The Countdown is on! Looking Ahead to Marist's Epic University Celebration

Anthony Proia, Director of Media Relations
Image of Marist campus.

December 17, 2024 鈥 Last week鈥檚 historic announcement that 蜜月直播 will become Marist University has sparked excitement throughout the community. 

The milestone will be celebrated with an event on January 29 鈥 the actual day Marist becomes a university 鈥 bringing together the Marist community near and far to honor this pivotal moment in the institution鈥檚 history.

Marist University: A Community Celebration of Innovation and Spirit 

Save the Date: Jan. 29
Mark your calendar for a day to remember as we celebrate this historic milestone together! Timed with the return of students for the spring semester, this community-wide event promises to be engaging, exciting, and unforgettable.

When & Where:
The celebration kicks off in the Dyson Center at 11 a.m. and will last throughout the day. A livestream will also be available so alumni across the country can participate virtually. Marist鈥檚 Florence campus will be connected live through the Dyson atrium鈥檚 giant TV screen.

What to Expect:
Marist University is a place where students engage in serious learning, and chase serious fun. So we鈥檙e designing a day that reflects both signature aspects of a Marist education. 

  • New beginnings unveiled: Mark the official change to University status with the debut of Marist University's new logo and a 60-second commercial, and see the student, faculty, and alumni faces behind our dynamic storytelling campaign.
  • Engage in serious learning: Explore an Experiential Learning Expo in the Dyson Center showcasing innovative hands-on experiences, including a community chalk-art installation, pop-up MPorium store, virtual reality demo, and more.
  • Chase serious fun: End the day with a focus on health, wellness, and time for some fun at the McCann Center, featuring faculty/staff vs. student games,  club sports, a cozy hot cocoa bar, and plenty of giveaways!

Don鈥檛 Miss Out!
Marist University-branded giveaways will be available for attendees throughout the day. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to Jan. 29!

Image of President Weinman and students.
President Kevin Weinman with Marist students in Dyson Center. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/蜜月直播.

The journey toward this transition began more than a year ago, incorporating input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, prospective students and their families, as well as secondary school counselors from around the world. The collaborative process included town halls, feedback sessions, surveys, and extensive research.

Feedback from the Marist community over those many months strongly indicated that the university designation better reflects Marist鈥檚 comprehensive, global stature and aligns with the expectations and experiences of a modern college education. 

The announcement last Wednesday was welcomed by many students.

鈥淚 think Marist University is the best thing that could鈥檝e happened,鈥 said Jack Woods '25. 鈥淢arist students are so smart, and we have such a great community. This will allow us to really show people what we as Marist students are made of.鈥

鈥淚鈥檓 excited," said Kaitlin La Du '26. "I think it鈥檚 going to open a lot of opportunities." 

鈥淥verall I鈥檓 really excited about our institution becoming a university,鈥 said Valencia Hill '26. 鈥 I can鈥檛 wait to tell my mom and I look forward to sharing the excitement with other students. I think it鈥檚 an amazing opportunity for Marist to become a university, and I鈥檓 thrilled to be here during the transition.鈥 

Image of students working in Dyson Center.
Marist University announcement in the background with students working in the Dyson Center atrium on Wednesday. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/蜜月直播.

For 95 years, Marist has been shaped by its mission, founding values, and ideal size. President Kevin Weinman expressed his enthusiasm for this next chapter. 

鈥淚鈥檓 excited about our future because Marist University will continue to dream big while always feeling small," said Weinman. This has long been one of Marist鈥檚 greatest strengths鈥攐ccupying a sweet spot where small classes are taught by faculty who serve as both mentors and educators, and a community thrives on mutual care and respect.鈥

The Jan. 29 event will feature fun activities, giveaways, a celebration of Marist鈥檚 distinctive approach to experiential learning, and plenty of community spirit鈥攖ruly a day to remember!

For more information on the university announcement, including feedback from the Marist community and for more on the Jan. 29 event,. 

VIDEO: On campus and online, our community has been buzzing with energy and excitement about the Marist University announcement!

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