July 29, 2025 — Marist served as a national hub for K-12 history teachers last week, welcoming attendees from as far as the west coast and Alaska, as the University partnered with the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History to host a four-day professional development seminar exploring the Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II.

The seminar, funded by Marist’s Long Reach Society, featured lectures, readings, and a visit to the nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Participants engaged directly with primary sources and critical historical questions—deepening their understanding of the past to better inform the future.

Marist’s own Dr. David Woolner, professor of History and Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation Fellow in Roosevelt Studies, provided an in-depth exploration of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership during one of the most pivotal periods in American and global history.

Dr. David Woolner, Professor of History and Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation Fellow teaching Roosevelt Studies during The Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II seminar in the Dyson Center. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is one of the most respected organizations in the country focused on improving our understanding of our nation’s past,” said Dr. Woolner. “It is a real pleasure and an honor to be leading one of GLI’s personal development seminars for K-12 teachers here at Marist.”

The Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II seminar in the Dyson Center. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Marist Provost and Dean of Faculty Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat is excited about the University’s continued partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute as Marist has established deep expertise in history education and research, including unique experiential learning opportunities for Marist students.

“In hosting a GLI summer institute on FDR’s response to the global crises of the Great Depression and World War II, Marist is able to share our special relationship with the Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum with some of the nation’s finest history teachers. Teachers also got to meet some of Marist’s outstanding student scholars who are learning the importance of using history to shape leadership skills and global perspectives as members of the University’s Long Reach Society.”

Marist Long Reach Society: Unique Student Experiences
The Long Reach Society and scholarship program is a community of students who are interested in a major or minor in Historyor American Studies and influences in industry, leadership, and global citizenry. In addition to awarding $10,000 annual scholarships, the Society inspires students across all academic disciplines to explore history and engage with the world around them through access to unique, high-quality learning, leadership, and mentoring experiences; offers grants and enrichment funds to help pay for internships (including travel costs), study abroad opportunities, and classes with a travel component; and provides a dedicated faculty member for personal support, guidance.

Samantha Mattioli '27, a rising junior in the 5-year Bachelor/Master of Arts in Teaching History Program with a minor in American Studies and a member of the Long Reach Society, attended the session and left deeply inspired.

“As a student aspiring to become a history teacher, attending the professional development event for history educators was an incredibly inspiring experience,” she said. “I had the opportunity to join these amazing teachers and professors for dinner, where we shared stories about the lessons and trips that make teaching history meaningful.”

Coinciding with this national seminar, Marist also announced an anonymous donation of $500,000 over two years to the Long Reach Society that will be used to expand the availability of enrichment funds to Long Reach students. Enrichment funds can be used to pay for travel — including study abroad, travel courses, and class trips — and also cover internship-related costs, and give students access to prominent conferences and history-related events. This gift follows a generous multimillion-dollar pledge earlier this year from alumni Genine and Michael McCormick '88/'88/P'16 through the McCormick Family Foundation.

Long Reach Scholars event at Mt. Vernon in 2024. From Left to right: Michael McCormick, Elisabet Guerrero-Hernandez, Jared Guerin, Madison Bijak, Samantha Mattioli, Olivia Korach, Robyn Rosen, Brianna Perez-Quiroz, Samuel Tellefson, William Silkowitz, Harumi Kameda, and Genine McCormick. Photo courtesy of Dr. Robyn Rosen.

Samantha said her experience in the Long Reach Society has allowed her to travel to countless historical sites—Gettysburg and its Civil War Museum, the FDR and JFK Libraries, Washington, D.C., Mount Vernon, New York City, Boston, and more.

“Being part of the Long Reach Society has opened so many doors and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. From the friendships I’ve made, to the strong relationships built between the history faculty and us students, to the trips, conversations, and networking we’ve experienced, it has all been extremely meaningful.”

William Silkowitz '27 also attended the event. A rising junior majoring in History and Political Science with a minor in Global Studies, he enjoyed speaking with several passionate history teachers during the event.

“Educators are the reason why I and many of my peers have pursued studying history in higher education, so I admire their devotion and commitment to learning about and teaching others history. Long Reach Society has provided me with so many opportunities to explore history with my own eyes.”