May 27, 2026 — Nearly 400 students were honored during the graduate Commencement ceremony held in McCann Arena on Thursday.

Marist University’s graduate programs span a wide range of disciplines, including the MBA, MPA, MA in Integrated Marketing Communication, teacher education, physician assistant studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and more.

President Kevin Weinman recognized graduates’ decision to pursue their education at Marist as a step toward advancing in their current careers or opening doors to new ones.

“Many of you have balanced demanding jobs, family responsibilities, civic obligations, community service, and so much more alongside your studies at Marist,” he said. “For you, life hasn’t been a straight line. What you’ve accomplished is not easy. You’ve shown true determination and grit, and I hope you have a deep appreciation for how far you’ve come.”

Steve Noble ’19M, Mayor of Kingston, New York, who earned his Master of Public Administration from Marist while in office, delivered the Commencement address.

“At the time, I didn’t think it was possible to serve my community, go back to school, and still be present for my family,” said Noble. “While it was difficult at times, I found a way to juggle it all. And so did you! As I look out at you all now, I see strong, hard-working, determined individuals who overcame the challenges before them to become the highest and best versions of themselves.”

In the Graduate Student Address, Bree-Anna Vaughn '26M—who recently earned her master’s degree in Marist’s Integrated Marketing Communication program and now works as a marketing director—reflected on her academic experience and the journey that lies ahead.

“When I decided to go back to school, I compared programs. I questioned the return on time and energy. I debated whether I even needed another degree. Marist’s IMC program was the only one that answered those questions honestly,” she said.

“Because of this program, I’ve already taken the next step in my career, leading marketing for a national real estate technology conference while launching a mental health brand of my own.”

A Special Honor for Physician Assistant and Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
For graduates of Marist’s Physician Assistant (PA) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, Commencement marked both a proud achievement and the beginning of careers dedicated to serving others.

PA graduates at the departmental award ceremony. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

PA students received awards and were inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society during their program ceremony on Thursday, where they exchanged their short white coats for long ones and recited the Hippocratic Oath, symbolizing their transition to health professionals.

DPT graduates at their hooding ceremony and reception. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

DPT graduates were honored in a hooding ceremony and reception, signifying their shift from students to practitioners. Having completed their three-year program in December, most have already taken and passed the National Physical Therapy Exam and are actively working in the field.