Marist College to Become Marist University

By Alice Adams

Marist College, led by our renowned President Kevin Weinman, will kick off 2025 with a historic change: a renaming from Marist College to Marist University.

The new designation was announced in December, surprising many. The Marist community is excited to elevate our status among other institutes of learning while preserving our academic heritage and values for the current and coming generations of students, still keeping the tight-knit, personal feel of a small campus.

What makes a University?

At the most basic definition (updated just two years ago by the New York State Board of Regents), a University is an institute of higher learning that hosts three or more graduate programs – Marist hosts 13, plus one doctoral degree.

Generally, universities boast substantial opportunities off and on campus, encompassing extracurriculars, athletics, experiential learning, and more. Marist is proud to continue to host a multitude of opportunities to participate in all these high-impact areas.

When?

The renaming will take place on January 29th. In Poughkeepsie, students will celebrate in the new Dyson Center, followed by an experiential learning expo, and a block party.  Marist Italy students will have our celebration to look forward to: a University Day celebration in the evening in the historic Museo Degli Innocenti. Our one-semester students just arriving in Florence (as well as our one-year and four-year program students who have returned to Florence) will all enjoy an evening with peers, a sumptuous aperitivo, and giveaways to celebrate Marist’s leveling up in the higher academia game.

Why now?

Reflecting Marist’s ascension in renown on the academic stage, the name change comes as part of President Weinman’s 100 Pillars plan to display and enhance the academic and community strength of the Red Fox Den.

According to surveys conducted by Marist, about 23% of prospective students would be more interested in attending if the school were a university. Changing Marist’s name will give the school a wider reach to draw in more opportunities and students from diverse backgrounds, though President Weinman doesn’t intend to compromise on the individual attention placed on students by the school. A personalized education is always a priority at Marist.

Stay tuned here and on the Marist and Marist Italy social media pages for more exciting news and new logos. We hope to see you ready to celebrate on January 29th!

Visit marist.edu/university-day for more and here for livestream details if you can’t join us at Museo Innocenti!

• Plus, check out the article by the Marist Circle for some more information and quotes from President Weinman.

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