April 14, 2026 — Steve Noble ’19M, Mayor of Kingston, New York, will deliver the Commencement address to Marist University’s graduate Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 21, in McCann Arena.

Noble has served as Mayor of Kingston since 2016 and is currently in the midst of an unprecedented third term as the city’s chief executive. While serving full time as an elected official, he pursued his Master of Public Administration at Marist University, earning his graduate degree in 2019.

During his tenure as mayor, Noble has achieved major milestones, including securing a Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant for Uptown Kingston, making significant investments in Midtown infrastructure, advancing waterfront improvements, and expanding sustainability initiatives across the city.

 
Steve Noble ’19M, Mayor of Kingston, will deliver the Commencement address to Marist University’s graduate Class of 2026.

Noble also serves on the Executive Committee of the New York Conference of Mayors, has held leadership positions with the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, Ulster County Environmental Management Council, NYS Association of Conservation Commissions, and is a founder of the Kingston Land Trust and the Kingston City Land Bank.

“It is a great honor to address the Class of 2026,” said Noble. “Getting my Master of Public Administration at Marist was a rewarding experience, and thanks to the program’s flexibility, the dogged commitment of the professors, and accommodations for non-traditional students, I was able to balance my studies while serving as mayor and managing a demanding schedule. I look forward to returning to Marist and wishing this graduating class well as they begin the exciting next phase of their professional lives.”

During the Commencement ceremony, Noble will receive the Distinguished Alumni Medal, Marist’s highest honor for a graduate, presented to individuals who exemplify excellence in education, embody a deep commitment to community, and advance the values of service and leadership that define a Marist education.

“Through his impactful leadership, deep commitment to public service, and enduring connection to Marist, Steve Noble embodies the very best of our alumni community,” said Kirk Swenson, Vice President for Advancement. “He is truly deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Medal.”

In addition, Jennifer Egan, one of the nation’s most acclaimed contemporary authors and a Pulitzer Prize winner, will deliver the Commencement address to Marist University’s undergraduate Class of 2026 on Friday, May 22.

About Marist University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

Master’s and doctoral students will be recognized at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at 5:45 p.m. in McCann Arena.

Undergraduate Commencement will begin at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, May 22, on the Campus Green.

A full schedule of Commencement events and the livestream are available at marist.edu/commencement. In the event of severe weather, the University may adjust plans and make alternate arrangements.