streak.
The 2009 and 2010 Women's NCAA Basketball Tournaments saw Marist lose in the first rounds to Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
& Georgetown
Georgetown University
Georgetown University is a private, Jesuit, research university whose main campus is in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1789, it is the oldest Catholic university in the United States...
respectively.
In the 2011 NCAA tournament the women's basketball team defeated Iowa State
Iowa State University
Iowa State University of Science and Technology, more commonly known as Iowa State University , is a public land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa, United States. Iowa State has produced astronauts, scientists, and Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, along with a host of...
in the first round and were thoroughly defeating Duke
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
at Cameron Indoor Stadium in the 2nd round until Marist's best player Erica Allenspach was injured. Duke
Duke University
Duke University is a private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present day town of Trinity in 1838, the school moved to Durham in 1892. In 1924, tobacco industrialist James B...
took the lead late in the 2nd half and prevailed 71-66.
Since joining the MAAC in 1997:
- The Baseball team has made the NCAA Tournament a total of 6 times in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, & 2009.
- The Men's Tennis Team has advanced to the NCAA Tournament 6 times 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008 & 2009 while the Women's Team appeared in 2007 and 2008.
- The Men's Crew Team Has won the MAAC Title 13 times and the Women's Crew Team 9 times.
- The Swimming and Diving Programs have combined for 23 MAAC Titles.
- The Women's Basketball Team has won 7 MAAC Conference Championships (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011).
Notable alumni
Marist College has approximately 30,000 living alumni worldwide. Notable Marist graduates include Timothy G. Brier ’69, Co-Founder of Priceline.com; Christopher McCannChristopher McCann
Christopher McCann is an Obie Award winning American actor for the stage, television and film.-Career:McCann attended St. Francis Preparatory School in New York during high school, and then went on to attend New York University for drama...
'83, President of 1-800FLOWERS.com
1-800-Flowers
1-800-Flowers is a floral and gift retailer and distribution company in the United States. It was one of the first retailers to use a 24 x 7 toll-free telephone number and the Internet for direct sales to consumers....
; Ian O'Connor
Ian O'Connor
Ian O'Connor is a sports columnist for ESPNNewYork.com, formerly of The Bergen Record and Foxsports.com, and author of a New York Times best seller, "Arnie & Jack: Palmer, Nicklaus, and Golf's Greatest Rivalry."...
'86, a New York Times best-selling author and national sports columnist; Bill O'Reilly
Bill O'Reilly (commentator)
William James "Bill" O'Reilly, Jr. is an American television host, author, syndicated columnist and political commentator. He is the host of the political commentary program The O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel, which is the most watched cable news television program on American television...
'71, political commentator and host of The O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel; and Rik Smits
Rik Smits
Rik Smits is a retired Dutch professional basketball player who spent his entire professional career with the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association. The 7'4" center was drafted by the Pacers out of Marist College with the second overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft...
'88, NBA All-Star and 2nd pick in the 1988 NBA Draft.
External links
- Official college website
- Marist Circle - Student newspaper