April 28, 2026 — From student creativity to alumni connections, the inaugural School of Communication and the Arts (SCA) Student Showcase featured presentations, networking opportunities, and professional dialogue.

Held on April 10, the event began in Fusco Hall with a panel of alumni discussing the changing landscape of the fashion and communication industries. Presentations and discussions continued throughout the day.

“This was a really good opportunity to network,” said Teagan Demler ’27, who majors in art history. “I got to connect with people and meet new faces.”

Ashley Laub '27 presents her digital media creative work to participants. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Creative Expression Without Limits
The walls of Steel Plant were lined with student artwork, and presentations were set up under the skylight of the small atrium. Students discussed the work and creativity that went into each detail of their projects.

The showcase gave students the freedom to present work that they’re proud of without academic pressure, which resulted in a diverse curation of projects, including paintings, photography, mixed media, fashion design, animation, and research.

“This was an opportunity for me to present one of my passion projects—it doesn't often get to be highlighted because it's not my major,” said Devvani Choudhury '27, a communication major with a concentration in advertising. She presented a photography piece that explored feelings of discomfort in the pursuit of one's dreams. 

Olivia Horne '27, a digital media major with a concentration in animation, displayed a story concept and drawings for an animation they created, showing the importance of creativity beyond the classroom setting.

“I’ve had these illustrations for a few months now, and I wanted to share them. I think this is the perfect place and time to do it,” Olivia said.

Student creativity also took over the entire second floor of Lowell Thomas, featuring a slate of films and documentaries screened in classrooms, and a Marist Italy installation that spotlighted a variety of projects from students studying abroad there.

There is artistic drive and creativity in every area at Marist, and the SCA provided a platform for students to express their talents and interests.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see our two student leaders, Jami Rusczyk and Noelle Stamm, work to bring this student showcase vision to life,” said Jennifer Finn, SCA Acting Associate Dean. “They demonstrated remarkable composure, creativity, and leadership throughout, and the success of this event is a direct reflection of their commitment and the high standards we value as a School.”

Alumni speak at a panel moderated by Dr. Maurice Hall in the Fusco Recital Hall. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Careers in Motion: SCA Alumni on Evolving Industries
Students gathered in Fusco Recital Hall to hear from an alumni panel moderated by Dr. Maurice Hall, SCA Dean. The panel consisted of Rickey Ruff '10, Lauren Ventresca-McCurdy '00, Sheri Weidner '95, Jose Villafañe '96, and Board of Trustees member Lark-Marie Anton '99.

As industry experts, they explained what stands out to them when interviewing an applicant.

“You're building your reputation now; how you treat people matters,” Weidner said. “Be flexible, be versatile, always stay open, and get comfortable with discomfort,” she said.

“The workplace in general is becoming increasingly competitive, so it’s important to have more to contribute than the person next to you,” Ruff added.

Many of the panelists also emphasized the importance of building soft skills, such as etiquette and professionalism. They noted that every candidate interviewing has the hard skills needed for the job, and developing soft skills sets a candidate apart from the others.

Aidan Pomer '28, Media Studies & Production major, discusses the writing process of his short screen play “The Entity” in Lowell Thomas. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

At a Glance
In addition to the panelists, a variety of SCA alumni returned to campus to network with students. This allowed students to connect, hear insights, and cultivate meaningful professional relationships within a dynamic and supportive network of SCA alumni.

Some graduates continue to shape Marist through the Communication and Fashion Advisory Boards, which hosted an open dialogue on current industry practices, strategies for preparing students for professional success, and the evolving challenges facing both emerging and established professionals.

The SCA Showcase served as a reflection of the initiative, creativity, and commitment driving student involvement at Marist.