January 21, 2025 — A historic milestone is just around the corner—Marist College will officially become Marist University on Jan. 29, and a full day of celebrations is planned to mark the occasion.

Marist University Day will celebrate more than just a name change — it’s a moment of pride as we reflect upon our exceptional history and look with excitement to the future.

The entire Marist community is invited to participate—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. in the Dyson Center and will also be livestreamed so alumni worldwide and students studying abroad this semester can be part of the memorable day.

The Countdown to Becoming Marist University

The entire community will participate in a countdown with President Kevin Weinman and other special guests to the moment we officially become Marist University. Marist students and staff from Florence and Dublin will engage in the festivities live via a big screen; an 8-foot model of Marist’s new logo will be unveiled; and the marketing team will debut a new brand anthem video that will launch Marist's international storytelling campaign. 

An experiential learning expo will immediately follow, showcasing over a dozen innovative, hands-on experiences that are part of Marist’s distinctive educational approach. Additionally, a community block party featuring games, food, music, and feel-good vibes will cap the day at the McCann Center starting at 4:00 p.m.

When and Where

Festivities begin at 11 a.m. in the Dyson Center and include engaging experiential learning exhibits and free merch. Participants will get to:

• Test VR headsets and an EEG machine in the Marketing Lab as students analyze real-time reactions to marketing messages and visuals
• Meet "Sim Man 3G", the AI-powered medical manikin used by the Physician Assistant Program
• Check out real-time social media analysis with the Center for Social Media
• Shop the latest designs at the MPorium pop-up shop
• Participate in a poetry jam at Saxbys

The community block party runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the McCann Center, featuring:

• Lawn game tournaments and open-play sports, with student vs. faculty/staff competitions
• Food trucks
• Fire pits, s’mores, and a hot cocoa bar 
• A wellness zone with health services and free massages
• A 360 photo booth to capture the historic day!

Firepit and s’mores from this past fall. Photo by Benson Delaney ‘27/Marist College.

For Alumni and the Marist Community Outside Poughkeepsie

Can’t make it to campus? No problem! The kickoff event at 11 a.m. will be live-streamed so alumni and friends near and far can take part in this historic moment.

The livestream, along with important additional event details, can be found on our Marist University Day website. Be sure to visit the site regularly for updates.

We can’t wait to see you on Jan. 29!