May 6, 2025 — They teach with passion and purpose. They pour their energy into preserving the breathtaking landscapes that define campus. They mentor students and support their academic and personal needs.

While their job duties vary, those who have been any number of years agree: Marist is more than a place to learn—it’s a community where people care for each other and where Red Foxes build lifelong bonds.

Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Elizabeth Quinn describes her colleagues as the “magic” behind Marist at the Milestone and Farewell Celebration. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University

“I loved my time here,” said Elizabeth Quinn, Associate Professor of Psychology, at the second annual Milestone and Farewell Celebration, held recently in the Cabaret. “When I look out into this crowd, I see magic. You are the magic that is Marist. It has been my honor to work here and to serve our students alongside you.”

Honoring Milestones and Retirements
More than a hundred milestone honorees were celebrated for every five years of service and several retirees shared heartfelt goodbyes at the university’s annual Employee Milestones and Retirement Celebration on April 25.

Professor of Computer Science Dr. Ron Coleman is honored for his impactful career at Marist during the recent celebration in the Cabaret. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University

In his 23 years at Marist, Professor of Computer Science Dr. Ron Coleman experienced many meaningful moments, especially the relationships he built in a field he loved.

“I’ve enjoyed it,” said the retiring professor. “I only know one thing—computer science, so this worked well for me.”

As co-founder of the tech start-up Informeta LLC, Ron hired some of his brightest students, now alumni, who are making major contributions in the field.

“It’s kind of funny,” he said with a smile. “We’re peers now, professionally.”

Several other retirees were honored at the event, including Security Officer Henry Graham, Employee Relations Director Eva Jackson, and Senior Librarian Kathryn Silberger. Biographies in the program highlighted years of contributions for others who couldn’t attend, including Anne Rifenburg, who served Marist for more than 40 years in Dining Services, then Housekeeping.

Celebrating Long-Standing Service
Among the seven honorees who have reached more than 35 years of service, Linda Martorano-Riopelle’s path to Marist wasn’t by chance. She applied for every position she could until she was hired.

“It is a really great place to work,” said Linda, an administrative coordinator for the IT department. “Good benefits. Good people. The community is wonderful.” In her decades-long career at Marist, Linda has seen the University add more staff but retain the “friendly atmosphere” where everyone is “there for one another,” she said.

Marist remains an employer of choice. Total applications have increased from 4,673 in 2022 to 6,883 in 2024, a 47 percent increase, said Vice President of Human Resources Christina Daniele. She added that job seekers are very eager to work here.

Over the past two years, 23 percent of hires have been internal applicants, demonstrating the University’s commitment to staff development and job mobility, Christina said.

Milestone honoree Colin McCann, Associate Director of First-Year Experience, networks with his Student Affairs peers during the event. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University

Associate Director of First-Year Experience Colin McCann began his Marist journey as a Residential Director for Gartland Commons in 1995.

“When I think back, it doesn’t feel like 30 years have gone by—until I reflect on my own professional development,” he said. “I was embraced right away by the folks I worked with in Student Affairs. The people here have made all the difference.”

Those strong connections Colin built with colleagues over the years are a major factor in his longevity.

Positive Feedback: The Marist Magic
President Kevin Weinman told the packed Cabaret how he is “always blown away” by messages from students’ parents. He read one letter after a recent Admitted Student Day, which said:

“Not only is the campus stunning, but the people, all of you, are just amazing. Everyone is kind, thoughtful, willing to help, and supportive. I've not been in a higher-ed environment that was so welcoming as Marist was. Whatever you all are doing to make Marist a wonderful place, keep doing it!”

To conclude the event, President Weinman stated: “That feedback is a direct reflection of every single person in this room, and every person who works at Marist. Thank you for all you do and have done!”

To browse job openings at Marist, visit the Careers Page.