Marist College recognizes and celebrates the Class of 2022, whose accomplishments have lived up to the institution's mission reflecting years of dedication, hard work, and commitment. Here are some of the Baccalaureate Awards Ceremony recipients who have excelled in the classroom while being active members of the Marist community.


Melissa Aguilar (left) and Mark Bissell (right)

Melissa Aguilar

Melissa is a first-generation college student and Mexican-American from Chicago. She will graduate magna cum laude with a B.S. in information technology and systems. Melissa is a recipient of the Marist Technology Scholarship. While at Marist, she studied abroad in Thailand, interned three summers as an IT professional, worked in the Marist Digital Education department, and raised money for the Marist Fund on behalf of the Senior Legacy Committee. Melissa will be pursuing a career in the tech industry.

Mark Bissell

Mark is a fashion design student with a minor in studio art. During his studies, Mark was a twice-recipient of the Fashion Scholarship Fund and the inaugural winner of Marty’s Light: The Marty Staff Scholarship which goes to one exceptional college student each year. He has been featured in Womenswear Daily, Mr. Magazine, and Breed Magazine. Mark is looking forward to a career as a menswear designer at American Eagle. His capping collection was the launch of his personal label IDNTTY, which aims to bring expressive, genderless clothing to the post-streetwear consumer.


Nora Nucullaj (left) and Alex Cottrell (right)

Nora Nucullaj

Nora is a studio art major with a minor in biology. During her time at Marist, she was able to sharpen her skills as an artist while painting, drawing, printmaking, to ultimately see the world in a whole new way. She had several art pieces featured in the gallery here on campus. In addition, she had the opportunity to intern at the Lower East Side Printshop in New York City this past semester. There, she worked closely with master printers to bring to life the visions of globally recognized artists.

Alex Cottrell

Alex is a math/adolescence and special education major whose musical talent led him to earn a minor in music. While at Marist, Alex has been a member of the Flute Choir, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony. Recently, he organized his own senior flute and piano recital.

He will graduate summa cum laude. As a senior, he did independent research, combining his love of both math and music. Alex will be returning to Marist next year to finish his fifth year and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching. After that, he plans to look into further graduate school opportunities in mathematics.

This is a series of featuring graduating seniors from the Class of 2022, who will celebrate commencement on Saturday, May 21.