Marist College Totally Explained

Everything about Marist College totally explained

Marist College is a private liberal arts college of 180 acres (72 ha), located on the east bank of the Hudson River near Poughkeepsie, New York, on US 9. The site was established in 1905, and chartered in 1946.
   Today, the college has 43 bachelors and masters degree programs and 20 certificates across the traditional undergraduate, graduate, adult education, and distance learning environments.
   5,000 students attend classes on the main Poughkeepsie campus, and hundreds more in Fishkill, Goshen, Kingston, and Monticello. Marist College study sites also exist in 14 countries abroad including Egypt, China, England, Italy and Australia.
   Marist is home to the Marist Institute of Public Opinion (MIPO), an oft-quoted polling organization known for its work in the political arena. The Hudson River Valley Institute, 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.

History

Foundations as a Training Institution for Marist Brothers

Marist Colleges history begins with the Marist Brothers in the early 1816s. This Catholic religious order was founded in France by Saint Marcellin Champagnat 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 the land grew to .
   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.
   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 building on the weekends, their summers, and in their spare time: A gymnasium (the original Marian Hall), Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Adrian Hall (which was demolished in 2000), and a residence for the student Brothers (the original Fontaine Hall).

Expansion and Change

In 1958, Marist Brother Linus Richard Foy took the reins at age 28, becoming 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. Stories from the construction are still topics for discussion between surviving Brothers even today.
   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. It is currently a student residence hall. Benoit House honors 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.
   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.
   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.

1970s: Marist continues to reach out

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 of 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 abusive ex-boyfriend, Louis Acevedo. It is said that her spirit still lingers mainly in Sheahan Hall (her former dormitory), and the grotto which existed in tribute to all members of the Marist Community who have passed on.

1980s: Marist finds technology

In 1979, President Richard Foy found other opportunities and was succeeded by Dr. Dennis J. Murray, who remains president today, nearly 30 years later. Dr. Murray has stuck with traditions of the Marist Brothers and developed a vision for the college: he sought out innovation and technology and was determined to grow the student body. During Murray's tenure as president, enrollment doubled, the campus grew to, 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 International Business Machines (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. Marist and IBM initiated a joint study in 1988 that has placed Marist among the most technologically advanced liberal arts colleges in the country, and gave IBM a testbed to prove concepts and applications they believe will be useful in business, education, and other fields. Marist students actively take part in these research projects.
   The Foy Townhouses were built in 1982. The Foy Townhouses are named after Dr. Linus Richard Foy.
   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's 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.
   Gartland Commons was built in 1985.
   In 1987, the Lowell Thomas Communications Center opened, providing space for communications, math, and computer science studies. The eventual opening was a bittersweet affair for students who as high school seniors in 1983 were told that the center would be available much sooner; thus earning the moniker "Lowell Thomas Ski Lodge" when it finally broke ground. 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. If one goes to the underground level of the building and stands next to the elevator as it opens, running water can be heard.

1990s: Building and updating

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.
   The New Townhouses were built in 1993.
   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. In 2000, the Upper 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 and one of the country's leading technology visionaries.

2000s: Redefining

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. Having received complaints, Archbishop of New York Edward Cardinal 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" Tenney Stadium features a new grandstand with a large media facility and reception area, concession stand, rest rooms and team rooms, plus state-of-the-art field turf, a new scoreboard, and amphitheater-style seating on the west side of the field for lawn chairs and blankets. 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.

Future

A new dormitory is currently being erected on the East Campus below the tennis courts and Fulton Townhouses, scheduled to be completed for the Fall 2008 semester. This new dorm will allow original dorms Benoit and Gregory to be removed. These housing expansion plans have been a sore point with the Town of Poughkeepsie, whose residents blame 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. Marist must still get several approvals before construction can begin.
Marist plans to erect a new technology building, the Hancock Center, probably located on the main campus where the Benoit and Gregory (residence houses) currently stand. This may happen in the 2009-2011 timeframe.
A pedestrian bridge is planned to cross the Route 9 corridor in 2011, in hopes of promoting safety and alleviating traffic congestion, popularly thought to be caused by students crossing at crosswalks. As Marist College doesn't have jurisdiction or authority over Route 9, this is a New York State Department of Transportation project. Variations of this plan have been proposed for years and whether this plan will come to fruition remains to be seen.

Local Involvement

Marist College enjoys a unique partnership with the Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (FERI) in Hyde Park, NY, 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, and has co-sponsored several major conferences in conjunction with 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.

Schools and Degree Programs

Source:

The School of Communication & the Arts

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art

   Bachelor of Arts in Art History � Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts with concentrations in

   :Advertising � :Communication Studies

   :Gaming/Interactive Media � :International Communication

   :Journalism � :Public relations

   :Organizational Communication � :Radio/TV/Film

   :Sports Communication � Bachelor of Professional Studies in Fashion

   Bachelor of Science in Digital Media

Graduate � Master of Arts in Communication

;Certificate � Art and Advertising Design

The School of Computer Science & Math

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Arts in Computer Math

   Bachelor of Science in applied Math � Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

   Bachelor of Science in Information Technology � Bachelor of Arts in Math

   Bachelor of Arts in Math/Adolescent Education � 5 year Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Software Development

   5 year Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Information Systems

Graduate � MS Software Development

MS Information Systems

Certificate � Certificate: Computer Programming

Certificate: IS Analysis and Design

The School of Liberal Arts

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Arts in American Studies

   Bachelor of Arts in English Literature � Bachelor of Arts in English Theater

   Bachelor of Arts in English Writing � Bachelor of Arts in English/Adolescent Education

   Bachelor of Arts in French � Bachelor of Arts in History

   Bachelor of Arts in History/Adolescent Education � Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy

   Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy/Religious Studies � Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

   Bachelor of Arts in Spanish � Bachelor of Arts in Spanish/Adolescent Education

Certificate � Paralegal

The School of Management

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration � Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Graduate � MBA

MPA � Master of Science in Technology Management (joint with School of Computer Science and Mathematics)

Certificate � Certificate: Executive Leadership

Certificate: Finance � Certificate: Information Systems

Certificate: Marketing � Certificate: Production Management

The School of Science

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training

   Bachelor of Science in Biology � Bachelor of Science in Biology Education

   Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences � Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

   Bachelor of Science in Chemistry � Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry

   Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry � Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

   Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy � Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

Certificate � Coaching

The School of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Arts in Education (Childhood 1–6 & Adolescent Ed 7–12)

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology � Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science in Social Work

Graduate � Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling

Master of Education � Master of Arts in Educational Psychology

Master of Arts in School Psychology

Certificate � Certificate: School Psychology

The School of Graduate & Continuing Education

Undergraduate � Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies

Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies

Accreditations

The institution as a whole is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 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 Business (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 Education (CSWE).

Undergraduate Life

Marist College Student Government Association

Organizational Structure

The Marist College Student Government Association is made up of three branches: the Executive Board, the Student Senate, and the Student Judicial Board (not to be confused with the Student Life Judicial Board).

Executive Board

The Executive Board comprises 12 members. Members include the Executive Vice-President, Vice-Presidents of Student Programming, Residential Life, Academic Affairs, Clubs & Organizations, and Athletics, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Information Officer (CIO), Public Relations Director and Parilmentarian. All members of the Executive Board are appointed by the Student Body President at the beginning of his or her term, which is typically during the month April. The President is elected in a general election every February. The Student Body President's term begins in April and then runs until the following April. This is to allow for senior members to be present during the beginning of an incoming administration to help with the transition.

Student Senate

The Student Senate is elected by the student body and serves as the main legislative body for the MCSGA. They oversee the allocation of the Student Activities budget, which supplies funding to all student organizations and clubs, including the Student Programming Council and the rest of the Student Government. The Student Senate also legislates all policy pertaining to clubs and organizations on campus, including charting new clubs and disbanding defunct ones. They also act as chief reprensenatives of the students with the college administration and faculty in all matters pertaining to students' interests. To this end they create various ad-hoc committees to research and facilitate new campus policy and areas of general interest to the students. The senate comprises the four Class Presidents, five Resident Senators, and two Commuter Senators. The Body is led by the Senate Speaker, who is elected by a popular vote of the Senate.

Student Judicial Board

This body ensures that all endeavors of the Marist College SGA are compliant with the SGA Constitution and bylaws, as well as Marist College Policy. The Judicial Board is composed of a Chief Justice, appointed by the Student Body President (Chief Justice serves until graduation or resignation) and a group of appointed Res

Charitable Causes Sponsored by MCSGA

The SGA supports several active charitable causes: Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: Up 'til Dawn, and Relay for Life.

Marist College Clubs

Marist College clubs are student run, working closely with the College Activities Office and reporting to the VP of Club Affairs of the Student Government Association. Each club is broken into one of six categories: Co-curricular, Social Service, Greek, Production/Performance, Sports/Intermural or Honorary/Professional.

Co-Curricular Advisory Council

Alpha Kappa Psi, ΑΚΨ, Nu Upsilon Chapter (Business professional organization)

American Chemical Society

Business Club

Communication Arts Society

Computer Society

Criminal Justice Society

Economics Club

History Club

Marist Fashion Inc.

Math Club

Model United Nations

Political Science Club

Psychology Club

Teachers of Tomorrow

Government

Commuter Student Council

Habitat for Humanity

Student Government Association

Student Academic Council

Student Life Council

Student Programming Council

Greek Advisory Council

Recognized Fraternities

Alpha Phi Delta, ΑΦΔ, Delta Theta Chapter

Phi Kappa Sigma, ΦΚΣ, Delta Iota Chapter

Theta Delta Chi, ΘΔΧ, Tau Triton Charge (Fraternity, TDC refers to chapters as charges)

Zeta Psi, ΖΨ, Nu Delta Chapter

Recognized Sororities

Alpha Sigma Tau, ΑΣΤ, Delta Epsilon Chapter

Kappa Kappa Gamma, ΚΚΓ, Zeta Chi Chapter

Kappa Lambda Psi, ΚΛΨ, Delta Chapter (only remaining chapter)

Sigma Sigma Sigma, ΣΣΣ, Epsilon Upsilon Chapter

Other Greek Organizations

Other Active Organizations:

Sigma Iota Alpha, Sigma Chapter (Sorority) (Unrecognized)

Sigma Phi Epsilon, New York Zeta Chapter (Fraternity) (Unrecognized)

Tau Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Rho Chapter (Fraternity) (Unrecognized)

Production/Performance Advisory Council

Dance Club

Generator Magazine

Literary Arts Society (MOSAIC)

The Reynard (Yearbook)

Marist Band

Marist Singers

Marist College Television (MCTV)

Campus Newspaper (The Circle)

Campus Radio Station (WMAR)

Honorary/Professional Affiliate Advisory Council

Advertising Club

Alpha Chi

Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Sigma Lambda

Athletic Trainers Club

Beta Alpha Psi

Kappa Kappa Psi, Kappa Upsilon Chapter (Music)

Lambda Pi Eta

Marist Republicans

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Delta Epsilon, NY Epsilon Chapter

Pi Sigma Alpha

Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society)

Roosevelt Institution

Sigma Zeta

Society for Human Resource Management

Tau Beta Sigma, Iota Alpha Chapter (Music)

Social/Service Advisory Council

Anime Society

ARCO

Asian Alliance

Black Student Union

Chess Club

Circle K International

Fox P.A.W.

Gaelic Society

Gender Equality Club

International Italian American Society

International Club

L.G.S.A. (Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance)

S.E.E.D.

Social Work Association

Marist Red Ink Art Club

Sports Club Advisory Council

Bowling Club

Cheerleaders

Equestrian Team

Fencing

Hockey Club

Rugby Club (Men)

Rugby Club (Women)

Ski Team

Volleyball Club (Men)

Athletics

Marist College plays NCAA Division I athletics, in the MAAC Conference. Other schools in this conference include Siena College, Iona College, Niagara University, Manhattan College, Fairfield University, Loyola College in Maryland, Canisius College, Rider University, and Saint Peter's College.

Rivalries

Men's basketball - Siena College, Iona College Women's basketball - Canisius College, Siena College, Ohio State University Football - Iona College, Duquesne University Swimming - Rider University Softball - Canisius College Track - Manhattan College, Iona College

Facilities

James J. McCann Recreation Center

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 teams. It also hosts special events such as concerts for the student population.
   The natatorium is a 265,000 US gallon facility, ranging in depth from to . It provides six 25-yard 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 dance studio, five locker rooms, a classroom, the Pepsi Hall of Fame multi-media meeting room, the Dr. Maynard Center for Sports Medicine, the Academic Enhancement Center, the Coach's Complex, an Mondo-surfaced auxiliary gymnasium, used heavily by intramurals and club sports, and a student lounge.

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 River. 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.

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 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.

Leonidoff Field

A new grandstand has been erected on the main athletic field, Leonidoff Field, and was officially opened on October 6, 2007.

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, the deepest distance of any MAAC field, while the power alleys check in at .

Tennis Pavilion

In 2006, a tennis pavilion opened to support the men's and women's tennis programs. The venue features 8 regulation sized courts, a center walk-way and a pergola-covered spectator area. 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 Salle 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. 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 State to make it to the Sweet 16.
   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 of 2008, Marist joined the Pioneer Football League as its tenth member effective for the 2009 season, ending the MAAC Football League.(External Link

) In March of 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.