aerial shot of Marist campus featuring the Hudson River and mountain scape

Around Campus

Spring Semester 2024

Image of DPT students posing as they perform stretching excercise.

DPT Students’ Stretching Exercises Aid Parkinson's Community

Helping the community: First- and second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students conducted stretching exercises with community members diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, under the guidance of Dr. Kristin Mende, Clinical Assistant Professor, and Dr. Yvonne Egitto, Clinical Assistant Professor for the DPT.
Why it matters: Parkinson's disease restricts movement and induces stiffness, which is frequently accompanied by pain and discomfort. Engaging in consistent stretching promotes increased mobility, reduces pain, and can significantly enhance quality of life.
Hands-on learning, literally: The community project is part of the Musculoskeletal Management course for the fall semester and the Geriatrics course in the spring. Dr. Julie Fineman, Director of Clinical Education, helped develop the project as a member of the Parkinson's Disease Support Group Board of Directors. Photo Courtesy of DPT Program.

Image of Chamique Holdsclaw speaking at Marist.

WNBA Legend Talks Mental Health to Athletes

Chamique Holdsclaw, WNBA legend, not only had an outstanding career but dedicated herself to mental health activism. She visited Marist last week to offer mentorship to students, coaches, and athletic administrators around mental health.
Mind/Game: Chamique shared her personal story of resilience through mental health challenges on and off the court. She emphasized the importance of self-care, prioritizing mental health, asking for help, and knowing that you are not alone. These topics also form the basis of a 2015 documentary featuring Chamique.
Mental Health matters: The event emphasized how the dual demand of balancing sports commitments and a full academic schedule can impact mental health among student athletes. Chamique’s visit highlights how open mental discussions raise awareness, provide support, and reduce the stigma around mental illness in the athletic community. This is essential to student-athlete success, not only in sports, but in the game of life.
Gratitude from student athletes: "Chamique was the most effective speaker I have ever listened to," said Samantha Chadwick '25, a member of the women's basketball team. "She connected with us in a way that made her feel like an old friend and I feel very fortunate to have met such a compassionate and inspiring athlete." Photo courtesy of Marist Athletics.

Image of Marist PA Program champions of state Challenge Bowl.

Marist PA State Champs of State Challenge Bowl

The Marist College Physician Assistant (PA) program attended the New York State Society of Physician Assistant (NYSSPA) conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. The annual conference gathers student and practicing PAs across the state allowing them to connect and collaborate in workshops, attend lectures, network with healthcare exhibitors, and compete against other PA programs in the state.
Crowned state champs: The Marist PA program emerged victorious in the State Challenge Bowl held at the end of the conference. Eleven colleges from across New York state participated. The format was similar to a "mathletes" competition. A point was given to the team that answered the swiftest with the correct answer. All the questions centered around medical topics relevant to the PA profession.
Focusing on faculty: Marist PA Program Director Jeff Midgley also presented a talk “So you want to be a PA educator?” at the conference. He encouraged PAs to consider roles as PA faculty members, emphasizing the importance of training future leaders in medicine. Photo courtesy of Mia Ridgway ’25.

FUNdraising for Local Charities

Dunking for a difference: Students in Dr. James Melitski's Nonprofit Leadership and Management class hosted a basketball tournament in McCann for the local Special Olympics New York teams — the Thunderbolts and Butch’s Eagles. This event raised awareness for their fundraising initiative aimed at covering the travel expenses of these Special Olympics teams.
Service learning: Since 2020, Melitski's course has engaged with the community in fundraising. The class is organized into cohorts, each collaborating with a different local charity. They host fundraisers and raise awareness for the charity. Other groups set up informational tables around campus or conduct clothing drives, to benefit Best Buddies, Grace Smith House, Scenic Hudson, and Lexington Recovery Center.
The takeaway? “The students in this class learn theories and concepts related to nonprofit management and then are able to apply them in real life while supporting local charities,” said Dr. Melitski. To donate to any of the fundraisers, you can find links here. Photo courtesy of James Melitski, Professor of Public Administration.

Around Campus