December 11, 2023 — This issue celebrates the students who ventured from distant states to attend Marist. Some students were drawn to the fall foliage and snowy winters on campus, while others appreciated the expansive abroad options, academic accommodations, and Division I athletics. Their diverse backgrounds and the quest for new experiences brought them here, emphasizing Marist’s growing nationwide appeal.

Photo by Jadyn Lance '24/Marist College.

Madison Summit '24
Hometown: Bentonville, Arkansas
Major: Fashion Merchandising Minor: Music and Global Studies

Road Trip to Marist
An aspiring makeup and fashion professional, Madison focused her online college search efforts on New York state, recognizing that New York is the epicenter for fashion. According to Madison, life in Arkansas is a world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Growing up in a much smaller city with industries centered around farming and Walmart corporate offices, the contrast has been quite different. However, Madison finds a touch of familiarity in the Hudson Valley's beautiful foliage and mountains, reminding her of home.

Why did you choose Marist?
“I chose Marist because of the location and the fantastic fashion and music programs. Also, as someone who uses academic accommodations, I appreciate all of the available services, such as the testing accommodations.”

Photo by Zoe Fernandes '24/Marist College.

Kolbe Benham '25
Hometown: Cartersville, Georgia
Major: Business Minor: Sports Communication

Road Trip to Marist
Kolbe learned about Marist from his high school football coach who had a connection with Cameron Gibson, Marist’s special teams coordinator and safeties coach, and Georgia recruiter. Coming from Georgia to New York, Kolbe loves that he is only a short train ride away from New York City, which he calls "a melting pot of diversity with exciting new people from all walks of life." On the Marist campus, Kolbe always feels welcomed by the kind staff, a comforting similarity to his home in the South.

Why did you choose Marist?
“It wasn't an easy decision to move far away from home, but both my parents and I agreed that Marist was a great school to obtain my business degree. Also, the chance to play on a DI Football team where I could travel around the country and network with alumni was an opportunity I could not give up.”

Photo by Jadyn Lance '24/Marist College.

Channah Garcia '24
Hometown: Waipahu, Hawaii
Major: Psychology Minor: Business

Road Trip to Marist
Channah learned about Marist from her brother, who visited the campus and confidently believed she would thrive there. Her college counselor also recommended Marist, as it met all her criteria: a private, mid-sized liberal arts school that would enable her to connect with teachers and avoid getting lost among hundreds of students. In New York, Channah observes variations in language; for example, people in the Northeast use the term "flip-flops," while Hawaii residents say "slippers."

Why did you choose Marist?
“While I love living in Hawaii, living on an island gets small real quick, so I always knew that I wanted to go away for school and experience life on the mainland. I fell in love with the Marist campus! The college also offers amazing programs in both fields that I am interested in — business and psychology. The abroad program also really caught my eye.”

Photo by Zoe Fernandes '24/Marist College.

Tinsley Stewart '24
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Major: Chemistry Minor: Environmental Science

Road Trip to Marist
Tinsley discovered Marist through the recommendation of a family friend. During her search for the right college, she was drawn to Marist because she was looking for a small liberal arts school in the Northeast that had robust chemistry and music programs. Tinsley finds that people at Marist show respect in different ways than back home in North Carolina. Some professors, for example, encourage students to call them by their first name, which was an adjustment for Tinsley. One similarity she notices is that many people here also say “y’all,” which she says reminds her of home.

Why did you choose Marist?
“I chose Marist because of the beautiful location right on the river, the super cool music program, and because I wanted to live somewhere where it snows!”

Photo by Jadyn Lance '24/Marist College.

Micah Ahn '24
Hometown: Aiea, Hawaii
Major: Games & Emerging Media Minor: Digital Video Production

Road Trip to Marist
Micah stumbled upon Marist unexpectedly when the College’s Director of Western U.S. Admissions visited his high school. Transitioning from Hawaii's warm beaches to the Hudson Valley's seasonal weather was a significant lifestyle change. As Micah grew up in a predominantly Asian American community, connecting with students over culture was an important consideration when applying to schools. Once on campus, Micah joined the Asian Alliance club, and feels embraced at Marist.

Why did you choose Marist?
“I chose Marist for so many reasons, including the unique games program, the beautiful campus, and the high-quality housing. They also offered me a great academic scholarship.”

Photo by Zoe Fernandes '24/Marist College.

Matthew Sim '24
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Major: Athletic Training

Road Trip to Marist
Matthew heard about Marist from his high school counselor, who believed it would be an excellent match for him. Growing up in the Bay Area, Matthew notices subtle differences in how people speak, dress, and even walk while living in New York. Coming from a large state, he is amazed that he can drive to another state in just a few hours.

Why did you choose Marist?
“I chose Marist because of the many opportunities and accommodations. I graduated from a small private school where building connections with faculty was natural due to the small classroom sizes, which is something Marist also has.”

Photo by Jadyn Lance '24/Marist College.

Corinne Rafuse '25
Hometown: Platte City, Missouri
Major: Political Science Minor: Public Relations

Road Trip to Marist
Corinne discovered Marist through her father, a professor who learned about the College from his colleagues. Coming from Missouri, Corinne feels that there is much more to do in New York. She is constantly exploring new places, trying new activities, and tasting new foods. She loves the vibrant experiences the state has to offer. While she cherishes her home in Platte City, Corinne feels as though she has a second home at Marist.

Why did you choose Marist?
“When I visited Marist, all the people I met were extremely welcoming and kind. I chose Marist because of the Future Options and Choices for Undeclared Students (FOCUS) program. I was also drawn by the many internship opportunities in the Political Science program.”

Photo by Jadyn Lance '24/Marist College.

Kyle Mirkovic '24
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Majors: Cybersecurity and Criminal Justice Minor: Information Systems

Road Trip to Marist
Kyle was applying to schools all over the United States and discovered Marist through his local college fair. While the Midwest is renowned for having some of the friendliest people in the country, he found that people at Marist are even friendlier.

Why did you choose Marist?
“When I was applying to colleges, I didn't know what I wanted to pursue a degree in, so my decision was influenced by which school had the best options all around as a liberal arts school. Since Marist has so many great programs and is in such a beautiful location, it made my decision easy!”