September 7, 2018 — Lavelle Hall, a residence hall in the North Campus Housing Complex, was dedicated in a ceremony at Marist College today. Named in honor of Patrick Lavelle ’73 and his family, Lavelle Hall is the second building on campus to be named for an alumnus through philanthropy.

“Marist is extremely fortunate to have alumni who are so supportive of the College’s mission and its growth,” said President David Yellen. Earlier this year, Tom Ward ’69, and his wife, Mary Walker, made a gift to name Tom and Mary Ward Hall, also a residence in the north end of campus. “Pat and Tom have been both business leaders and longtime Marist trustees. We are proud to have our wonderful new residence halls named in honor of these alumni,” said President Yellen.

Lavelle noted the College’s passion for teaching students a commitment to service. “It’s in the spirit of giving back that I am here today. I am honored to have this hall named for my parents who sacrificed so much to give me a Marist education.”

A highly regarded business leader, Lavelle was elected president and CEO of VOXX International Corporation in May 2005 following stints as vice president and senior vice president. Elected to the VOXX Board of Directors in 1993, he currently serves as a director of most of VOXX’s operating subsidiaries. Under his direction, VOXX diversified into the mobile electronics category and quickly became a dominant manufacturer of automotive entertainment and security systems.

Lavelle has also been honored by the Anti-Defamation League of New York with its American Heritage Award for promoting growth, diversity, and democratic ideals in the workplace.

A College trustee since 2005, Lavelle led the Marist Fund campaign as national chair for 2016 through 2018. He served as a national Alumni Division chair for the 2004 and 2005 Marist Fund campaigns and was a member of the committee that led the Campaign for Marist which successfully concluded in 2012 after exceeding its goal.

Lavelle’s generous philanthropy has included not only monetary support but also in-kind gifts such as cutting-edge audiovisual equipment for Tenney Stadium, the multipurpose academic building, and the renovated Student Center through VOXX.

“Pat’s support of Marist has been unwavering,” noted Chris DelGiorno, Vice President for College Advancement. “He exemplifies the spirit of the College in so many ways and this gift is part of a new era of alumni philanthropy that will be instrumental in charting Marist’s future.”

As a final note on Marist’s influence on him, Lavelle included a personal message to students on the dedication plaque in Lavelle Hall:

“To all the students who walk these halls:
Your lives will be enriched by those you meet here.
Cherish the friendships made; they will be lifelong.”

About the North Campus Housing Complex

The North Campus Housing Complex is a state-of-the-art facility that offers accommodations for nearly 300 undergraduate students residing in suites with single bedrooms and common living spaces that include a generously sized living room, kitchenette, and bathroom. The building also features a large interactive community lounge, various study lounges, and a laundry facility. The complex provides enhanced community space for students, faculty, and staff. In addition to housing residential students, the fourth building in the complex boasts a fitness center and satellite dining facility, making the North campus a vibrant hub of collegiate life. The new facilities are also designed to support academic initiatives beyond the traditional school year such as Marist’s summer Pre-College programs for high school students. The lawns and open space provide spectacular views of the Hudson River. The new complex has expanded Marist's capacity to host conferences and other large-scale events that welcome guests from outside the area, allowing the College to continue to play a key role as one of the region’s economic engines.