Marist Hosts Anthony's Walk in Support of Veterans in Need

October 10, 2023 — For the second straight year, Marist proudly hosted Anthony's Walk, an event that helps provide critical awareness and support for local veterans. The gathering, held on campus over Family Weekend, served in part as a fundraiser for programs that enhance the lives of local veterans facing challenging circumstances.
The 22-minute walk around the Marist campus was inspired by Anthony Gray, a Marine Corps veteran whose legacy continues to inspire, even after his passing in Poughkeepsie in 2020. The length of the walk marks the fact that an average of 22 veterans take their own lives every day in America
Walkers included Marist students, faculty, and staff, as well as local veterans and members of the broader community. Several cadets of Marist College’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program walked front and center. Tommy Zurhellen, Associate Professor of English and Co-Chair of the Marist Veterans Affairs Committee, is a dedicated advocate for veterans and the driving force behind the walk.
Tommy Zurhellen, Associate Professor of English and Co-Chair of the Marist Veterans Affairs Committee. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.
“Anthony's Walk reminds us there are many veterans struggling every day in the Hudson Valley,” Zurhellen said. “We all have a duty to protect our veterans in the same way they swore an oath to protect us and safeguard our freedoms. Each year, Anthony's Walk connects Marist with the surrounding community as we all come together to remember the fallen and also to renew our commitment to helping local veterans in crisis.”
Anthony’s Walk was co-sponsored by Marist and Hudson River Housing, an organization that provides specialized housing, transportation, advocacy, and care management for veterans in Dutchess County. All proceeds were dedicated to the housing nonprofit’s vital programs for veterans, including the Liberty Station supportive living environment in Poughkeepsie for veterans in need.
Attendees take part in Anthony's Walk over Family Weekend on-campus. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.
“My father served in the army during Vietnam and my grandfather served in World War II, so this walk is important for veterans and is personal to me,” said Marist President Kevin Weinman. “Veterans are a part of this expansive community at Marist and always have been. We have students, faculty, staff, and many alumni who have served this country and served this country well.”
“Anthony’s Walk inspires us all to come together as a community to address issues such as mental health, homelessness, social justice, and service,” said Edward Antonio, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “At Marist, we believe in the importance of diversity; veteran strength is a significant aspect of that diversity within our campus community.”
Marist has been repeatedly recognized by Military Friendly, an organization that creates civilian opportunities for veterans. The College is dedicated to helping student veterans achieve their academic goals by providing support starting with the application process and going through graduation. Read more about Marist’s benefits for veterans here.
Thursday, November 9th, is the annual Veterans Appreciation Game at McCann Arena. For that game, veterans and a guest will receive free admission as the Marist women's basketball team hosts Army. The game will feature special presentations throughout honoring veterans.