December 9, 2025 — Get a glimpse into student life at Marist as the semester wraps up — from academic conferences and internship insight to cultural experiences and fun activities.

Goldman Sachs Ayco Information Session

On November 21, the Center for Career Services hosted an information session on Goldman Sachs Ayco, a division of Goldman Sachs that provides workplace financial and investment services. Sheri Lyons, Head of Talent Strategy, shared practical advice on job applications and financial planning—insights valuable for students across all fields. She outlined 17 career paths, internship and full-time timelines, and the firm’s Community TeamWorks program, which connects employees with nonprofits to make a local impact. Three student interns also shared their experiences, including Kaitlyn DiLonardo '26, who called her internship transformative.

A Night in Paris

Participants of A Night in Paris enjoy French-themed activities. Photo by Tori Hegenauer '27/Marist University.

Did you know that an estimated 30% of the modern English vocabulary comes from French? Intermediate French I brought “Paris to Poughkeepsie” with an evening of cultural activities in the Henry Hudson Room in Fontaine Hall. Open to all students—no French required—the event featured trivia, fun facts, and hands-on experiences like French braiding, coloring Parisian scenes, sampling French snacks, and bracelet-making. To inspire designs, the class provided reference sheets with French nouns, phrases, and pet names.

2025 Cultural Art & Fashion Show

Volunteers showcase a final look at the garments they modeled. Photo by Tori Hegenauer '27/Marist University.

The Center for Multicultural Affairs brought global culture to Marist through art and fashion. Student media assistants Camila Guasque '28 and Rebekah George '26 helped organize the event, which featured student-created digital and traditional art alongside garments from around the world. Community members lent the pieces, many reflecting personal stories of belonging and culture. Professor Sonia Roy led the efforts with clothes she acquired throughout her travels. Volunteer students modeled the fashions, representing diverse majors. The evening concluded with a Gourmet Dining buffet showcasing dishes from Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Pakistan, and Italy.

Blanket Making

Students get ready to make blankets. Photo by Tori Hegenauer '27/Marist University.

As temperatures drop, campus events are finding creative ways to keep students warm. Student Activities recently hosted a no-sew blanket-making workshop led by Hannah Epstein '26, student programming manager. Participants chose from three color combos—blue and gray, white and pink, or purple shades—then trimmed, snipped, and tied fabric into soft, knot-edged blankets. “I’ve been making these blankets for three years and even gift them to friends and family,” Hannah shared. The finished blankets were perfect for staying warm through the semester’s final stretch.

Student World Affairs Conference

Professors Alessandro Moscarítolo Palacio and Sergio Pinto Handler interview keynote speaker Dr. Omar Encarnación. Photo by Tori Hegenauer '27/Marist University.

Marist hosted its 9th annual Student World Affairs Conference (SWAC) the week before Thanksgiving, giving undergraduates a platform to present research on global issues and connect with peers from across the region. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Valley World Affairs Council and the School of Liberal Arts, the all-day event featured seven panels with 27 student presenters and a keynote by Dr. Omar Encarnación. In a conversation with Marist faculty members Dr. Alessandro Moscarítolo Palacio and Dr. Sergio Pinto Handler, Encarnación discussed his work on gay rights in Latin America and his book "Out in the Periphery: Latin America’s Gay Rights Revolution."