May 29, 2024 — Ready to turn your memories into milestones? Be a part of Marist's new brick initiative, a unique opportunity for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members to leave a legacy on campus while supporting the Track and Turf Field project.

The campaign aims to raise funds for the development of a state-of-the-art track and turf field, enhancing the college's athletic infrastructure and providing a top-tier training environment for student-athletes.

Participants can purchase personalized bricks that will be used to create a walking path at the new track facility. All funds will directly contribute to the construction and maintenance of the enhanced athletic space. 

Two inscription options are available:

• Small Personalized Brick: $500
• Large Personalized Square Paver: $1,000

Each brick and paver will be engraved with an individualized message, allowing donors to commemorate their time at Marist, honor a loved one or faculty mentor, and show support for the College's future. Buy your brick and view inscription guidelines at this link.

Vice President for College Advancement Chris DelGiorno expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This first-of-its-kind initiative at Marist is a wonderful way for alumni, parents, and friends to demonstrate their support for our student-athletes and the wider campus community. Donor support will play an invaluable role in bringing this exciting project to fruition and personalized bricks will serve as a powerful symbol of Marist’s community spirit for generations to come.”

Rendering of the future North End athletics facility. Rendering by Gale Engineering.

The Track and Turf Field project promises to benefit many of Marist’s 23 Division I athletics teams – men’s and women’s track and field, cross country, lacrosse, and soccer, all of which will use the facility for practice and/or competition. It will also serve as a community-wide recreation and wellness resource for students, faculty, staff, club sports, and many intramural teams.

Additionally, Marist’s track and field and cross country programs, established more than 60 years ago, will finally have a home. The teams have successfully competed in Division I athletics for decades, despite not previously having an on-campus facility for training or competitions.

According to Pete Colaizzo '86, who has served as head coach of the track and field and cross-country teams since 1991, donor participation is crucial in helping the College support student-athletes. He hopes that the brick campaign can help grow enthusiasm among alumni from the program.

"Donations to the brick campaign allow our alumni to be literal stakeholders in the project," said Colaizzo. "Their donations will enable current and future Red Foxes to benefit from the new track, allowing our program to reach new heights in the coming years. We are grateful for their loyalty and support, and we look forward to having them all back for a victory lap on the new track as soon as we can!"

Fundraising For Track and Turf Field Continues
The Track and Turf Field fundraising effort kicked off in 2023 with a lead commitment of $1 million from Marist Trustee Tim Tenney, which was established as a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge to help drive momentum for the campaign and encourage others to donate. 

In addition to the generous $1 million challenge from Tenney, the College has received $421,483 in additional gifts and pledges from 267 donors. 

For alumnus Jay Doyle '75, the decision to contribute to the Track and Turf Field project was a personal one. As a former track star and student-athlete, he remembers a time when he and his teammates would lace up before hitting the roads or trails to train. He believes that the new facility promises to enhance the overall athletic outcomes for current and future Marist students, providing them with a better experience than he could have ever imagined.

“I encourage others to contribute in any way they can because this is a win-win that benefits not only Marist athletics but also the entire community,” said Doyle. “Gifts to this project help ensure that current and future track and field athletes have an enhanced, meaningful, and memorable experience at the College.”

Kiana Pathirana '25 competing in the triple jump. Photo by Marist Athletics.

Marist’s goal is to raise at least $3.5 million to complete the Track and Turf Field facility in time for the spring 2025 athletic season.

“We hope everyone will join us in paving the way for the future of Marist athletics,” said Associate Vice President of Development Mike Byerley. "We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for our supporters to leave a lasting mark of their generosity on campus. Each brick and paver purchased brings us closer to realizing our vision for a premier track facility that will benefit our student-athletes and the entire Marist community."

Follow this link to participate in the brick campaign and purchase a personalized brick or paver or contact the Office of Advancement at maristfund@marist.edu for more information.