July 5, 2018 — Marist College has been awarded $426,612 New York State’s Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap). The funds will be used toward creating the Steel Plant Advanced Technology & Equipment Program.

The Steel Plant Advanced Technology & Equipment Program will utilize high-tech software and machinery to expand the academic learning environment for current and future Fashion and Arts students. Additionally, the program will outfit classrooms with cutting edge equipment and furniture to enhance pedagogical approaches and create an innovative center for experiential learning.  Key components of the program include digital printing, a makerspace, advanced manufacturing space, and the creation of a center for the study and development of new technologies that enable fast prototyping, product engineering, and materials testing—all in a virtual environment. 

A major renovation of the College’s Steel Plant building on Route 9 is currently underway; the building will house Marist’s Fashion and Art and Digital Media Programs beginning in fall 2018.

“We are very grateful to the state for these funds,” noted President David Yellen. “The new Steel Plant will provide current and future Marist students with a state-of-the-art facility that will not only inspire creativity but also provide the equipment to prepare them for the challenges of the professional world in the 21st century.”

State Senator Sue Serino said, "The HECap program plays a critical role in enhancing student life at higher education institutions around the state which is why I fought so hard to ensure that this funding was maintained in this year's state budget.  The over $400,000 that Marist was awarded through this program will help to create the Steel Plant Advanced Technology & Equipment Program, which will play a direct role in helping students to advance and access new and exciting opportunities. Having had the chance to see this impressive space first-hand, I am looking forward to seeing the many ways students take advantage of it to further their futures." 

"Our private colleges are an invaluable asset to the Hudson Valley, and I am proud to support their work by advocating for HECap in the state budget,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “These funds will help Marist's Steel Plant Studios become a stunning new high-tech home for the college's growing Fashion Program and the Department of Art & Digital Media, allowing Marist to attract new, creative, and talented students to the Hudson Valley.”

About Marist

Located on the banks of the historic Hudson River and at its Florence, Italy campus, Marist College is a comprehensive, independent institution grounded in the liberal arts. Its mission is to “help students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century.” Marist is consistently recognized for excellence by The Princeton Review (Colleges That Create Futures and The Best 381 Colleges), U.S. News & World Report (9th Best Regional University/North), Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (“Best College Values”), and others. Marist educates approximately 5,000 traditional-age undergraduate students and 1,400 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees. www.marist.edu