This issue celebrates the Class of 2024, 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 SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

Emma Spiro - Major: Psychology

Emma will be graduating as this year's valedictorian with a major in psychology and a minor in social work. While at Marist, she completed four internships and participated in two undergraduate research studies. Emma developed, implemented, and analyzed a research project over two years, which focused on increasing confidence and awareness of intersectional identities in healthcare professions. Her notable extracurricular activities included competition as a varsity athlete on the women's crew team and serving as President of the College's Best Buddies chapter. Emma envisions a career in healthcare administration and intends to pursue graduate studies in business administration. She is deeply grateful for the exceptional education and guidance she received from the Marist faculty and administration. Emma eagerly anticipates witnessing the achievements of her bright peers as they venture beyond Marist!

Favorite Marist Memory
"Spending countless nights at the river with my friends, watching the sunset and realizing how fortunate we are to have such a beautiful campus and view right at our fingertips."
 

Erica Kossman - Major: Psychology

 This year’s salutatorian, Erica majored in psychology with minors in theatre and creative writing at Marist. Throughout her academic career, she served as a peer tutor, a teaching assistant, and a member of a lab group that allowed her to present research at CURSCA and Eastern Psychological Association conferences. Erica was a member of the HuMarists Improvisation Group for four years, serving as co-leader in the Fall 2023 semester. She also played one of the leading roles in Marist Theatre’s production of Our Town and has acted and directed in the annual Playwrights Festival. Erica takes great inspiration from her friends, who each work diligently to become excellent artists, educators, and health professionals. After graduation, Erica plans to pursue graduate school and a career working with adolescents.

Favorite Marist Memory
"Going to HuMarists rehearsal twice a week, because it was there that some of my best friends always kept me laughing."

Klanell Lee - Major: Criminal Justice

Klanell, a criminal justice major, has dedicated three consecutive years to serving in Marist's Student Government, representing the student body at various levels. Klanell's outstanding service was recognized with the unanimous 2023 Gerard A. Cox Award, an honor bestowed upon an SGA member who exceeds expectations and excels as a liaison between student government and the student body. In addition, Klanell contributed to the Marist community as a basketball team manager and as a member of the Zeta Psi fraternity, serving as recruitment chair. Throughout his time at Marist, Klanell found inspiration in the supportive community, building connections across the College. After graduation, Klanell plans to join local law enforcement and to start up a leadership-based non-profit.

Favorite Marist Memory
"My time working as Executive Vice President of SGA and being a part of the new president inauguration."

Keon Lee - Major: Criminal Justice

Keon is graduating with a major in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. His involvement in the Student Government Association was pivotal throughout his college journey, where he held multiple positions, including Student Liaison for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEI&B), Vice President of DEI&B, and Vice President of Student Life. Additionally, he was an active member of the Zeta Psi Fraternity, where he held leadership roles including Sergeant at Arms and President. These experiences allowed him to cultivate his leadership skills and create spaces for student advocacy and change. Interning with the Hyde Park Police Department was a defining moment for Keon, confirming his decision to pursue a career in local law enforcement. After graduation, he plans to work in local law enforcement while pursuing a master's degree in public relations and nonprofit management.

Favorite Marist Memory
"Walking through the streets of Poughkeepsie with Marist students protesting in support of George Floyd."

Kelly Unanue - Major: Social Work

Kelly is graduating with a social work degree with minors in psychology, sociology, and women's, gender, and sexuality studies. Serving as President of the Social Work Association, she created meaningful events surrounding social justice and community engagement. Her most memorable event was bringing the Marist community together for a holiday party with the local domestic violence shelter where she was able to see the direct impact social work can have on people’s lives. Kelly's internships at Gateway Hudson Valley Personal Recovery Oriented Services, River Haven Youth Homeless Shelter, For the Many, and the Liberty Partnerships Program deepened her passion toward the profession and allowed her to make an impact within her community. Her board position on Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society furthered this dedication. After graduation, Kelly plans to continue her education in Columbia University's Master's of Social Work program, driven by her aspiration to further develop as a young professional while also fulfilling her passion of empowering individuals.

Favorite Marist Memory
"Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, where she made lifelong memories with new friends."

Haley Fasano - Majors: Social Work, Psychology

Haley graduates as a double major in social work and psychology with minors in Italian and sociology. With a passion for helping others, Haley was awarded the Thomas Casey Baccalaureate Award for Civic Engagement as recognition for her involvement with the Tarver Summer Internship Program. Traveling has been a staple of Haley's experience at Marist as she has gone to Wilmington, and New Orleans., to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. She also trekked down to Texas with the Women's Club Lacrosse team to play in the national tournament. Additionally, Haley has presented at conferences in Sardinia, Italy and Saratoga Springs, N.Y., throughout her senior year. Making the Dean's List every semester, she is a member of Phi Alpha, Psi Chi, Gamma Kappa Alpha, and Alpha Chi honors societies. In the fall, Haley will continue her education at Fordham University to obtain a Master of Social Work.

Favorite Marist Memory
"Studying abroad in Florence, Italy and Marist sunset walks with my best friends."

Kirsten Mattern - Major: Psychology

Kirsten is graduating from the Honors Program with a major in psychology and minors in cognitive science and women's, gender and sexuality studies. Throughout her four years, she worked as an Honors Resident Assistant and Assistant Resident Director, served on the Mosaic editorial board, interned at Anderson Center for Autism, and presented research at Eastern Psychological Assocation, Northeast Regional Honors Council, CURSCA, and additional conferences. After graduating, Kirsten will attend Tufts University for her occupational therapy doctorate.

Favorite Marist Memories
"Socializing on the green, walks by the river, Dance Ensemble classes, late-night townhouse conversations, collaborating with different disciplines, presenting research, and sitting at my favorite corner Hancock table and reading."

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

Avalon Johnson - Majors: Environmental Science & Policy, Biology

A driven double major in biology plus environmental science and policy and biology at Marist, Avalon has been deeply committed to her academic endeavors and her roles as a researcher, environmentalist, and student-athlete. Racing at the NCAA tournament and winning the MAAC conference championship on the Women's Rowing team stands out as a thrilling achievement, alongside her active involvement in campus sustainability initiatives through the Student Government Association and the Campus Sustainability Advisory Committee. Avalon also founded and served as the President of the Outing Club, organizing hiking trips and connecting the community with the great outdoors. After graduation, Avalon aims to work in hydrological research while applying to graduate school.

Favorite Marist Memories
"All of the new places Marist has led me, including presenting my hydrology research in Chicago and San Francisco and racing and training with rowing teams in Florida, South Carolina, and San Diego."

Anthony Citera - Major: Biomedical Sciences

A student-athlete and biomedical sciences major with a minor in psychology, Anthony's passion for medicine and people grew immensely during his time at Marist. He excelled as Captain of Marist's Cross Country and Track & Field teams and expresses gratitude for the lessons of his previous team captains who helped him become the dedicated individual he is today. During his undergraduate studies, Anthony also conducted research on adverse childhood experiences and was inducted into the pre-health field fraternity Delta Epsilon Mu. Anthony's active participation in chemistry and biology labs, diverse coursework, and internship as a medical assistant in a pediatrics office all challenged and encouraged him to advance in his field. Following graduation, he will pursue a master of science in physician assistant studies through Marist's accelerated PA program.

Favorite Marist Memories
"Spending time with my teammates down by the river, studying in Hancock, and bonding during cross-country preseason."

Sydney Haddad - Major: Biology

Sydney is graduating as a biology major with a human biology concentration and a minor in psychology. She describes her time researching the IZH1 gene with a close colleague and Dr. Michel Becuwe as a truly unexpected and rewarding journey. Joining the Tri-Sigma sorority at Marist provided a sense of sisterhood and community, empowering Sydney to support local and national causes while forming lasting friendships. Sydney considers leading the cheerleading team to the NCA national championships in Daytona, Florida, as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will always hold a special place in her heart. She also notes gaining valuable academic and life lessons from her reliable support system of professors across all departments. After graduation, Sydney plans to pursue further studies as a physician assistant or in molecular biology for medical research.

Favorite Marist Memory
"Leading the 2024 St. Jude finale as the executive director of Hudson Rally for St. Jude. It was incredibly rewarding to see the most impactful members of our club enjoy the event, watch heartwarming patient videos, and discover the total funds raised for such a worthy cause."

Bella Kaloz - Major: Environmental Science and Policy

Bella is graduating with a major in environmental science and policy, with a policy concentration. Bella was the Vice President of Fox Pride, Community Outreach Chair for Fox PAW, and a member of Sigma Zeta and Delta Alpha Pi. With passions in law, animal welfare, and Indigenous environmental injustice, Bella completed their senior research on U.S. Wildlife Protection Policy and presented at CURSCA on the White Earth Ojibwe Manoomin vs. Minnesota legal case.

Favorite Marist Memories
"Witnessing my first shooting star with friends on the Hudson River, taking Philosophical Perspectives with Dr. James Snyder, and participating in the DC Public Service Career Trip, and the Albany Internship Program with Environmental Advocates of New York."

August Boland - Major: Biomedical Sciences

August will be graduating with a major in biomedical sciences, accompanied by minors in theater and chemistry. Throughout his time at Marist, he actively participated in the Marist Singers, performing for both the school and outside community. Additionally, he was honored to be a member of the English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta, which allowed him to attend conventions in St. Louis and Denver, enriching his academic experience. August also gained valuable hands-on experience through an internship at MidHudson Regional Hospital. His greatest inspiration at Marist has been his music teacher, Julie Martyn-Donato, who has continuously supported his passion for music and provided guidance throughout his four years of study. Looking ahead, August plans to embark on a gap year, during which he intends to explore opportunities in both the biomedical and English fields before pursuing further education in medical school.

Favorite Marist Memories
"Spending time on the green with my friends, eating ice cream together and throwing a frisbee around on cool summer nights"

J Pinkans - Major: Human Biology

J is graduating with a major in human biology. Their top Marist experiences include presenting the research completed for their honors by contract and honors thesis project, interning with faculty from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, learning in classes like Stigma and Health Disparities, and working in the Marist Admissions office. Starting as a tour guide and being promoted over the years, J also spent two years on the Admission Student Leadership Board. Their biggest inspiration at Marist has been their faculty mentor Dr. E Fredrick for serving as a role model for J and for being such a strong advocate for others. After graduation J plans to take a gap year and apply to PhD programs in public health/health psychology. They aspire to one day pursue research and advocacy in transgender health disparities.

Favorite Marist Memory
“Spending time with my friends and getting to see the sunsets on our beautiful campus.”

Jack Navin- Major: Environmental Science

Jack pursued a major in environmental science with minors in biology and chemistry. While at Marist, he spearheaded a summer research project focusing on stream hydrology and contributed to flood mitigation efforts for the Village of Rhinebeck as part of his senior capstone project. In addition to his studies, Jack dedicated his time to volunteering at the Manor at Woodside through Spiritual Life and Services. Jack's greatest inspiration at Marist has been Dr. Zion Klos, whose passion for environmental science ignited Jack's own enthusiasm for the field. After graduation, Jack aims to pursue a career in environmental consulting and aspires to become a licensed environmental professional.

Favorite Marist Memory
“Conducting my research project and leading a team of peers who wanted to help me succeed.”

Amber Haqu - Major: Chemistry

Amber is graduating with a major in chemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. They are the winner of the “Spirit of Adult Education Award,” which is the Baccalaureate award given by the School of Professional Programs. They transferred to Marist to pursue their chemistry passion and to take on more advanced coursework. At Marist, they were awarded the ACS Analytical Chemistry Award and worked on a research project with Dr. Megan Dennis investigating lysosomal protein changes in AP-3 deficient mouse melanocytes. Amber had the opportunity to present their findings at various conferences, including CURSCA, the ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium, and the Hudson Valley Life Sciences Symposium. One memorable experience was participating in the "murder in the lab" analytical chemistry activity with their group. Amber’s research advisor, Dr. Dennis and other faculty and staff have been a huge inspiration, encouraging and supporting them and other students and creating a welcoming environment. Post-graduation Amber will continue their job as a Licensed Veterinary Technician and work on personal projects while planning their next steps.

Favorite Marist Memory
“Outside of academics, I enjoyed the time I spent wandering around campus exploring the grounds and gardens. Just last month I found a spring ephemeral blooming in one of the wooded areas!”