Video by Peyton Pusey/Marist University. 

November 3, 2026 — From milestone reunions and new traditions to a surprise engagement, Homecoming & Reunion Weekend brought generations of Red Foxes back to Marist University October 23–25 for three days of celebration, tradition, and connection.

Campus was buzzing with alumni, families, students, and friends throughout the weekend, reconnecting with familiar people and places — and discovering the many ways Marist has grown in stature since their last visit.

“It feels like a true homecoming in a lot of ways because you come back and see all of the changes on campus — which are absolutely amazing,” said Chris Berinato '96, who returned for his 30th Reunion. “You see the people you went to school with, which is really like seeing your family in the house you used to live in.”

For two alumni, the weekend also marked the beginning of a new chapter. Victoria (Tori) Falzarano '21/'26 and Eric Jackson '21/'25PA returned to the Hudson Valley on Friday and got engaged before heading back to campus Saturday for the “Toast to Marist Love” event, joining other couples in celebrating the many relationships that began at Marist.

“This place is super special to us,” said Tori. “This is where it all began.”

Scenes from the “A Toast to Marist Love” event on campus. Photos by Megan Dwyer/Marist University (left image) and Peyton Pusey/Marist University (right image).

Celebrating Marist Legends
Homecoming also provided a moment to honor the people who have helped shape Marist Athletics and its storied legacy.

On Friday evening, Marist Athletics made history with the induction of its inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame class. Terrence Fede '13, Rachele Fitz '10, Jack Gartland, Brian Giorgis, Rik Smits '88, and Chris Tracz '05 were honored for their contributions to the legacy of Red Fox Athletics.

Members of Marist Athletics' inaugural Hall of Fame class: (from left) Brian Giorgis, Rachele Fitz '10, Rik Smits '88, Terrence Fede '13, and Chris Tracz '05. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“Our Athletics Hall of Fame is about recognizing extraordinary achievement,” said President Kevin Weinman. “But it is also about something bigger. It is about the story of Marist Athletics, the people who built it, and the generations of student-athletes whose excellence has helped shape the university we know today.”

The inaugural inductees were surrounded by family, former teammates, coaches, and friends who were a part of their Marist journeys. For Rik Smits '88, whose family traveled from across the country to celebrate the honor, the evening was also a chance to reflect on the decision that first brought him to Marist from the Netherlands more than four decades ago.

“Marist, back in '84, gave me a chance,” Smits said. “The coach who recruited me — actually, I recruited him. I heard about a coach coming overseas looking for players, and at the time, I was looking for a place to play. So, I introduced myself, and without ever seeing me play, he offered me a scholarship. He gave me a chance, and I was always appreciative of that.”

Barbara Carvalho, Director of the Marist Poll, honoring Lee Miringoff (seated right), alongside President Kevin Weinman. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Saturday morning, alumni, students, colleagues, and friends gathered to celebrate Lee Miringoff and his more than 50 years at Marist. The program reflected his influence as a professor, mentor, and longtime leader of the Marist Poll, and the generations of students whose lives and careers he has shaped.

Marist’s Alumni Award Winners Alvin Patrick '86, Janie Pierson '16/'19M, Jessica Cerbone '21, and Robert “Bob” Finn '66  during Homecoming 2026. Photo by Al Nowak/On Location

Homecoming also celebrated four alumni whose accomplishments and service reflect the lasting impact of a Marist education. Alvin Patrick '86 received the Dr. Linus Richard Foy '50 Outstanding Alumni Award, while Robert “Bob” Finn '66 received the Dr. Dennis J. Murray Distinguished Service Award. Janie Pierson '16/'19M and Jessica Cerbone '21 were each recognized with the Marist University Young Alumni Award.

For Cerbone, returning to campus just five years after graduation made the recognition especially meaningful.

“To be recognized again so early on in my career is really special, and it’s nice to come back home and get to see everyone and celebrate it together,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s been five years. I feel like I was just here.”

Generations of Red Foxes Reunite
Milestone reunions brought alumni from across the decades together throughout the weekend.

The Class of 1976 celebrated its 50th Reunion, joining the Classes of 1971 and 1981 and Heritage Classes from 1947–66 for the Reynard Reunion. The Class of 1986 marked 40 years at the Cornell Boathouse, while alumni from the Classes of 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006 gathered for Den & Now in the Dyson Center.

For Mary McCooey '86, returning for her 40th Reunion felt familiar despite the changes around campus. “It feels great to be back on campus. It’s like we never left,” she said. “The campus is so beautiful — we can’t get over how gorgeous it is.”

Members of the Class of 1986 celebrate their 40th reunion during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Photo by Al Nowak/On Location.

Recent alumni returned, too. The Classes of 2011, 2016, and 2021 gathered for Frankie Fest in downtown Poughkeepsie, while members of the Class of 2026 experienced their first Homecoming as alumni.

“Coming back feels completely natural and weird at the same time — it’s very bittersweet,” said Kara Traggianese '26. “I miss it. I wish I could stay.”

Homecoming Traditions Continue
Saturday brought one of the weekend’s biggest gatherings as students, alumni, and friends filled the Alumni Tailgate Picnic before Marist football took on St. Thomas at Tenney Stadium.

For alumni, the weekend offered a chance not just to see what had changed, but to return to the experiences and relationships that defined their time at Marist.

Mary Schroeger '86 had an immediate answer when asked about her favorite Marist memory: “Meeting my girls!”

Scenes from Homecoming and Reunion 2026. Photo by Al Nowak/On Location.

Craig Gloede '92 returned to campus thinking about his years with Sigma Psi Epsilon. Harold Ramsey '88 remembered watching Rik Smits '88 and the Red Foxes on the basketball court. Nicki Nesi '16 recalled practices and championships with her cross country and track teammates.

“A lot has changed since I graduated. The campus is even more gorgeous than it once was,” said Brin Sanford '21. “For a small school it’s so nice to see so many people come out to celebrate.”

Photo by Peyton Pusey/Marist University.

The weekend continued with campus tours, performances, athletics events, affinity gatherings, and opportunities to explore a university that has grown significantly while maintaining the connections that bring alumni back year after year.

Homecoming concluded Sunday with Foxes in the Park at the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, one final gathering overlooking the Hudson River.