January 21, 2026 — It’s our one-year anniversary as a University! Join us on Thursday, January 29, for our “UNIVersary” celebration, a campus‑wide event marking an inspiring first year as Marist University. The entire Marist community is encouraged to wear red on Jan. 29 and show their Red Fox pride as we come together for a spirited late afternoon block party in the McCann Center.

Wear Your Marist Red and Celebrate with Food, Friendship, and Fun

 


Last year’s block party on the day Marist became a university, Jan. 29, 2025. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

From 3–4:30 p.m., the McCann Rec Gym will transform into a sea of Marist red and University pride for a community block party, featuring:

• Free food and refreshments
• Merch giveaways and raffle prizes
• Indoor games and activities, including a 3-point basketball shooting contest, bingo, cornhole, and spikeball
• Local radio station K104.7 will be broadcasting live from McCann
• Pop-ups from Saxbys and MPorium
• Remarks from President Kevin Weinman

All attendees will receive one raffle ticket, and during President Weinman’s celebratory remarks, three winners will be selected for a NYC Broadway show experience, new iPad Air, and more (must be present to win).

"January 29 is both a celebration and an invitation to continue dreaming big about what Marist can achieve," said President Kevin Weinman. “It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year! I look forward to this opportunity to bring our community together for an enjoyable time looking back on an amazing first year as Marist University and looking ahead to an even more exciting future.”

Catch Some Hoops - And Make a $2,500 Shot!

The celebration continues at 5 p.m. with free admission to the women’s home basketball game against Canisius for all faculty and staff (students already enjoy free admission). Wear your Marist red, bring the energy, and cheer on the Red Foxes. UNIVersary‑branded rally towels will be handed out to help fans show their support.

Fans in attendance will also have the chance to participate in a half‑court shot contest for a $2,500 prize!

Last year’s block party on the day Marist became a university, Jan. 29, 2025. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Community Conversations with Narrative 4

UNIVersary celebrations will span throughout the day. Prior to the community block party, there will be a serires of Narrative 4-facilitated story exchanges on building community. These unique, engaging sessions offer participants the opportunity to share their “Marist story” and build deeper connections through guided storytelling.

Held in the River Rooms of the Murray Student Center, the exchange pairs participants to listen to and retell one another’s stories—fostering empathy, inclusion and community. Advanced registration is required. Sign up to participate in either of two separate sessions being held at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

“The very idea of a UNIVersary celebration is about giving us time and space to appreciate the joy of being together at Marist,” said Dr. Edward Antonio, Vice President of Community and Belonging. “It’s a chance to have fun, make memories, and, most importantly, connect with one another in person in ways that remind us why this community is so inclusive and welcoming.”

UNIVersary is a celebration of everything Marist has accomplished in its first year as a University—and a bold look ahead to what’s next. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic, pride‑filled moment.

✅ GET ALL THE DETAILS: See the full schedule and event details!