December 11, 2023 — For many, New Year’s Day is a time to recharge, perhaps watch some football, and take it easy. However, for Deb DiCaprio, Marist’s Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, a quiet day at home on Jan. 1, 1982, turned out to be life changing. While watching college football bowl games, she noticed a job posting in the Poughkeepsie Journal classifieds. The position involved student mentoring and goal setting at Marist. She was intrigued.

“I had never been to Marist, despite growing up in Dutchess County, but I loved my time as a college student and this was a job in that environment, so I applied,” she said. “Father (Richard) LaMorte interviewed me and that was it!”

Deb DiCaprio at the unveiling ceremony of the new rowing shell named in her honor at McCann Arena on Dec. 2 (also pictured from left to right, President Kevin Weinman, Beth Weinman and Dr. Geoffrey Brackett, Executive Vice President). Photo by Marist Athletics.

The rest is history. As the 2024 new year now approaches, Deb will be retiring from Marist after an eventful and meaningful 40-year run as an integral part of the Department of Student Affairs — leading it for about half that time. To say she’s been an important part of the Red Fox family would be an understatement. Last week, the College held a campus celebration for her and even unveiled a brand new racing crew shell named in her honor at a Marist men’s basketball game with her family and other special guests in attendance.

“It’s hard to believe it’s all coming to an end, but looking back puts such a smile on my face,” she said during a whirlwind week.

President Kevin Weinman commended Deb for her remarkable contributions to Marist at the campus event in her honor, emphasizing the importance of taking her work seriously while maintaining a lighthearted perspective.

“She has a tremendous sense of humor, and I don’t think I’ve ever had a meeting with her where I didn’t hear her infectious laugh. She also has an underlying humility with a desire to never be the center of anything,” he said. “She always allows students to be at the center.”

In her first job at Marist, she spent three years as a student mentor. The role required her to live on campus, which gave her an immediate crash course on student life and how she could support them.

Deb DiCaprio as a student mentor in 1984. Photo courtesy of Diane Hart, Associate Vice President, Operations.

“I lived in both Sheahan Hall and Marian Hall. It was a great experience.”

In 1985, Deb became Assistant Dean of Students, overseeing counseling, health services, the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility, campus ministry (now Spiritual Life and Service), first-year student orientation, and family weekend.

Deb DiCaprio in her role of prepping students on their way to the stage on Commencement Day. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist College.

Then, in 1988, the Marist campus became a part of Deb’s family life. It was then that during spring break that Deb and her husband Joe were married inside the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel and then had their reception in the old dining hall on campus.

“The old dining hall was quite different than what we have now, but it was a great party, because I felt like the whole Marist community made it beautiful,” DiCaprio said.

In 2001, she ascended to her current role as Vice President for Student Affairs. Deb says being so attuned to the needs of students over the years, kept her unusually connected to the pulse of the campus. It’s a connection she says she’ll miss.

Deb DiCaprio presiding over the Marist Holiday Tree lighting last month, something she has done annually. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College. 

After experiencing so much for so long on campus, this is certainly a time for reflection for Deb. When it’s all said and done, she would have supported the success and development of thousands students. When asked what her most memorable time was during more than 40 years at Marist, she recalled the time that the student community needed her department the most.

“A lot has happened in more than four decades, but I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of my team than when COVID was raging. There was so much that needed to get done to meet the needs of students, including their most basic needs like getting them healthcare and meals on or near campus. My team did incredible work. I’m so proud of them.”

While her work is coming to an end and there is much she’ll miss, it’s certainly not goodbye for Deb.

“I’ll miss being so close to the students and the camaraderie of my team,” she said. “Everyone is so nice and welcoming. However, I’m not moving away. I’ll still be going to games, plays, concerts-all the fun stuff!”

Deb DiCaprio along with Tim Murray, Director of Athletics, at the campus celebration last week. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.