This issue celebrates the Class of 2025, whose achievements epitomize our institution's mission. These students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication as scholars, leaders, and global citizens. Here are some of their stories.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATIONS & THE ARTS

Emma Denes—Major: Communication (Concentration: Journalism); Minor: Environmental Studies
Salutatorian

Emma was Editor-in-Chief of the Marist Circle, President of the Students Encouraging Environmental Dedication club, Reading Club Chair for the Society of Professional Journalists, and a member of the Marist Sustainability Action Planning Committee. She interned with Marine Conservation Institute, Content Studio New York, Hudson Valley Magazine, and participated in the National Association of Science Writers’ Perlman Mentoring Program. Marist prepared Emma to take the next step in her environmental journalism career—graduating early to begin graduate studies in science writing at Johns Hopkins University. This summer, she will be the ocean science writing intern for the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Emma’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Interviewing President Kevin Weinman, Provost and Dean of Faculty Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat, and Vice President of Communications and Marketing Daryl Richard for my final Circle story on Marist's university transition.”

Kresha Koirala—Major: Fashion Design; Minors: Fashion Merchandising, Product Development

Kresha’s time at Marist was filled with growth, passion, and unexpected adventure. An international student from Nepal, she embraced every opportunity with creativity and curiosity—from studying abroad in Florence to serving as board president of the Fashion Inc. club, working as a peer career ambassador, and becoming a tech assistant in the MakerLab. Through Fashion Inc., she helped organize events, collaborated with MPorium, and supported nonprofits like Covenant House. Kresha’s initiative led her to valuable experiences, including volunteering at New York and Milan Fashion Weeks and interning at Marchesa, Centric Brands, and American Eagle.

Kresha’s Favorite Marist Memory: “University Day; getting lost in the excitement, seeing familiar and unfamiliar faces come together, every floor buzzing with energy, and feeling my heart overflow with pure joy in the whirlwind of celebration, my heart was fuller than it had ever been.”

Luke Sassa—Major: Communication (Concentrations: Sports Communication, Journalism)

 Luke was President of the Marist Sports Analytics Club and Head Coach at the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. He conducted research with the Marist Poll for his honors thesis project and investigated the relationship between race and disciplinary fines in American professional sports leagues for his senior capping project. Additionally, Luke was editor-in-chief of Center Field and campus news co-editor for The Marist Circle. He completed a 9-week abroad summer program in Florence and a content desk internship with SportsNet New York (SNY).

Luke’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Traveling to New Orleans with a group of students for Super Bowl LIX Media Week.”

Aaminah Zain Syed—Major: Fashion Design; Minors: Fashion Merchandising, Product Development

Marist challenged Aaminah to explore new ideas, innovate beyond the conventional, and break through personal limits. She was a member of the Muslim Student Association, Asian Alliance, and the Center for Multicultural Affairs, completed a semester abroad in Paris, and participated in the Shakespeare in London Attachment Program. Aaminah interned with designer Karolina Zmarlak and worked on industry projects like Gucci Changemakers, becoming one of only 12 recipients of the award across North America. She revived Marist’s Cultural Fashion Show post-COVID and also partnered with Unshattered, a nonprofit empowering women in recovery, where she contributed to sustainable design initiatives.

Aaminah’s favorite Marist memory: “Bringing my senior thesis to life—blending Pakistani heritage craftsmanship with modern equestrian—has been an unforgettable journey of creativity and self-discovery at Marist.”

Daniel Aulbach—Major: Communication (Concentrations: Sports Communication and Journalism); Minor: Data Science and Analytics

From serving as editor-in-chief of Center Field and an on-air host for Red Fox Report, to becoming a play-by-play commentator for Marist Athletics, Marist helped Daniel find his place in the field and thrive in the media world. Daniel was a member of the Marist Admissions Student Leadership Board. He studied abroad at Marist Italy, Marist’s’ “sister“ campus in Florence. He also interned with The Today Show at NBCUniversal, where he became a nationally published writer for TODAY.com and helped cover the WNBA draft.

Daniel’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Interviewing NFL players, coaches, and media personalities at Super Bowl media week in New Orleans.”

Sarah Elle DiCosmo—Major: Fashion Merchandising (Concentrations: Business, Promotion); Minors: Spanish, Business

At Marist, Sarah chased big dreams and made lifelong memories. She was the Baccalaureate Award recipient for excellence in fashion merchandising, recognizing her outstanding academic performance and contributions to the fashion merchandising department. She was also a member of the Honors Program Communications Team, Spanish Honors Society, and studied abroad in Florence for a semester. Sarah gained valuable industry experience working as a merchandising intern for both J.Crew and Class Prep, as well as a wholesale intern at Hugo Boss and a showroom intern at JS Group.

Sarah’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Living in Florence and getting the chance to work behind the scenes at Milan Fashion Week.”

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

Bianca Chloe D’Costa—Major: Biomedical Sciences; Pre-Med student.
As the first woman in her family to graduate from a university in America, Bianca shattered barriers. Her leadership shone as Co-President of Operation Smile and Director of Internal Affairs for Delta Epsilon Mu, Marist’s pre-health co-ed fraternity. Passionate about healthcare, she contributed to Alzheimer’s research at Columbia University and conducted research at Marist. Bianca helped organize medical mission trips abroad and dedicated countless hours to working with physicians. As a Presidential Scholar, Bianca is a Dean’s List student. She was a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, which recognizes the top 10% of students, and the Sigma Zeta National Mathematics and Science Honor Society. She shared her spirit as a tour guide and member of the Dance Ensemble.

Bianca’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Catching up with President Weinman and fellow students about my incredible study abroad experience while enjoying brunch in Florence, Italy!”

Lucas Silvestro Iommazzo—Major: Chemistry (Concentration: Biochemistry); Minor: Biology

Lucas was Director of Prospects for Delta Epsilon Mu, President of the Italian American Society, and a member of the American Chemical Society and the National Mathematics and Science Honor Society. He volunteered with the Department of Spiritual Life and Service, tutored chemistry, and worked as a lab assistant. Additionally, Lucas conducted oncology research and interned with the Center for Molecular Oncology at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine. He was also awarded the Mary Lou Gantert Award for Excellence in Science. After graduation, Lucas will participate in the BIO in France Attachment Program in Paris and prepare to work as a medical assistant while applying to medical school.

Luca’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Making soap in biochemistry lab.”

Simrat Mangat—Major: Biomedical Sciences

Simrat was part of the Honors Program, Dean’s Circle, Delta Epsilon Mu, and the Alpha Chi and Sigma Zeta honor societies. A leader on campus, Simrat served as founder and president of the Marist Sikh Student Association, president of the Commuter Student Council, an organic chemistry teaching assistant, and an academic tutor. Her scientific work is vast, including research abroad in Paris through the BIO in France Program. Simrat graduates a year early and will attend medical school this fall. Fun fact: Simrat is an anagram of Marist!

Simrat’s Favorite Marist Memory: “Catching sunsets by the Hudson, laughing with friends, swapping stories, and realizing how lucky I am to share this beautiful campus with such incredible people.

Danielle Criscuolo—Major: Environmental Science (Concentration: Policy)

Danielle was an active student on campus, uplifting groups as a member of the Students Encouraging Environmental Dedication (SEED) Club, the Italian American Society, and the Feminist Empowerment Mobilizing and Maintaining Equity (FEMME) Club. She studied abroad in Dr. Joanne Gavin’s attachment program in Ireland and Scotland, where she learned about the business and political environment of the two countries. Danielle completed internships with the Ocean County Health Department and the National Audubon Climate Summit.

Danielle’s Favorite Marist Memory: "On the first warm day of our sophomore spring, my friends and I drove with the windows down, blasting music, and went out for sushi—it was such a simple, joyful moment."