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Profiles of Current Students and Alumni

View all profiles here. If you are a current graduate student or graduate alumni and would like to have your profile included on our website, email graduate@marist.edu.

Nicole Gesh

Program of Study:

MA in Communication

Year of Graduation:

2008

Hometown:

Poughkeepsie, NY

Previous Education (degree and institution):

BS Marist

Tell us about your work history before Marist:

I worked for twenty years in higher education. Institutions include Vassar College and The Culinary Institute of America. I served as Director of Development for the American Red Cross of Dutchess County before my current position of Manager of Licensed Home Care for Saint Francis Hospital and Health Centers. I also serve as a member of the adjunct faculty for Marist College.

What are your career goals?

Tell us about particular employers or positions you would like to hold. I will continue to work in an area that enables me to make a difference. Continuing to teach for Marist is a top goal.

Why did you choose Marist?

Growing up in Poughkeepsie, Marist was well-known to me. I was impressed with the growth of the school and the understanding of my demographic set. Not only did returning to Marist meet my needs, it exceeded my expectations!

How do you balance school demands with your work and/or family life:

Carefully! Now that I have completed my formal education, I will concentrate on transferring the knowledge through all areas of my life. The balance I established was a concentrated effort from all my friends, family and employer(s).

What do you like best about your program at Marist:

Marist has taken the time to realize industry trends and simultaneously understand the needs of its target audience. This provided me the comfort I needed to succeed in the program. The learning experience was terrific. The online feature tends to worry people - there is no need. The instructors take every opportunity to make it feel less virtual.

Please tell us about your experience as an online student:

The program didn't feel online to me, as I am on the Marist campus weekly and I have the privilege of having met many of the Marist faculty. The program itself facilitates a flexible learning schedule and that in turn seems to reduce stress and allow for an improved learning experience.