September 2, 2025 — Marist University officially launched the 2025–2026 academic year with its annual Faculty and Staff Convocation. The event brought together colleagues from across campus to celebrate excellence in teaching, welcome the newest faculty and staff, and introduce a new tradition recognizing outstanding service.

Convocation marked a celebration of recent accomplishments and set a forward-looking tone for the academic year. Provost and Dean of Faculty Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat welcomed 25 new full-time faculty members and several part-time instructors, underscoring Marist’s dedication to academic excellence.

Executive Vice President Dr. Geoffrey Brackett highlighted several campus projects that were recently completed, including the new track and turf field at Gartland Commons and the opening of Sammon House—a space for President-hosted events for students, faculty, staff, community members, and donors.

President Kevin Weinman reflected on Marist’s enduring mission and expressed his gratitude for the community that continues to bring it to life.

“I firmly believe Marist is poised for a major leap forward and a successful future because Marist is well positioned and approaches this moment with a number of strengths,” Weinman said. “We are a higher ed institution that is deeply student-focused, dedicated to being accessible, personable, responsive, and inclusive. This has become a core part of what we’re known for, and I thank you all for going above and beyond to make this so.“

Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Board of Trustees’ Faculty Award for Distinguished Teaching to Dr. Carolyn Matheus, Professor of Information Systems and co-chair of Marist + AI Academics. Dr. Matheus played a key role in developing the University’s cross-disciplinary minor in Applied AI.

Dr. Carolyn Matheus (second from right) is honored with the Board of Trustees’ Faculty Award for Distinguished Teaching. She is joined by Marist University President Kevin Weinman, Provost and Dean of Faculty Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat (second from left), and Dr. Beth Quinn (far right), Associate Professor Emerita of Psychology. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Dr. Matheus shared her remarkable journey, which began with being homeschooled as a child and eventually led her to earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marist, culminating in a career in higher education.

"I accept this incredible honor with deep gratitude for the mentors who believed in me and for the students who teach me every day how to see the world from a different perspective," she said. 

President Kevin Weinman, Provost Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat, Michael Lewis, Registrar, and Dr. Richard Feldman joined in celebrating the Office of the Registrar, recipient of the inaugural Distinguished Service Office Award. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

The Convocation also included the inaugural presentation of the Distinguished Service Office Award. The award, presented by faculty, was awarded to the Office of the Registrar.

“I could not have asked for a better group to work alongside,” said Michael Lewis, Marist University’s Registrar. “Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care make them more than colleagues—they truly feel like family.”