March 10, 2026 — Marist University’s School of Communication and the Arts (SCA) is inviting alumni back to campus on Friday, April 10, for its inaugural SCA Showcase, an immersive day designed to celebrate student work and strengthen alumni connections. 

SCA’s academic portfolio encompasses a variety of disciplines, including art and digital media; communication; fashion; film, television, and media arts; as well as music. The School features notable experiential learning programs such as the Center for Social Media, Silver Needle Runway, MPorium, Center Field, and North Road Communications.

With a packed schedule throughout the day, the Student Showcase takes center stage from 2 to 4 p.m., offering an immersive look at the hands-on creative work happening across the school. Curated student presentations will take place throughout the Steel Plant Studios Winter Garden and the Lowell Thomas Communication Center lobby and upstairs gallery, highlighting everything from innovative design and media projects to performances, productions, and interactive demonstrations.

Student-Run Silver Needle Runway Fashion Show in the McCann Arena. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“We want to showcase that, in our school, learning happens through doing,” said Dr. Maurice Hall, Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts. “On stages and sets, in studios and labs, through publications and productions, in classrooms designed for experimentation, and in partnerships that connect Marist to the wider world.”

Jennifer Finn, Acting Associate Dean of SCA, echoed his sentiment. “By showcasing the spectrum of talent in our students, it reinforces that there are many paths to success. It's so important to celebrate the work our students are producing and demonstrate just how dynamic our school really is.”

A Chance for Alumni Engagement
The day also offers meaningful opportunities for alumni engagement. At 11 a.m., graduates can join Open Advisory Board Meetings in the Student Center River Rooms to hear about the Dean’s strategic direction for the school and learn how they can help shape its future.

The day also includes the Alumni–Student Networking Lunch. The casual format pairs current students with alumni working across communication and the arts, encouraging conversations about career journeys, industry insights, and how Red Foxes support one another professionally long after graduation.

The morning opens in the Fusco Recital Hall with “Careers in Motion: SCA Alumni on Evolving Industries,” a 9–10:30 a.m. panel moderated by Dean Hall. There, alumni will discuss how their industries are evolving, how career paths take shape, and what today’s students should consider as they enter a rapidly changing job market.

“The event reflects a future for SCA that's collaborative, connected, and invested in student success by bringing students, faculty, and alumni together,” said Finn. “We are not just celebrating student work — we are showing that what happens in our classrooms prepares our students for their next chapter.”

Together, these moments highlight the creativity, mentorship, and momentum that define the Marist SCA community, making the Showcase a milestone gathering for alumni, students, and faculty.

Students receive feedback in a Studio Art class at Steel Plant. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Student Lead Success
Inspired by campus events like CURSCA, SCA students Noelle Stamm '26 and Jami Rusczyk '26 are leading the event. Noelle and Jami are Co-Representatives for SCA as members of the Student Government Association’s Academic Affairs Board. In this role, they frequently meet with Dean Hall to discuss his vision for the school as the new dean.

“We all shared a desire to give more exposure to the unique work coming out of the School of Communication and the Arts,” said Noelle. “While we are one of the largest schools at Marist, we have many different majors across multiple buildings, which means students don't always get to see what their peers in other programs are creating.”

“Ultimately, our goal was to bring the school and broader community together through a celebration of student achievement and creativity, while reflecting the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of the SCA,” Jami added.

Promotional flyer for the inaugural SCA showcase. Graphic created by Jami and Noelle.

The two also note the importance of alumni attendance during the event. 

“Students can connect with industry professionals in their fields of interest; relationships that could lead to mentorships, internships, or even career opportunities, which have been our top priority from the start,” said Jami.

“At the same time, the showcase allows alumni to see how the School of Communication and the Arts continues to evolve,” continued Noelle.

Noelle and Jami’s primary role has been engaging students within SCA, as well as planning the event itself. They’ve organized presentation times, determined locations, and helped shape the overall structure of the showcase.

The SCA Showcase encourages prospective students, current students and faculty, alumni, and members of the broader Marist community to attend.