September 3, 2024 — As a first-year student at Marist, Angel Macias Madrigal '28 brings a special story. Angel has an impressive background in both fashion and activism, dating back to his accomplishments in high school in Los Angeles. He arrives at Marist this fall as the first Ralph Lauren Scholar, having been awarded a four-year scholarship from the world-renowned fashion company. This design scholar program also includes mentoring, an internship, and post-graduation opportunities with Ralph Lauren.

With several years of experience as a fashion designer, Angel has extensive skills in constructing, and tailoring garments. He has also spent three years engaged in Native American activism, working with communities to address social issues and improve representation.

While a student at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School in Los Angeles, Angel also interned for three years at a law firm, where on top of his duties as an office assistant, he designed t-shirts for company involvement with food drives, written notices for closed deals, and contracted embroidering services for partners of the firm.

“I’m very grateful for this unique opportunity. Being mostly self-taught in sewing and design, I never imagined earning such a prestigious award,” said Angel. “This scholarship allows me to pursue my passion for fashion and also explore academic interests, like psychology. I’m eager to take advantage of the mentorship and internship opportunities, and I hope to represent and uplift Indigenous communities through my work in fashion.”

“After speaking with Angel, we knew his thoughtful, considerate and compelling perspectives would embody the true spirit we strive for in our Fashion students,” said Jennifer Finn, Chair of Marist’s Fashion Program. “His enthusiasm and excitement are infectious, and we are so excited to see how Angel will take advantage of all that the Ralph Lauren Design Scholars program has to offer!”

Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

Ralph Lauren Scholarship
Last year, Ralph Lauren established a Fashion Design scholarship program at Marist, awarding a student $100,000 over four years. The program aims to increase educational opportunities for underrepresented students in the fashion industry by removing financial barriers and providing resources and support.

The program focuses on offering access to Marist’s Fashion Design undergraduate program.

This scholarship is the latest collaboration between Marist and Ralph Lauren, building on last year’s initiative that allowed underrepresented high school students to take pre-college classes at Marist's Poughkeepsie campus.

First Year Fashion Design Studio. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist College.

Marist’s Fashion Program
Marist’s Fashion Program prepares students for careers in merchandising, product development, retailing, operations, fashion promotion, event production, and more. The fashion design major combines theory and history with real-world experience, providing students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the industry.