March 25, 2025 — John Liporace '88 will give the commencement address to graduate students from the Class of 2025 during Marist University’s historic first Commencement weekend. An accomplished business leader, Liporace helped transform Taylor Global, LLC into a leading marketing and communications agency, guiding Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, and Diageo.

Master's and doctoral students will be honored on Friday, May 23, inside McCann Arena.

Liporace is also the founder of the JLS Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds. Through scholarships, mentorship, and job placement, he has helped nearly 150 students complete their degrees and launch their careers. As part of the JLS Foundation's support, prospective first-generation college students with financial need are provided with the opportunity to take pre-college classes at Marist. This year, 10 students from around the northeast, including from Liporace's hometown of Hoosick Falls, NY, will attend the summer pre-college program.

JLS Foundation Pre-College scholarship recipients with John Liporace at Hoosick Falls High School. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

Liporace will receive the Distinguished Alumni Medal during the Commencement ceremony, the highest honor for a Marist graduate, presented to individuals who exemplify the University’s ideals of excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service.

“Attending Marist was truly one of the most impactful decisions of my life,” said Liporace. “The friendships I built there have lasted a lifetime, and my relationship with the University continues to deepen, bringing unexpected opportunities and lasting benefits. Marist has also been a vital partner in advancing the mission of my foundation — helping to break the cycle of poverty through education. I’m incredibly honored and deeply humbled by this recognition.”

The 2024 Graduate and Adult Undergraduate Commencement at McCann Arena. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

“Through his considerable professional accomplishments, deep commitment to service, and unwavering dedication to Marist, John reflects the very best of our alumni community,” said Chris DelGiorno, Vice President for Advancement. “He is incredibly deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Medal.”

Steve Kornacki of NBC News to Address Undergraduates
The following day, Steve Kornacki, one of the nation’s most prominent journalists and political analysts, will address undergraduates of the Class of 2025 on the Campus Green.

A full schedule of Commencement events and a livestream can be found on the Marist website, www.marist.edu/commencement.