How a Visionary Architect Helped Shape Marist鈥檚 Renowned Campus Aesthetic
The Hancock Center, completed in 2010, was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.
December 16, 2025 鈥� Earlier this year, Marist University was named one of the Top 25 Most Beautiful Campuses in America by The Princeton Review. That distinction didn鈥檛 happen by chance鈥攊t reflects years of thoughtful planning and architectural vision and included numerous contributions from one of the nation鈥檚 most celebrated architects, the late Robert A.M. Stern.
Stern, who passed away in November, was recently celebrated in a feature story chronicling the lasting impact his work has had on landmark projects worldwide, including the Marist campus.
Stern鈥檚 work with Marist began in 2007 when his firm, Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), was selected as lead architect for the Hancock Center. Stern and his team ultimately completed that transformed the campus into the stunning, cohesive environment we know today.
鈥淲orking with Robert A.M. Stern was an extraordinary privilege,鈥� said Dr. Dennis J. Murray, President Emeritus of Marist University. 鈥淗is vision and creativity not only transformed Marist鈥檚 campus but also left a lasting legacy that reflects his standing among the world鈥檚 most respected architects.鈥�
Robert A.M. Stern at the Hancock Center groundbreaking ceremony in 2009. Photo courtesy of Marist Archives and Special Collections.
Stern鈥檚 designs combined refinement and functionality, creating spaces that encourage learning, creativity, and community. Beyond individual buildings, Stern鈥檚 vision extended to the entire campus. In 2012, his firm developed a Master Plan that guided Marist鈥檚 growth with foresight and purpose. Architectural details like the Route 9 underpass and the iconic campus gates reflect his commitment to beauty and accessibility.
The North End residence halls 鈥� Ward, Lavelle, O鈥橲hea and McCormick 鈥� designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and completed between 2016 and 2018, transformed the north side of campus. Photo by Peter Aaron/Otto for Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Hancock Center (completed in 2010)
Architectural Route 9 underpass connecting the East and West Campus (2011)
Marist鈥檚 three iconic gates: North, South, and Main (2012)
Murray Student Center and Dining Hall (2014)
Fusco Music Center and Recital Hall (2015)
Allied Health Building (2016)
Ward Residence Hall (2016)
Lavelle Residence Hall (2017)
O鈥橲hea Residence Hall (2017)
McCormick Residence Hall (2018)
Steel Plant (2018)
McCann Arena (2011)
McCann Center Renovation and Expansion (2019)
The McCann Center renovation and expansion was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.
The Marist campus is a dynamic and constantly evolving community for learning, innovation, and vibrant student life. The latest master campus plan, which will articulate a vision for the next decade or more, will be released in Spring 2026, culminating nearly two years鈥� of community input and detailed research.
