November 25, 2025 — When Megan Doshi '26 returned from a 100-day journey across Asia, she carried more than just photos and souvenirs— she carried the people, conversations, and moments that shaped her along the way. This month, those experiences come together in STAMPED: A Journey Through Asia, a student-led exhibition in the Marist Art Gallery in Steel Plant that invites visitors into the communities and cultures that left their mark on her.

Created in collaboration with Guggenheim Fellow and Gallery Director Ed Smith, the exhibition reflects on nine countries and 14 cities visited through the Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP), a nomadic, immersive program offered by Marist’s study abroad program that connects students with cultures across the continent. Each piece of art in the exhibit captures a piece of that journey and highlights not simply a place, but the relationships, exchanges, and unexpected lessons Megan encountered.

“Sometimes one encounters a spirit that is full of hope, passion, and effervescent brightness,” said Smith. “Such is Megan Doshi. Her work and contagious enthusiasm led this show to be the success it clearly is.”

“The title STAMPED reflects memory and meaning,” said Megan. “It is a passport metaphor and a personal imprint. Every place we traveled left a mark on me, and this exhibit is how I returned the favor. It’s also a nod to my travel: the literal stamps, the symbolic ones, and the emotional impact that stays with you. I wanted something that captured the beauty of those 100 days.”

The exhibition opened Nov. 5 with a reception at the Marist Art Gallery in Steel Plant Studios, where students, faculty, staff and community members celebrated Megan’s journey. Featuring photographs that traced her movement across the region, the collection captures everyday moments and sweeping landscapes from her 100-day semester abroad. The layout guides visitors along her path and highlights the range of experiences represented. The exhibit runs through Nov. 25.

“When I finally saw everything printed and hung up, the purpose behind the project felt real,” Megan said. “I wanted people to walk through the space and remember how big the world is, and how many stories there are beyond our own.
Together, Megan and Smith sifted through over 17,000 photos to curate the strongest selection—ultimately creating a multidimensional space that celebrates culture, community, and compassion.

To preserve the once-in-a-lifetime experience of ASAP, Megan created a companion magazine version of STAMPED. Part photo journal, part cultural critique, the zine includes written reflections, inside jokes, academic and cultural insights, as well as snapshots across nine countries.

“I wanted people to feel what it was like, not just see it,” Megan said. “This wasn’t a typical travel blog. It was authentic. So I needed a format that let chaos and clarity coexist.”

The exhibition features a looping video by Megan blending past footage with new narration, a collage wall, souvenirs from each country, artwork by renowned artist Madhu Krishna Chitrakar, and a strengthened visual identity through graphic design contributions from her brother, Jack Doshi.

Interdisciplinary Creativity
For Megan, the exhibition represents more than a collection of images. It’s a way to share experiences and perspectives shaped abroad with her peers at Marist.

“This project shows how experiential learning can cross disciplines— and borders,” she said.
 
Megan Doshi ’26 poses in front of her displays, celebrating the opening of her exhibit. Photo courtesy of Ava Battinelli ’26.

Though Megan studies in the School of Management, her project demonstrates that creativity and business can go hand-in-hand.

STAMPED is more than an exhibit; it is a case study in what happens when a business education is applied through the lens of art, storytelling, and lived experience.

“I think the amazing potential of Marist is that you are not limited to one opportunity,” she said. “You can be an ‘and’ student, not an ‘or’ student.”

 
A student examines a display of postcards and souvenirs collected throughout Megan’s travels. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

STAMPED allowed students to find personal connections within the work.

Karina Syrota '26 appreciated the sense of presence Megan’s photographs created. “I really liked all of the photos with people,” she said. “It feels like Megan is teleporting us into each country—like we’re right there in the moment.”

The exhibition also resonated with other students who traveled abroad through ASAP.

“Being in the STAMPED exhibit makes me feel like I’m right back on ASAP!” said Benjamin Cook ’26. “I find it remarkable how perfectly Megan was able to capture the ASAP experience and bring it back to Marist.”

Her exhibition not only caught the eye of students, but faculty as well.

“STAMPED stood out to me as a reflection of Marist's commitment to student development and study abroad,” said Dr. Joanne Gavin. “Megan's artwork from her ASAP experience so beautifully demonstrated her time and personal growth while abroad.”

President Emeritus Dr. Dennis Murray echoed this sentiment. “Lowell Thomas once shared with me what he thought education should be,” he said. “‘Teach them how to think, teach them how to write, and give them a thirst for exploration.’ Megan has clearly shown her thirst for exploring the world through her studies and the extraordinary photos and videos that captured her travels through Asia. Her exhibition will inspire other students to explore the world and learn about other people and cultures.”

 
A student observes a photo of an elephant from Megan’s time in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Through STAMPED, Megan hopes to create space for reflection—for both herself and others.

Even for students who have not traveled abroad, she hopes the exhibit sparks curiosity and prompts viewers to reflect on how culture shapes the way we see one another.

“I want people to embrace their potential and the opportunities around them,” she said. “But I also want them to laugh, feel seen, and remember that joy and growth coexist. If nothing else, I hope STAMPED reminds people that every student’s story matters.”

Click here to read more about the ASAP program and experience!

Tori Hegenauer '27, MARCOM Student Worker assisted with this article.