Image of graduates during a previous commencement ceremony. Image of graduates during a previous commencement ceremony.

Graduates' Stories

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Marist proudly celebrates the Class of 2026, whose achievements embody the University’s mission and values. The students featured here represent just a few of the many meaningful paths, experiences, and accomplishments that shaped this graduating class, along with favorite memories and advice for the journey ahead.

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Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Image of Jonathan Palmiero.

School of Science
Major: Chemistry (Concentration Biochemistry)
Minors: Mathematics, Biology

Driven by intellectual curiosity and a willingness to embrace complex challenges, Jonathan’s time at Marist reflects both discipline and exploration. As Valedictorian, he distinguished himself through a deep commitment to academic excellence and scientific inquiry. His research at Marist included the La Pietra Summer Research Internship and his Honors Thesis Research Project, along with work with Dr. Michel Becuwe that led to first authorship on a peer-reviewed scientific publication, a rare achievement at the undergraduate level. In addition, he participated in the MIT MSRP-Bio Summer Research Internship, where he studied Alzheimer’s disease using human brain cell models. He also conducted research with Dr. Jennifer Han on mycology, studying lion’s mane mushroom.

On campus, he participated in the Emerging Leaders Program and found balance beyond the classroom through Tai Chi and meditation. After graduation, he will attend Cornell University to pursue a two-year master’s degree in biomedical engineering, with the goal of advancing technologies at the nexus of biology and medicine.

Jonathan's Favorite Marist Memory:
“Playing ping pong with my sister during an early visit, when my connection to Marist first began.”

Image of Emily Tibbetts. 

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Major: Psychology
Minors: Cognitive Science, Global Studies 
 
Emily served as President of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and was also a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Her clinical and community experience includes internships with Behavioral Associates, Sensory Stepping Stones, and Ulster Prevention Council under Family Services. Emily is an active researcher, having conducted and presented work on memory, cognition, and political polarization at multiple Eastern Psychological Association Conferences, including a project titled “Illuminating Memory: The Effects of Colored Light on Affect and Valenced Word Recognition,” for which she earned the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award. She also contributed to a cognitive research lab throughout her junior and senior years. Emily also studied abroad in Florence, Italy, through the Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici, where she further broadened her academic and cultural perspective. She is grateful for the support of her professors, classmates, family, and friends, who made her Marist experience so meaningful.

Emily’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“Paragliding over the beautiful snow-covered mountains in Switzerland while studying abroad with my best friends.”

Student Commencement Speakers

Image of Hugo Joseph Gizzi.

Major: History
Minors: Graphic Design, Global Studies
School of Liberal Arts

Hugo served as a director of Time Check A Cappella and was an active member of the Marist Singers, Chamber Choir, Marist Ambassadors, and North Road Communications—while also upholding a standing “Bagel Friday” tradition with friends. He completed an Honors thesis, “Presenting the Past: Public History in the Hudson Valley,” and participated in the FDR Seminar and Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. His internship experience includes work with the Mid-Hudson Antislavery History Project and Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Hugo also studied abroad in Florence, Italy, and took part in “The Struggle for Racial Justice in the South” attachment program. After graduation, Hugo is planning to attend Royal Holloway, University of London to receive a Master's in Public History.

Hugo’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“Looking over the entire Hudson Valley at the top of Overlook Mountain while on a backpacking trip with my friends.”

Image of Bree Vaughn.

Master's in Marketing & Communication
School of Communication and the Arts

Bree’s time at Marist reflected a strong personal commitment to advocacy and purpose-driven work. As an online student, she found a meaningful sense of connection through the support of her classmates and faculty, describing the relationships she built as the most impactful part of her experience. Passionate about mental health awareness and advocacy, Bree has focused on using her voice to support others and to foster open, honest conversations. She plans to launch her own mental health brand, Valyoud, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and creating supportive spaces for those in need. Bree is dedicated to creating impact and fostering greater understanding in this space.

Bree’s Advice:
“Always choose you! Keep being curious, challenge yourself, and just be your biggest advocate.”

School of Communication and the Arts

Image of Liz Snapp. 

Major: Fine Arts (Concentration: Art History)
Minor: Communication Studies

Liz is an Art History–focused student who has built a strong foundation in both creative practice and professional arts engagement. She gained hands-on experience through her work with T Space Architectural Archive, TRANSART and Cultural Services, the Dutchess County Pride Center, and the Talbot County Arts Council, exploring the intersection of art, community, and cultural programming. Liz also studied abroad at the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute in Florence, Italy, where she immersed herself in the city’s rich artistic and cultural history, an experience she describes as a highlight of her time at Marist. She credits her academic and professional growth to mentors such as Dr. Anne Bertrand-Dewsnap and Robyn Rosen, who helped guide her path.

Liz’s Advice:
“Utilize your on-campus resources (use the career center, talk to your professors, and network as much as possible).”

Image of Kaitlin La Du. 

Major: Communication (Concentrations: Advertising, Public Relations)

Kaitlin built a wide range of hands-on experience across campus and beyond, taking on multiple professional roles that reflect her creativity and versatility. She worked as a Multimedia Content Assistant at Career Services, an account lead for Marist’s National Student Advertising Competition team, and a Center for Social Media intern. Her additional experiences spans working in theater, non-profit organizations, salons, tourism, photography, and agency environments. Kaitlin was also a member of Dance Ensemble and studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the Spring 2025 semester. She reflects on her time at Marist as one filled with constantly evolving memories, crediting her senior year in particular with showing just how many opportunities the university offers.

Kaitlin’s Advice:
“Take full advantage of the opportunities and guidance that Marist provides.”

Image of Christopher Citera. 

Major: Communication (Concentrations: Public Relations, Advertising)
Minor: Political Science

Christopher was a member of the Marist Men’s Club Ice Hockey team, North Road Communications, and served as a Student Ambassador and model for Mporium. He was also a member of the Delta Alpha Pi and Lambda Pi Eta International Honor Societies. He had an internship with PRCG Haggerty and Coyne PR, where he gained hands-on experience in public relations. Christopher also participated in the Greek in Democracy spring attachment program and traveled to Greece. He credits his time at Marist with helping him grow both personally and professionally meaningful connections. Following graduation, he will work for Burson Global, where he plans to continue developing his skills and building a career in the communications industry.

Christopher’s Advice:
“Do not be afraid of taking risk and getting involved early. Build real relationships with people, and take advantage of every opportunity presented, because the experiences and connections you make outside the classroom often end up mattering the most.”

Image of Parker Jane O’Brien. 

Major: Communication (Concentration: Sports Communication)

Parker built a strong foundation in communications through a range of leadership, media, and athletic experiences at Marist. Parker was a member of the Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams and served as Captain of Women’s Distance. She also participated in the SNR Fashion Show and Hudson Valley Student Fashion Week. Parker worked as a Communications Assistant in the Office of Community and Belonging and held social media internships with EMD Baseball, RealDealAthletix, and a marketing internship with United Way. Additionally, she was a writer, host, and producer of the Intersection podcast, a contributor to the Student Section podcast, and hosted Marist Athlete Spotlight videos. Following graduation, she will be working as a Communications Assistant for the Copyright Alliance in Washington, D.C.

Parker’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“My favorite Marist memories have been made while training, traveling, and racing with my teammates and best friends.”

Image of Korey Keli Bruce-Doe. 

Major: Media Studies and Production (Concentration: Film and Television)

Through his coursework in Graphic Narratives and Introduction to Professional Writing, Korey developed a strong foundation in storytelling, editing, and media production. His time at Marist helped strengthen his interest in film and visual media while building practical skills in communication and content creation. Korey valued opportunities to engage with campus life and contribute to creative initiatives, with Marist’s “Universary“ Celebration standing out as a favorite experience. Korey was involved in Red Fox Films Club, a student organization and filmmaking community where students collaborate on projects, gain production experience, and participate in events such as film screenings. Following graduation, Korey will be working as a video editor intern in the New York City metropolitan area.

Korey’s Advice:
“Never let yourself feel bored on campus. Do the activities you love!”

School of Computer Science and Mathematics

Image of Karina Syrota. 

Major: Computer Science (Concentrations: Programming and Game Design)
Minor: Graphic Design

Karina served in the Student Government Association all four years, first as an International Representative, then as Vice President of Student Life, before becoming Student Body President her senior year. As an international student from Ukraine, she served on the board of the Marist International Student Association. She also worked as an Honors Resident Assistant, where she enjoyed building community and supporting fellow students. Alongside her studies in computer science and graphic design, she pursued storytelling through playwriting and multimedia art. Her original play was produced during the Marist Playwrights Festival, and additional work was developed or presented by organizations including The Tank, The Segal Center Theater, and The Vineyard Theatre in New York City. One of her plays was also published by Smith and Kraus. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career that blends her passions for technology, creativity, and leadership.

Karina’s Advice:
“College is about so much more than classes, so cherish and nurture the community around you, because the people you meet and the connections you build will always remind you that you are never alone.”

Image of Jared Kerin.

Majors: Computer Science (Concentration: Software Development), Cybersecurity
Minors: Information Technology, Information Systems

Jared served as Student Government Association chief information officer and Class of 2026 events coordinator, while also chairing the Senior Legacy Committee. His academic work focused on emerging challenges in cybersecurity, including research on post-quantum cryptography and its impact on enterprise-level financial systems. Jared gained industry experience through multiple internships with UPS and Chestnut, building a strong foundation in software development. He also participated in global attachment programs in South Africa and Ireland and Scotland, with plans to travel to Thailand and Cambodia. His connection to Marist began early through the Newburgh Early College High School (ECHS) program. After graduation, Jared will begin his career as a software engineer at JPMorgan Chase.

Jared's Favorite Marist memory:
Playing spike ball with housemates on the green on the first warm day of spring.

Image of Christelle Bernardin.

Major: Mathematics
Minors: Computer Science, Data Science and Analytics

Through her coursework, Christelle developed a strong interest in data analytics, highlighted by a project in Data Mining and Predictive Analysis where she explored patterns in top-rated movies using exploratory data analysis and consumer perception of plot summaries. Outside the classroom, she was involved in Arise, a non-denominational Christian group on campus. She also gained hands-on experience as a data analyst assistant in the Office of Community and Belonging, an IT Help Desk assistant, and a mentor and tutor in the Marist Liberty Partnership Program. These roles allowed her to support others while building technical and analytical skills. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in data analytics.

Christelle's Favorite Marist memory:
“Seeing the Northern Lights on campus in October 2024.”

Image of Brady Steinert. 

Major: Data Science and Analytics
Minors: Mathematics, Computer Science, Business

Brady combined academics, athletics, and research to build a strong foundation in data and finance. As a Division I baseball player, he balanced the demands of varsity athletics with his academic work and research, including undergraduate research with Professor Gosselin. He gained industry experience as a structured finance trading intern on a bond trading desk in New York City, developing insight into financial markets and data-driven decision-making. His work across multiple disciplines reflects a focus on applying analytics in high-performance environments. He also won first place in the inaugural Marist Young Entrepreneurs Innovation Challenge. After graduation, Brady will pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics of Finance at Columbia University.

Brady’s Advice:
“Dive into the deep end, then learn how to swim. This institution is full of opportunities that will test you; step into them and grow.”

Image of Manuel Alejandro Hernandez. 

Major: Games & Emerging Media, Concentration: Tech Development & Programming
Minor: Computer Science

As a member of the first cohort of the Early College High School (ECHS) program at Newburgh Free Academy, a partnership between the Newburgh Enlarged City School District and Marist University, Manuel began earning college credits while still in high school, building the foundation for his academic journey at Marist. He expanded his technical and creative skills through coursework in game development and computer science, as well as through his internship with Games For Love. Manuel also studied abroad at Temple University’s Tokyo campus, where he gained an international perspective while exploring global gaming and technology culture. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in the gaming industry while continuing to grow his portfolio and creative work.

Manuel’s Advice:
“Don’t wait until you feel ready, just try new things and figure it out as you go. Also, don’t procrastinate!”

School of Management

Image of Matthew McCann.

Major: Business Management

As founder and CEO of Dash Level, a software consulting firm, Matthew built hands-on business experience while still a student, after the passing of his father to put himself through school. On campus, he launched the Marist Debate Society and Public Speaking Club, and was the founder and treasurer of the newly chartered Marist Men’s Club Basketball. Through debate, he led the team to its first wins at Yale and NYU, and delivered public speaking workshops to more than 1,000 incoming first-year students. He also co-founded the Hudson Valley Little Fish Film Festival, represented Marist at the National Sales Competition in Georgia, and contributed to CURSCA research on The Art of Debate. After graduation, he will begin his career as a Cloud & AI Business Development Consultant at Oracle while continuing to grow Dash Level.

Matthew's Favorite Marist memory:
“Watching the SpongeBob Movie on the green.”

Image of Shyamal Amin.

Major: Business Administration (Concentration: Finance)

During his time at Marist, Shyamal served as President of Red Fox Financial and co-founded Marist Consulting Group, as their Vice President. He was actively involved in the Marist Consulting Group and Red Fox Financial, a student-powered credit union that combines experiential learning with valuable financial services for the Marist community. He further expanded his academic interests through an Honors research project titled “Portfolio by Prompt: Can you trust LLMs with your money?” under the guidance of Dr. Dennis Murray. Shyamal also gained industry experience as a financial analyst intern at IBM and broadened his global perspective while studying abroad in London through the FIE program. After graduation, he will join Mastercard on its Network Services team, working on go-to-market strategy.

Shyamal's Advice:
“Find a mentor early and be intentional about building relationships with professors, alumni, and peers. The right people can shape your college experience.”

Image of Brandon Parker.

Major: Business Administration (Concentration: Finance)
Minors: Computer Science, Accounting, Economics

Brandon Parker is a graduate of the Newburgh Early College High School (ECHS) program, part of the Smart Scholars initiative in partnership with Marist University. This experience helped him build a strong academic foundation before continuing his studies at Marist, where he focused on finance and investment strategy and gained hands-on experience through leadership and applied learning. As president of the Investment Club and a member of the Greystone Equity Fund, a student-managed investment portfolio, he analyzed equities and contributed to real investment decisions. He also gained experience in wealth management, trust, and estate services, building knowledge in long-term financial planning and client strategy. After graduation, he plans to begin a career in wealth management.

Brandon's Advice:
Take advantage of every opportunity early, get involved, and build relationships. The effort you invest will directly shape the opportunities you earn.

Image of Robert Coleman Harvey III.

Major: Business Administration (Concentrations: Human Resources, International Business)
Minor: Accounting

As a resident assistant for two and a half years, Robert supported and guided fellow students while also serving as chief archivist in the Student Government Association. He was involved in Habitat for Humanity and the Ultimate Frisbee Club, contributing to both service and campus life. Professionally, Robert gained experience through a human resources internship at BalanX-Bio and will continue developing his skills as an incoming HR generalist intern at Price Industries. During a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, he further expanded his global perspective. After graduation, he will attend the University of South Carolina to pursue a master’s degree in human resources.

Robert's Favorite Marist memory:
Spending time by the dock with friends, talking about life, and enjoying the moment.

Image of Lana Tomchuk.

Major: Business Administration (Concentration: Marketing)
Minor: Public Relations

Lana served as president of the American Marketing Association and as an account executive for North Road Communications, gaining experience in client strategy and campaign development. Lana also held leadership roles as public relations coordinator for the Class of 2026 in Student Government Association, a School of Management ambassador, and a member of the SOM Student Leadership Council. Her professional experience included marketing internships with Planet Fitness and Fort Hamilton Distillery, along with coursework in the biometric marketing lab studying human behavior. She expanded her global perspective through programs in South Africa, Florence, and upcoming travel to Thailand and Cambodia. Lana was also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Mu Alpha honor societies.

Lana's Favorite Marist memory:
“Watching the sunset by the river with friends.”

Image of Sara Brzovski.

Majors: Finance and Economics

Sara built her Marist experience around leadership, global perspective, and professional growth in finance. She was an active member of Women in Business and Beta Alpha Psi, serving on the board for both organizations, and played a key role in Admissions as a Marist ambassador, tour guide, and greeter. Sara gained industry experience through a summer internship at Bank of New York (BNY) in Manhattan within the Office of the CFO. She also completed Honors-by-Contract research through the Business in South Africa attachment, analyzing the socioeconomic effects of democracy and the reversal of apartheid. After graduation, Sara will return to BNY as a full-time rotational analyst in the Office of the CFO.

Sara's Favorite Marist memory:
Working in the Admissions Office and welcoming new Red Foxes each year.

School of Liberal Arts

Image of Ethan Solury. 

Major: Political Science, Global Studies (Concentration: Africana, Asian, and Latin American Studies)

Ethan was a member of Marist Model United Nations, Student Government, the Boosters Club, and worked at the Marist Poll. He spent a semester in Washington, DC, where he interned for the U.S. Department of State. His additional internship experience includes roles with the Connecticut State Comptroller’s Office and the Connecticut House of Representatives, as well as serving as Chair of General Assembly One at the 2026 National Model United Nations Conference. Ethan presented research on decentralized terrorist networks at the Pi Sigma Alpha National Conference and CURSCA. He also presented at the Student World Affairs Council on mitigating China-related risks in critical mineral sourcing. This fall, he will be attending Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies for a Master’s in Strategy, Cyber Security, and Intelligence.

Ethan’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“Celebrating my first snow day at Marist, when my friends and I spent the whole night sledding down the campus green and having snowball fights.”

Image of Gabrielle (Ellie) Knapp. 

Majors: Spanish, Computer Science
Minors: Information Systems and Information Technology

Gabrielle, a dual major student in both the School of Liberal Arts and the School of Computer Science and Mathematics, made the most of Marist’s interdisciplinary opportunities. She studied abroad in Valparaíso, Chile, and Madrid, Spain. She conducted AI/ML research with the Marist Poll, leading a team to build a machine learning pipeline to predict voter turnout for the 2026 election. Gabrielle also completed software and data engineering internships at Comcast and participated in the Ross and Barbara Mauri Summer Research Fellowship. On campus, she was active in BURST community service, enjoyed climbing, and spent time playing board and card games with friends. After graduation, she will return to Comcast as a Software Engineer in its CORE Technology rotational program, gaining experience across NBC, Universal, and Comcast Headquarters.

Gabrielle’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“I still think about the first snowstorm of my freshman year, going out beside the library to build snowmen and have a giant snowball fight with everyone from the 8th floor of Champ.”

Image of Itati J. Serrano. 

Majors: Political Science, Global Studies
Minors: Philosophy, Social Justice
Paralegal Certificate

Itati was the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Marist Undergraduate Law Review. She also served as President of the Pre-Law Society, Student Government’s Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Co-President of the Hispanic/Latino Club, and Vice President of FEMME. Her Honors thesis, “Managing National Crisis Through Crimmigration,” examines how the criminalization of migrants functions as a political tool during national crises. She interned for Richard Blumenthal in the U.S. Senate and with a leading Czech think tank while studying abroad in Prague, also participating in academic programs in Washington, D.C., Amsterdam, and Athens. After graduation, she will prepare for law school while interning with a legal nonprofit supporting immigrant communities. An O’Keefe Scholar and first-generation student, Itati plans to attend law school and continue advocating for underrepresented communities.

Itati’s Advice:
“Do not limit your imagination. What may feel like a barrier, including being first-generation or low-income, can become your greatest strength. Embrace every opportunity.”

Image of Ivory Unga. 

Majors: Philosophy, Political Science
Paralegal Certificate

Ivory served as an SGA DEI Board Member, where she spearheaded Marist’s first Asian American and Pacific Islander celebration. She was also a multicultural resident assistant for the Multicultural Living Learning Community, a senior editor of the Undergraduate Philosophy Journal Diotima, and a member of Pi Sigma Alpha. As a Marie and Rupert Tarver Intern with Dutchess Outreach, she researched food pantry models and equitable access to nutritious food across Dutchess County. As part of this partnership, Ivory spent a summer on campus volunteering locally and building community with peers. Following graduation, she will pursue a bridge year in nonprofit legal aid before beginning a Master of Public Affairs program.

Ivory’s Advice:
“Make mistakes, try again, and take one risk after another—but most importantly, hold your people close while they are still just a short walk away, just as I have with my best friends Jamie, Lauren, Madi, and Nicole.”

Image of Aidan Parascando. 

Majors: English, Games & Emerging Media (Concentration: Design, Writing, and Culture)
Minor: Creative Writing

Aidan was deeply involved in campus life as President and founder of Marist BURST, a social work initiative under Civic Service & Learning, and as a mentor with the Liberty Partnership Program. He also competed on Marist’s esports team, playing League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, and Hearthstone, and participated in intramural volleyball. As a Tarver intern, he worked with the Liberty Partnerships Program, and his Honors thesis explored predatory monetization in contemporary video games. He also interned under Dr. Schrier and helped contribute to research on ethics in gaming through work with Platyplay. Aiden studied abroad in Tokyo, Japan, and after graduation, will pursue a Master’s in English at Northeastern University and continue studying games tangentially to literature.

Aidan’s Advice:
“Show up for your friends and take the risks you believe are worth taking.”

School of Science

Image of Khushi Multani.

Major: Human Biology
Minor: Chemistry

Khushi was the co-founder and secretary of the Sikh Student Association and served as a subcommittee co-chair for Delta Epsilon Mu. She also contributed as a student member of the School of Science Community and Belonging Board. Deeply engaged in the sciences, Khushi worked as an organic chemistry and biology tutor and as a biochemistry and anatomy lab teaching assistant. Her research included identifying adulteration in household food items using qNMR and HPLC and studying morphological changes in haloarchaea. After graduation, she will complete the Microscopy Paris Attachment Program, work as a medical assistant, and apply to medical school.

Khushi's Favorite Marist memory:
“Watching the solar eclipse on the green with friends in my sophomore year.”

Image of Miles Snyder.

Major: Biomedical Sciences
Minor: Music

Miles served as president of Marist Singers and director of The Enharmonics a cappella group, where he helped lead and arrange performances, including preparing the group to compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Quarterfinals for the first time in 20 years. On campus, he was also an organic chemistry tutor, a two-year Orientation Leader, and an intramural basketball player. Miles gained clinical experience through internships at MidHudson Regional Hospital and the Center for Physical Therapy, and studied abroad in Florence, Italy. After graduation, he plans to take a growth year before attending medical school to pursue a career in surgery.

Miles' Favorite Marist memory:
"Singing the ‘Marist Song’ one final time with his best friends and fellow Marist Singers."

Image of Jess Arul.

Major: Biomedical Science
Minor: Italian

Throughout her time at Marist, Jess focused on building community and helping others find their place on campus. She was actively involved in Admissions, serving on the Admissions Student Leadership Board for two years, where she welcomed prospective students and guided them through the college decision process. She also held leadership roles within Delta Epsilon Mu for three years, including serving as DEI chair and co-director of prospective new members, and contributed to the SGA DEI Board. Alongside her campus involvement, Jess gained experience in clinical research focused on child development from 9 to 30 months.

Jess’ Advice:
“Immerse yourself in campus life and try everything once. You never know when or how you will discover your passion, but Marist gives you every opportunity to find it.”

Image of Joseph R. McCormack.

Major: Chemistry
Minors: Mathematics, Environmental Science

Joseph served as a resident assistant, working to create a strong sense of community among students. He also took on leadership roles as vice president of the Marist Greek American Society and a member of the Student Government Association. Joseph worked as a lab assistant and conducted research in bioplastic synthesis and degradation as well as astrochemistry, reflecting interests that span environmental and space science. He participated in the Iceland Spring Attachment program, where he studied social-ecological systems and environmental issues. He also extended his involvement through service with the Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge.

Joseph's Favorite Marist memory:
“Dancing with the Icelandic elderly until sunrise during my attachment course.”

Image of Erin Novobilsky.

Majors: Environmental Science and Biochemistry

Erin studied iron bioavailability in the Northern Pacific Ocean through a REU at the University of Washington and researched the downstream impacts of beaver dams through a Hudson River Foundation fellowship, work that led to a peer-reviewed publication. She also served as an undergraduate mentor at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, guiding high school students through research in the Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientist program. On campus, she was treasurer of the Marist University Dance Team and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Her academic work took her to Iceland and Alaska to study social-ecological systems, and she presented research at the American Geophysical Union Annual Meeting in New Orleans. After graduation, she will pursue a PhD in Applied Coastal and Ocean Sciences at UNC Wilmington.

Erin's Favorite Marist memory:
"Camping in Alaska during an attachment program with one of my best friends and kayaking with sea otters."

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Image of Isabella Nocera. 

Majors: Education (Childhood/Special Education), Psychology

Isabella served as President and Webmaster of the Teachers of Tomorrow club and co-president of the Admission Student Leadership Board, where she led and supported more than 200 student ambassadors. She also worked as a tour guide and front desk greeter in the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Isabella helped pilot Youth Mental Health First Aid training for students and organized events connecting Marist with local schools. Her fieldwork included extensive classroom placements and student teaching in elementary and special education settings, shaping her student-centered teaching philosophy. She also studied culturally responsive education in Hawaii. A first-generation student, Isabella will pursue her Master’s at Marist and continue working in admissions before beginning her career in education.

Isabella’s Advice:
“Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Challenging yourself helps you grow in unexpected ways. Stepping into leadership transformed my confidence, perspective, and skills, and changed how I carry myself every day.”

Image of Olivia Artuso. 

Majors: Psychology, Italian

Olivia served as a resident assistant for three years and was an active member of the Marist Singers, Sirens A Cappella, and Chamber Choir, where she developed a strong sense of leadership and community. She worked as a mentor with the Liberty Partnerships Program, conducting an efficacy survey and hosting a career workshop as part of her honors thesis. Olivia gained classroom experience as a teaching assistant at the Anderson Center for Autism. Olivia encourages students to fully immerse themselves in opportunities, emphasizing that growth comes from small steps, starting early, and trusting the process of becoming who you are meant to be. She also studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Following graduation, she will pursue a Master’s in Special Education through the Teachers@Heart program at Sacred Heart University.

Olivia’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“My first day at Music Camp as a freshman, hearing the Marist Song fill Fusco Hall as the upperclassmen sang, and realizing Marist was exactly where I belonged.”

Image of Christopher Vega. 

Major: Crime and Justice Studies

Christopher strengthened his passion for law enforcement and public service through a combination of academic involvement and hands-on experience at Marist. He was active in the Crime and Justice Club, participated in intramural flag football, and completed an internship with the Hyde Park Police Department, where he further explored his interest in policing and public safety. Throughout his time at Marist, Christopher valued the strong relationships he built with classmates and peers, which helped shape both his college experience and sense of community. He embraced opportunities to step outside his comfort zone, growing personally and professionally along the way. Following graduation, he plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, building on the skills and experiences he developed at Marist.

Christopher’s Favorite Marist Memory:
“Meeting a lot of wonderful people and being able to build meaningful relationships in my classes.”

Image of Khalid Alexander Barnes.

Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Awardee for Excellence in Graduate Studies

Khalid developed a strong foundation in counseling and client support through his experience in substance use counseling, where he strengthened his skills in communication and advocacy. During his time at Marist, he valued the meaningful friendships and connections he built, which played an important role in both his academic and personal growth. His experiences further deepened his commitment to supporting others and reinforced his passion for the mental health counseling field. Outside of academics, Khalid pursued a variety of personal interests, including cosplay, baking, cycling, and Taekwondo, embracing creativity, discipline, and community in all aspects of his life. Following graduation, he plans to continue his education by pursuing a Ph.D. and expanding his impact within the counseling profession.

Khalid’s Advice:
“Be kind to yourself and others.”