diversity
Magazine Winter 2016
WORKS Celebrating
Diversity at Marist
Marist College HEOP student Jaquan Arzu with Congressman José E. Serrano of New York.
diversity
WORKS
Contents
Winter 2016
HEOP Student Participates in Two Washington DC Internships ............................................................................ 3
ARCO is Enjoying Its Legacy at Marist ..................................................................................................................... 4
Freshman Says Scholars Program Got Him to College ............................................................................................ 5
Speaker Cornel West Males Great Impression at Marist ........................................................................................ 6
Student Benefits from Internship Through T. Howard Foundation ...............................................................7
Jay Blotcher Discusses Race, Sex and Religion ....................................................................................................... 8
Diversity is Important at Enterprise........................................................................................................................ 9
Marist ROTC Members Honor Veterans Day .......................................................................................................... 9
Looking Back and Looking Ahead - The Holocaust ............................................................................................... 10
Sodexo Chef Has Assisted Many Individuals with Disabilities .............................................................................. 11
Social Work Promotes Diversity ........................................................................................................................... 12
Rodmon Kings Speaks with Marist Students ........................................................................................................ 12
Race and Gender Reading Group Established ...................................................................................................... 13
Alumnus Receives an Award for Entrepreneureship ............................................................................................ 14
Diversity Council Has Grown at Marist ................................................................................................................. 15
Graduate Students Share Art of Rangoli............................................................................................................... 16
International Players Make an Impact on the Soccer Team ................................................................................. 17
Number of International Students Increases at Marist ........................................................................................ 18
Diversity Facts at Marist College - 2015 ............................................................................................................... 20
Diversity Conferences in 2016 .............................................................................................................................. 22
Our Staff ............................................................................................................................................................... 23
Editor: Desmond Murray | Copyeditor: Leslie Bates
Production Coordinator: Alexander Podmaniczky
Diversity Works is published twice a year by the Marist College Diversity Council
Marist College, 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
845/575-3000 ext. 2477 | desmond.murray@marist.edu
HEOP Student Participates in Two Internships in
Washington, DC
By Shannon Bales, Staff Writer/Intern and Desmond Murray,
Editor
Arzu knew that both programs would offer him opportunities to pursue his passions. Not only did he participate in an internship at a congressional office and weekly interactive leadership training sessions through the CIP, but also in orientations
and workshops organized by the Washington Scholars.
D
uring the last week of March 2015, Jaquan Arzu received a
long-anticipated phone call from a director at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. He had become the first Marist
College student to earn a spot in CHCI’s prestigious 2015 Summer Congressional Internship Program.
“Jay is a go-getter,” says Dr. JoAnne Myers, Marist’s political
science internship coordinator. “He found out about this program and that’s where he shines the best. He makes a really
good impression.”
“I told her to call me back in five minutes because I was in
complete shock, just shocked by the opportunity. I couldn’t believe that I got it,” Arzu recalls. “It was one of those things where
I worked hard for it, but I didn’t let myself believe that I had it
until I literally got all of the paperwork in and everything was
said and done.”
Myers has helped students work with other congressional
scholarship programs, but this marks the first time she has had
a Marist student intern at the CHCI. Myers met with Arzu, who
had applied to the program independently, and encouraged him
to work with her to ensure that the internship would afford him
ample academic opportunities.
Arzu, who is from the Bronx, NY, also received an opportunity to serve a second internship in Washington, DC, when he
got accepted to the Washington Scholars Fellowship Program.
As a political science major with a minor in public relations,
Arzu had participated in an internship program at the U.S. Black
Chambers in Washington, DC, in 2014. During his time with the
Chambers, Arzu attended networking events and met intellectuals from different backgrounds — including a representative
from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).
“I think he has done well and he will do well representing
Marist,” says Myers. She believes he has the potential to open
the door for future Marist students to get involved at the CHCI.
Marist College President Dennis Murray agrees. “I am always
proud of our students’ accomplishments, and I knew that the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Internship Program was
going to be a wonderful opportunity for
Jay to learn more about government and
to further develop his leadership skills,”
he says.
“She told me about the summer internship,” says Arzu, who is a student in the
Higher Education Opportunity Program
(HEOP) at Marist. “She told me that she
thought I would be a great candidate for
the program. So, I was candid and said that
I would apply the following school year for
the following summer.”
As promised, Arzu prepared essays for
the Summer Congressional Internship Program (CIP) application. However, he also applied to two other programs in Washington:
a diversity institute program at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Washington Scholars Fellowship Program.
“I wanted to make sure that I didn’t have
all of my eggs in one basket.”
Marist College intern Jaquan Arzu with former
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Donald
Loren in Washington, DC.
Arzu attributes his confidence in advocating for himself to earlier educational and
community experiences and credits his
high school principal for encouraging him
to develop as a leader. Arzu continues to
hone his networking skills at Marist. He
has been working closely with the President’s Office to create a coalition to make
policy changes regarding campus diversity
and student involvement in the Hudson
River Valley community.
“Something that has always been important in my life is to be proactive — to
be proactive about life, as in if you see
something that’s an issue, it has to be addressed,” says Arzu.
“We can’t allow ourselves to ever be complacent or comfortable.” He sees uncomfortable situations as opportunities to
learn and grow.
In the same week that Arzu heard from the CHCI, he got a
call from a representative of the Washington Scholars Fellowship Program. The admissions director informed Arzu of his conditional acceptance into the 10-week leadership program.
Continued on page 14
3
ARCO Enjoying its Legacy at Marist
By Jamelia Thompson, Staff Writer/Intern
The student club Appreciating Races and Creating
Opportunities (ARCO) hosted its inaugural anniversary dinner in
the Student Center on Nov. 6, 2015, to celebrate the impact the
club has had on the Marist College community.
“I joined ARCO because I thought it would be nice to learn
more about another culture,” said Olivia Bruce, a junior. “I grew
up in a diverse environment, so I feel very much at home when I
attend their events.”
The dinner “was an anniversary celebration that was never
done before,” says ARCO President Darriel McBride. “For the
first time, we had alumni come back to Marist to share their
experiences and network with current students. For the first
time in the club’s history, we showcased all our achievements.”
Assistant Professor of Spanish Irma Blanco-Casey spoke at
the dinner to commemorate ARCO’s history and impact. She
recalled the club being well known when she started teaching
at Marist in 1979, explaining that ARCO’s welcoming presence
extended past the Marist community to include neighboring
high school Spanish classes, some faculty, and even parents.
An event called Spanish Night, held each spring in the Nelly
Goletti Theatre, would pack the house, Blanco-Casey said. It was
standing room only as skits, poetry, singing, dancing, and other
activities immersed everyone in the Hispanic and Latino culture.
Such occasions were memorable for many, especially one
Spanish Night when a student pulled President Dennis Murray
from the crowd and brought him to dance on the stage.
The club, which became well established in the 1970s, was
originally comprised of a small group of Spanish majors as well
as some Hispanic students. Since then, the club has changed its
name from ARCO Iris Latino and has experienced an expansion
of diversity within its membership. It emphasizes the Latino
culture, but more important it maintains its initial mission: to
appreciate and bring together a variety of cultures at Marist
College and unify the campus community.
“The beauty of human beings is that we are diverse.
Wouldn’t it be boring if
were the same height, the
same color, spoke the same
language?” said Blanco-Casey.
Melinda Martinez ’06, a
former president of ARCO, spoke
at the dinner, thanking the club
for the contribution it made to
her development as a proud
Latino woman. Like Martinez,
many other students have their
own reasons for becoming a
member.
“What sets ARCO apart
from other clubs is that we are
together creating a new voice
for the Hispanic students on
campus,” says Dylan Lopez, a
freshman and active member
of ARCO. “We are having a real
conversation addressing real
issues people of the Hispanic
community are facing — a
conversation I don’t feel was
properly addressed other than
at ARCO.” During the dinner he
and sophomore Jakina McCaulla
each received a Rising Star
certificate for their outstanding
dedication in attending ARCO’s
Thursday meetings.
“I was very happy to see
alumni, past presidents, and
faculty members take time out
to celebrate this event with
us,” says sophomore Riana
Ramirez, who is in charge of
public relations for ARCO. “The
highlight of the night was to
have President Murray speak at
the dinner. He could not attend
the dinner because he had a
Board of Trustees meeting at
the same time, but he did come
by and speak to us about how
much he values diversity at
Marist and how much ARCO
and the Hispanic community
has impacted Marist.”
Pictured are (left to right) executive board members of ARCO Juan Diaz,
secretary; Darriel McBride, president; Samantha Flores, vice president;
Ceydy Maldonado, treasurer; and Riana Ramirez, public relations.
Photo by Joseph Colon
4
“You make not only Marist
better but all the students
better with the experiences
and interactions that you
have,” Murray said at the
dinner. “Certainly the Hispanic
Continued on page 19
Freshman Says Scholars Program Got Him to College
By Mallika Rao, Staff Writer/Intern
Back in ninth grade, Joseph Colon did not blink an eye when
he found out he had an opportunity to expand his academic
horizons through the prestigious SEO (Sponsors for Educational
Opportunity) scholars program. This fall, because of SEO, he
found himself walking on the campus as a freshman at Marist
College. He spoke about his experience as a student thus far and
how SEO helped him get here.
“It was very fun and eye-opening,” he says of the experience. “We explored reefs and the ocean and learned about
marine science.”
Eventually, senior year rolled around and Colon had to make
the most important decision of his life: where to spend the
next four years pursuing higher education. Choosing to look at
schools upstate to get away from the hustle and bustle of city
life, he settled on Marist after a visit in October 2014. “I really
fell in love with the environment, and HEOP made things easier,”
he explains.
His journey began when his ninth grade math teacher at Urban Assembly of Applied Math and Science High School in New
York City encouraged him during a parent/teacher conference to
apply to the SEO program. “After he spoke with my parents, he
told me that I was a candidate for SEO. I applied, got in, and the
rest is history,” recounts Colon.
Mary Rice, assistant director for HEOP/Center for Multicultural Affairs, has high hopes for Colon as he moves further along
in his education at Marist. “Joseph has previously participated
in programs that promote a college-bound mindset. Through
those experiences and the ongoing academic support provided
by the HEOP program, he has been given many tools to help him
navigate through college. Joseph is a bright young man whom
we believe will use his resources to be successful in his studies
and contribute to the Marist College community.”
SEO seeks to empower low-income students academically in
the belief that education is the key out of poverty. The program
offers intensive academic preparation in weekend, summer, and
after-school classes that total more than 2.5 years of instruction
in English and 1.5 years of instruction in math., according to
SEO’s Web site.
The organization also notes that 100 percent of its students
are accepted into four-year colleges that have included Harvard,
Carnegie Mellon, and Georgetown. Among those students, 85
percent are the first in their family to attend college, and 80
percent graduate in four years.
Colon has yet to decide on a major but is leaning toward
communications with a concentration in advertising along with
a minor in graphic design. “I took a lot of college prep courses in
graphic design, and I just was hooked.”
Colon did not mind the rigorous nature of the program. “Private schools really push the boundaries academically,” explains
Colon. “An ‘A’ grade at a public high school is a ‘C’ at a private
school, so at SEO they want to make sure that you are really
dedicated and you work hard.”
His 11th grade counselor, Emil Kim, happily vouches for Colon’s commitment and strong work ethic. “He never complained
about the work he had to do, and I think that really speaks to
his commitment and responsibility in the program,” he says.
Kim describes Colon as “quiet but strong and responsible,” but
clarifies that Colon was “not quiet in the usual way, like shy. He
just stayed out of trouble. He was not the kind of student I had
to worry about.”
As part of the program, Colon took SAT prep courses as well
as classes at local colleges such as NYU and Baruch in both vocabulary and math, starting in his freshman year of high school.
During his junior year, he had the opportunity to study in the
British Virgin Islands for two weeks through the program Sail
Caribbean offered through SEO’s Beyond the Classroom.
Joseph Colon, a Marist freshman, has
participated in the Sponsors for Educational
Opportunity (SEO) scholars program since
high school.
5
Dr. Cornel West Makes Great Impression at Marist
By Mallika Rao, Staff Writer/Intern
compassion, and [therefore] the word of the college student is
crucial.”
Dr. Cornel West’s presence graced the McCann Center at
Marist College on Sept. 30, 2015, and everyone who came
to see him was enthralled. The TV personality and longtime
theology professor at Princeton University weighed in on
the latest hot-button issues on race, income inequality, and
the 2016 election during a lecture that drew an audience of
approximately 1,360 guests. Many of the attendees were not
members of the Marist College community, which made the
spectacle all the more exciting. The event was organized by the
Office of Academic Affairs and the Black Student Union.
On how musical artists today don’t sing with passion: “I
come from a generation where we produce the dramatics and
symphonies. For the most part, [music nowadays] is an isolated
ego with a microphone. I love Beyonce, she’s the greatest
entertainer of the day, but she ain’t no Aretha.”
On 2016 election candidates: “[Donald Trump and Ben
Carson] are not popular in the country. They are popular with
the more conservative group of a broken party. [Bernie Sanders]
is not perfect. [The African-American community has to]
push him on a number of issues. [Hillary Clinton]’s got a lot of
baggage.”
West was introduced by Vice President for Academic Affairs
Thomas Wermuth and Bryanna Adams, a junior and president
of BSU. He opened his speech with the simple statement, “I
am who I am because someone loved me.” He explained that
the “someone” could be parents, athletic coaches, God, even
Shakespeare. For him, though, it was Jesus. “I was a gangster
before I met Jesus,” he proclaimed.
On politics in general: “One president can’t do it by himself
or herself. It’s about a system.”
Adams explained how she and her club got involved.
“[Academic Affairs] asked me for a meeting, and I just got really
involved and made sure that BSU was involved as well.” Adams
praised West, calling him “one of the great activists of all time.”
Throughout the presentation, West made references to
everything from current events (Ferguson) to philosophers
(Socrates) to musical artists old and new (Sly & the Family
Stone, the Roots).
Dr. Addrain Conyers, assistant professor of criminal
justice at Marist, moderated the Q&A that followed West’s
presentation along with history
professor Dr. Robyn Rosen. “The
administration did a wonderful
job of selling a speaker who in
my opinion does a great job of
bringing multicultural issues to
the forefront today.”
On how racism comes from within: “Anytime that you
accept a notion that you are less
beautiful or less intelligent …
you are seeing white supremacy
inside of you.”
On poverty among AfricanAmericans: “What kind of
future do you think anyone can
have [when we] have to deal
with poverty and inequality
everywhere?”
Doris Kelly, a local community
activist, talked about her
involvement in the civil rights
movement during the 1950s and
1960s and described West as
“someone who has something
to say about that movement,
particularly with young people.”
On the top 1 percent of
wealthy Americans: “I pray for
[rich brothers and sisters] every
day … there’s a chance [rich
people] are going to move in the
wrong direction.”
On how college students
are vital in combatting racism:
“Education at its highest
level requires courage and
Dr. Cornel Ronald West embraced Bryanna Adams, president of
the Black Student Union at Marist. Dr. Thomas Wermuth, vice
president for academic affairs, is in the background.
Photo by Kelly Stohr
6
“With what’s going on with
the police, he speaks out on
what racism really means,
with the Black Lives Matter
movement. He speaks from the
heart.”
Continued on page 15
Student Benefits from Internship through T. Howard
Foundation
By Adriana Belmonte, Staff Writer/Intern
Ruiz was then called for a face-to-face interview and hired
soon after. A native of Watertown, NY, she spent the summer
sleeping on her friend’s floor in Livingston, NJ, in order to be
able to commute to the city.
Nemesis Ruiz is only a junior at Marist but after this
past summer, she feels as though she is more experienced
than most people her age. She credits that to the T. Howard
Foundation, which helped her secure an internship with
Discovery Communications.
The foundation, which began working with Marist in 2007,
usually has one intern per summer from the College. Karla
Morrison, senior program manager of the Internship Program,
believes it is because of the talent that resides at Marist.
Based in the Washington, DC, area, the foundation is
dedicated to supporting and advancing diversity in the media
and entertainment industry. Founded in 1994, its mission is to
prepare and train talented young students of color to become
the next generation of industry leaders.
“The students here have great academics, and there
is a diverse population here,” she says. “It’s important to
have diversity in the industry because it presents different
perspectives and ideas. These people come from different
backgrounds and can influence the work that is produced. They
represent greater society.”
Through Discovery Communications, Ruiz worked for the
Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) as an advertising sales intern
in New York City. While there were 11 interns in her division,
she was the only one interning for OWN. Her tasks included
researching various topics, putting booklets together about
integrating TED Talks into OWN, and researching grassroots
festivals that target the black
community. At the end of the summer,
all of the interns were given a topic to
present at their respective networks.
Ruiz learned of the foundation
through Niajja Sheard ’15, a graduate of
Marist and current production assistant
for Viacom. While the foundation’s
programs are available only to
minorities, the internship position was
not just handed to Ruiz. She had to
endure a lengthy process to earn it.
Once she finished an online application,
she had to be selected for an interview.
After making it past the interview stage,
she was entered into the final talent
pool. From there, she found matches
for the area she was interested in and
applied for those select positions. With
Discovery Communications, she not
only had a phone interview but also
something called “hireview,” in which a
computer asked questions and allowed
her 30 seconds to respond to each
question.
Morrison highlighted the success of the foundation over
the past three years, during which
more than 90 students have received
summer internships. The foundation
has worked with approximately 35
companies each summer. Its most
recent Diversity Awards Dinner raised
more than $1.3 million, a record.
Because of this, they are able to
provide their students with mentors.
Jessie Cruz, with whom Ruiz did
her face-to-face interview, was Ruiz’s
mentor. “Jessie opened so many doors
for me,” Ruiz says. “I feel like I gained
a second mother in her, and I still
keep in touch. I made so many good
relationships working at Discovery.”
Karla Morrison, senior program manager, T.
Howard Foundation (left), and Nemesis Ruiz, T.
Howard Foundation intern (middle), speak with
Marist student Jamelia Thompson during an
internship presentation on campus.
Photo by Desmond Murray
7
She also gained insight into future
job possibilities. Although Ruiz is an
advertising/public relations major with
a minor in digital video production,
she nevertheless had no idea that
advertising sales was a career option
until she received the internship.
Although she wants to explore
Continued on page 14
Unexpected Identities: Jay Blotcher Discusses
Race, Sex, and Religion
By Derek Rose, Staff Writer/Intern
For much of Jay Blotcher’s life, identity has been a
moving target. Before he became a journalist, publicist,
documentarian, and activist, Blotcher struggled with questions
regarding his race and sexuality. In a lecture at Marist on Oct.
1, 2015, he chronicled his life story and discussed his path
to self-acceptance. The lecture, sponsored by the Center for
Multicultural Affairs and the Marist Diversity Council’s LGBTQ
subcommittee, was the first of several events to celebrate
Hispanic Heritage Month at the College.
“Identity is a complicated issue,” Blotcher said. “For a long
time, I didn’t know my roots. All I knew is what I saw in the
mirror, and that was a burden for me.”
Jay Blotcher, a journalist, publicist, documentarian, and activist,
spoke at Marist during the fall 2015 semester.
Photo by Kelly Stohr
Blotcher was adopted as an infant and did not know who his
biological parents were until the age of 28. As a result, he went
that entire time without knowing his true ethnicity: half Puerto
Rican and half Eastern European.
down for either because of his race or his sexuality. He cited an
incident during his early twenties when he was traveling abroad
and was removed from a train in England because of his skin
color. Later in life, he said police officers would verbally and
physically assault him and his friends when they were leaving
gay bars.
During his speech, Blotcher projected a slideshow of old
pictures. With his almond skin and waves of thick, dark hair, the
young Blotcher stood out from the rest of the children. These
differences caused him to envy his white peers throughout
adolescence. He coveted the fact that they were not only “liked
better,” but that they were certain of their roots.
“There was a time in America when homophobia and racism
were accepted,” he said. “I’ve been very happy with how far
we’ve come.”
However, Blotcher’s search for identity stretched beyond his
race; it was also strongly intertwined with his sexuality.
While working in New York City, Blotcher received a letter
from his biological mother, Valerie. The two soon met in person
for the first time and Valerie filled in the missing pieces of
Botcher’s life that he’d long been searching for. She explained
that his biological father was former Major League Baseball
player Arnie Portocarrero, a journeyman pitcher who spent
six seasons with the Kansas City Athletics and the Baltimore
Orioles. After almost three decades, Blotcher finally learned
who he was and where he came from.
“I’m a gay man,” Blotcher said. “I’ve been gay since birth, but
it took me a few years to figure it out.”
After officially coming out during his freshman year at
Syracuse University, Blotcher became an activist for LGBTQ
rights. His career began in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, when
misconceptions and intolerance surrounding the gay community
were at their highest. One of his first jobs out of college was as
a journalist for the New York Native, a biweekly gay newspaper
published in New York City.
“Discovering identity, whether it’s cultural, sexual, or
religious, is very relevant to college students,” said Iris RuizGrech, the director for the Center for Multicultural Affairs.
“That’s one of the main reasons we asked Jay to speak. His life
and what he has to say is a great lesson.”
He also became an active member of ACT UP, a popular
organization dedicated to fighting the AIDS epidemic. Soon after,
he went on to become an associate producer for Our Time, a
13-week TV series which discussed current issues in New York’s
gay community.
Blotcher was never able to meet his father, who passed away
without knowing that Blotcher was his son. However, his search
for his father did allow him to meet his half-brother, Mario. The
two formed a lasting bond and quickly made up for the time
With this array of experience, Blotcher has seen prejudice
through many different lenses. He noted jobs he was turned
Continued on page 16
8
Diversity is Important at Enterprise
By Jamelia Thompson, Staff Writer/Intern
recruiting, and ensuring that the
company mirrors diversity.
In today’s global market, as more
businesses interact with different clients
and cultures, diversity has become
increasingly important in the workplace.
Enterprise Holdings is a company
that not only values diversity but has
supported diversity initiatives at Marist.
Hiring managers in the company’s
corporate offices created the Diversity
Committee about 15 years ago. It is
recognized globally and has formed 150
groups in various regions, each group
with its own platform, said Blender. The
committee aims to support employee and
consumer needs and to redefine gender
and ethnic status quos.
Enterprise, which owns and operates
Enterprise Rent-a-Car, National Car
Rental, and Alamo Rent-a-Car, has a
strong relationship with Marist. The
company has been recruiting at the
College for more than 12 years and has
hired students and graduates for both
internships and full-time jobs.
Ongoing training and workshops are
conducted for employers and employees.
Enterprise’s Diversity Committee has
Randi L. Blender, is talent acquisition manager
fostered the MIN (Minority Interactive
for the upper states region at Enterprise.
Network) and WIN (Women Interactive
Enterprise also has awarded Marist
Network), which both originated 15 years
three grants over the years. One
ago. The two groups have workshops,
supported Marist Athletics, the second
says Blender, where participants are given the opportunity to
benefitted Career Services, and the third helped underwrite a
“gain more tools, hear ideas, and have mentors.”
diversity panel discussion on campus in spring 2015.
More than 225 Marist faculty, staff, and students attended
the panel discussion, entitled “Why is Diversity So Important?”
The panelists were Marist faculty and staff members Melinda
Martinez, director, Liberty Partnership Program; Tia Gaynor,
assistant professor of public administration; Patricia FerrerMedina, assistant professor of Spanish; Colin McCann, associate
director for first-year programs and leadership development;
and Gayatree Siddhanta Sarma, visiting professional lecturer,
School of Management. The moderator was Dr. Edward Pittman,
associate dean of the College, Vassar College.
The event was sponsored by the Marist College Diversity
Council, Marist’s Center for Multicultural Affairs, and Enterprise.
In addition, Enterprise provided two padfolios and two $25
Macy’s gift certificates as raffle prizes.
Within Enterprise itself, the implementation of a Diversity
Committee has paved the way for better interaction and
understanding among employers, employees, and consumers.
“Enterprise is a company that is always looking ahead. It is
very open to diversity and inclusion. We wanted the program
to express that,” Though Blender is not a part of the company’s
Diversity Committee, she is responsible for interviewing,
Members of the Marist ROTC Cadets raised the United States flag
during Veterans Day activities at Marist on Nov. 11, 2015. Marist
installed and dedicated a new Veterans Memorial in front of the
Class of 1968 flagpole near Donnelly Hall and hosted a luncheon to
honor alumni, students, faculty, and staff who have served in the
military and to pay tribute to all veterans.
Photo by Kelly Stohr
9
Looking Back and Looking Ahead:
The Holocaust
By Austin Christensen, Staff Writer/Intern
Poland, 1930: A child is born into a large family in a small
town. The father owns and operates a store while the child
grows into a boy.
1938: Tensions rise in Europe. Jewish people are slowly being
discriminated against more and more. The boy’s family has the
opportunity to leave and move to America. The family declines
the offer. How bad could it get?
1939: A war breaks out in Europe. Escape is impossible,
especially for the Jewish population of Poland.
1942: Jewish communities are organized into ghettos. The
boy is now 12 years old, living in a society hardly suited for an
adult, let alone an almost teenager. Nazi officers round up parts
of the ghetto frequently. One day, the boy and his mother are
taken. The timely intervention of a nurse, allowing the boy to
escape, is what saves his life. But it isn’t enough to spare his
mother.
1943: The boy’s luck has run out. His father, his two sisters,
and he are sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Thus
begins years of forced labor and emotional scarring that are not
easily repaired.
Michael Silberstein, a Holocaust survivor, spoke at Marist in
2015.
Photo by Austin Christensen
The Silberstein children had fared better than many others.
1945: American soldiers free the prisoners, including the
boy, at the concentration camp at Mauthausen in Austria. At 15,
he has gone through more than many are forced to experience
in a lifetime.
In 1945, Silberstein went to London, England, where he
received the equivalent of a high school education as well as
a degree in electrical engineering. In 1952, he moved to the
United States, where he was drafted by the Army during the
Korean War. He served for two years, during which time he
became a U.S. citizen.
Thus is the story of Michael Silberstein, a Holocaust survivor
who, at the age of 85, remembers his experiences vividly. Silberstein told his story at Marist’s Holocaust Remembrance event
in spring 2015. He visited Marist again in fall 2015 to meet with
the cast of the Marist Theatre Program and Marist College Club
of Theatre Arts production of The Diary of Anne Frank to tell
them about his experiences.
Despite the hardships, Silberstein still manages to call
himself “a very fortunate man.” He feels lucky to have his family: two sons with his wife, Lillian, along with an abundance of
grandchildren. He has even made two return trips to Poland
with his family.
“We lived with the possibility of death every day,” Silberstein
said.
Descendants of those who endured the Holocaust can feel
the effects of this horrific period of time. Zach Cohen, the
president of Hillel, a Jewish faith group that is part of Marist’s
Campus Ministry club, had family affected by the genocide. His
grandfather’s family was from a town in Poland called Turka that
was destroyed entirely by the end of the war.
Through years of emotional pain and physical exertion,
Silberstein had to deal with negativity and fear that a child his
age should have never had to go through. “Hope is what kept us
going,” he said.
By the end of the war, Silberstein had lost both of his parents, but his two sisters had survived the concentration camps.
Silberstein was also soon reunited with his brother, who had
escaped from Poland in time to become part of the British army.
“It’s slowly getting covered less and less,” Cohen says of the
Holocaust. “It’s in the past. It’s slowly getting further away and
harder to keep relevant.”
“It is important for us to always look back at historical
Continued on page 13
10
Chef Has Assisted Many Students and Individuals
with Disabilities
By Adriana Belmonte, Staff Writer/Intern
each day … Fostering a diverse workforce
enriches our businesses. It attracts attention and increases employee retention.”
Executive Chef Anthony Legname is in his
eighth year working at Marist College. But
his contributions to Marist go far beyond the
scope of cooking.
Since 1996, Legname has hired persons
with disabilities in his kitchens, giving them a
chance at a career when many other places
do not. “Being in a position to hire individuals
has made me want to use my background and
experience to help others,” Legname says. “I
know the eagerness of young people.”
It all started 19 years ago when Diane
Sterling, who runs a culinary program in
Poughkeepsie, contacted him about a person
with special needs who was looking for a job.
At the time, Legname was the executive chef
at a country club. He hired the applicant following an interview. “I believe in mentoring
others,” he says.
Anthony Legname, executive chef at
Marist, has been instrumental in hiring
employees with disabilities.
Legname grew up in the restaurant
business. As a boy he helped out in the pizzeria, Tomato Pie, opened by his mother’s
family. Years later, his family opened Joe’s
Pizza, named after his grandfather. There
Legname worked as a dishwasher throughout high school. For him, the restaurant
was something special that he shared with
his mother, but eventually he realized that
he wanted a formal education. He decided
to attend the Culinary Institute of America.
Legname graduated from the CIA with an
associate’s degree in culinary arts and a
bachelor’s degree in restaurant management.
While he enjoys all aspects of his job, his favorite part is
observing. “I like to stand back and watch the workers with
disabilities do their job with confidence, without knowing that
I’m watching,” he says. His most successful worker to date is a
former prep cook who was promoted to chef and now works
in Albany. Currently, six full-time Marist graduates work in the
Marist dining hall under his guidance.
Since then, Legname has mentored a few dozen studentemployees and says he has a great success rate. “Everyone
deserves a chance.”
He likes to be very interactive with his staff, as he believes
that a hands-on approach can make them better. “I’m impressed
with the curriculum and motivation of these students I work
with,” he says. “They have a passion for food and learning a
trade. You need to be self-motivated like that for success.”
Sterling, the director of Professional Culinary Academy, has
nothing but kind words to say about Legname. “I have found
him to possess a unique and genuine gift to be able to focus
and identify an individual’s strength instead of their disability,”
she says. “His high level of integrity, professionalism, caring,
patience, and compassion goes hand in hand with this gift.”
His dedication to helping others has not gone unnoticed.
He received an award through Ulster County and was a guest
speaker for the National Disabilities Employment Association.
Here is an excerpt of his speech:
She notes his openness to hiring and mentoring individuals
with a disability and how he provides them with the coaching
and support that is needed to assist them in their careers and
personal growth.
“To see the eagerness, wide-eyed, smiley but yet nervous
faces was and is an amazing feeling. I can see the passion and
willingness to want so badly the opportunity to succeed …This
has been and continues to be an incredibly rewarding experience for me. It’s been my pleasure to work with some of the
most dedicated and hardworking people of my career. These
individuals want to be self-sufficient and have a strong drive to
become part of today’s workforce, which grows more diverse
“Chef Anthony has provided many individuals with opportunities to change their lives. He puts the time and energy into all
of his staff to be productive, motivated, dependable, and successful employees, not just individuals with a disability.”
11
Social Work Promotes Diversity at Marist
By Austin Christensen, Staff Writer/Intern
One way Marist prepares students in its Social Work Program
for a career in the field is through classes that focus on topical
issues. One of these courses stands out: Social Inequality.
The class is also required for psychology/special education
majors, such as junior Samantha Monroe. “I find it very
interesting that we look at certain topics by taking a step back,”
says Monroe. “You don’t always notice a social issue when you
look directly at it, but by slightly removing yourself from it, the
issue becomes very easy to see.”
“It is very helpful in addressing underlying issues such as
racism, classism, sexism, as well as others,” says Dr. Isabel Rose,
associate professor of social work, who teaches the course.
Both Wilhelm and Monroe had nothing but good things to
say about the class.
Social Inequality garners about 20 students each semester,
sometimes reaching as high as 30. The appeal of the class is so
great that some students enrolled do not have it as a mandatory
credit.
“It’s important to be aware of what’s going on so that we
can change it,” says Wilhelm. “Even though you are only one
person, changing the way you think is the first step in changing
the world for the better.
“I took Social Inequality because I have always been
interested in sociology,” says Katie Wilhelm, a senior. “The
course is one of my favorites that I took this semester.”
“Even though it’s 2015, society still has such a long way to go
in regards to equality, and this class really explores that idea.”
Rose has been teaching the course since her arrival at
Marist College in 2003, but the class itself dates to before her
arrival. When asked how she manages to teach her students
about such a heavy topic while also assuring they can digest
the information in a way that allows them to proactively make
changes, she says self-reflection is a huge part.
“It’s important because it teaches you to be more cognizant
of people other than yourself,” Monroe says. “I think it’s a class
that everyone should take to give them a better understanding
of the world around them.”
“I find journaling is a very effective way for students to
reflect on what they are learning.”
Rodmon King Speaks to
Students
Rodmon King, formerly of Hobart and William Smith
Colleges and now associate vice president for academic
affairs and diversity initiatives at Centre College, spoke at
Marist on Oct. 30, 2015.
Prior to his talk, King met with a small group of students
to discuss challenges and issues that students were facing
at Marist. Afterwards, King presented a lecture entitled
“Claiming the Right to the City through Intergroup Dialogue: The Tools for Social Change Initiative in Geneva,
New York.” Nearly 100 students, faculty, and staff attended his lecture.
The event was sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Center for Multicultural Affairs.
Photo by Desmond Murray
12
Race and Gender Reading Group Established
By Andrea Martin, Staff Writer/Intern
Marist students and faculty members recently joined
forces to develop a Race and Gender Reading Group (RGRG)
on campus.
Dr. Cathleen Muller, a teaching associate in the School of
Liberal Arts, and student Brian Lampert created the group in
fall 2014 after Muller attended a workshop on diversity held
on campus.
“There is a feeling that issues of diversity are not being
openly addressed on campus and that’s actually why I wanted
to start this group. I felt like people needed to come together
and talk about these issues on a regular basis and bring about
a positive change,” says Muller.
The Race and Gender Reading Group meets every three
weeks throughout a semester and is facilitated by a different
student or professor each meeting. The facilitator has the
authority to choose a reading of interest that conveys race- or
gender-related themes. Muller wanted to ensure there was
a democratic and open environment during meetings where
everyone can take the lead.
Dr. Cathleen Muller of the Philosophy Department
founded the Race and Gender Reading Group.
students to get involved during a semester full of classwork.
Aside from monthly assigned readings and meetings,
RGRG’s proudest moment as a new group was participating in
the silent protest that occurred on the campus in the fall of
2014. A sizable number of RGRG members came together in
the silent fight for justice for Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
“Everyone brings in their own personal interests. For
example, Dr. Henry Pratt works on comics, so he wanted to
lead a meeting on diversity in comics,” explained Muller.
The group, which has 62 faculty and student members, has
analyzed a wide spectrum of readings such as “Letter from
a Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. and “Is there
a Fourth Wave of Feminism? Does it Matter?” by Jennifer
Baumgardner. The group prefers analyzing articles as opposed
to books to make it more accessible and more reasonable for
“There was a feeling among the students that they wanted
to rally around these situations,” said Muller, “and the Race
and Gender Reading Group was able to tap into a group of
students and faculty who then joined together.”
The Holocaust
Continued from page 10
events, because history can repeat itself,” says Steve Sansola,
associate dean for student affairs. A man of Jewish descent,
Sansola has no direct family affected by the Holocaust, but
he still feels strongly that it can be made relevant today. He is
adamant about the importance of educating people about the
Holocaust, especially in a college environment.
tion, to a new beginning in the contemporary era. Students
visit the Mauthausen concentration camp and many other
sites.
Each year Kotzin and Sansola also head a committee of
students, staff, and local residents that produces the College’s
annual Holocaust Remembrance program. Marist also offers
an interdisciplinary minor in Jewish studies.
He and Dr. Joshua Kotzin, associate professor of English and
Jewish studies coordinator, lead the course “Judaism: History,
Literature, and Culture” each spring. The 12-day tour across
Germany, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary aims to shed light on
Jewish life from its origins, through persecution and destruc-
Robin Torres, director of first year programs and leadership
development, believes Marist does a lot to promote education
about such events. “This college shows its beautiful heart and
mission on this subject,” she says.
13
Alumnus Receives Award for Entrepreneurship
By Mariah Christian, Staff Writer/Intern
His business, Hudson Valley Concierge Service, offers
services ranging from “picking up groceries for a new mom
or senior citizen, to delivering lunch for a company whose
employees are engaged in an all-day meeting, to being an
extra set of hands during a busy time for a growing small
business,” says the company’s Web site, hvconcierge.com.
Micah Bennett ’12 is a Marist College success story, one
that shows that truly anything is possible.
“There are many words to describe Micah: happy positive,
energetic, devoted, resilient, caring, family-oriented, and
smart,” says Patricia Burns, director of adult admission and
recruitment at Marist. “But if it has to be one word, it would
be successful.”
GET honored Bennett for his innovation and ability to keep
his business alive and growing, as well as the motivation his
story provides for entrepreneurs starting out. The committee
for the selection process saw that Bennett had a novel idea for
the region, said Dr. Enrique Rob Lunski, GET president.
Burns says when she first met Bennett, he was a 20-yearold prospective Marist student who had agreed to come to
Marist on a nine-credit basis. He went on to earn a bachelor’s
degree with a major in business administration with an
emphasis in marketing and a minor in communications.
Following graduation three years ago, he launched his own
business. This past October he earned an Entrepreneur of
the Year award from Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows
(GET), a nonprofit organization that promotes economic
development across the Mid-Hudson Valley region of New
York State.
Bennett says receiving the award made him very happy
and grateful. “I have been working for myself these past
three or four years, so getting recognition … makes me realize
that people see me, and the work that I do. I feel incredibly
blessed.”
Student Benefits from Internship
through T. Howard Foundation
Continued from page 7
the entertainment industry further for other career options,
Ruiz remains confident that she has the ability to work for
Discovery in the future, or companies similar to it, and have
good references to come along with her.
She does have a dream job in mind, she laughs. “I want to
be Ellen DeGeneres.”
HEOP Student Participates in
Two DC Internships
Continued from page 3
“Meeting these young adults from across the country was
an excellent experience to just connect with them and hear
their political beliefs. Some were Republicans and others
were Democrats and I listened to all of their beliefs,” says
Arzu. “The CHCI is a place where I expanded upon what I
learned in political science and the community work that I
have done in Poughkeepsie and back at home.”
Micah Bennett ’12, founder of Hudson Valley Concierge
Service, received a GET Entrepreneur of the Year award
14
Dr. Cornel West Makes Great Impression at Marist
Continued from page 6
At first, many didn’t know what to expect. Junior Rosa Genetti, who attended the event as part of her Social Inequality class, said,
“I’ve heard a lot about what a great speaker he is, so I’m excited to see that.”
Mike Masone, a senior who was there as part of the online class he was taking at Marist, was excited to “see [West’s] point of view,
to see what his thoughts are.”
Afterwards, however, many were struck by West’s powerful words. Naja Innis, a junior, was very impressed with what she saw. “I
thought it was a very powerful lecture,” she says. “[West] spoke to us like we were intelligent, not like we were kids. He was honest. He
didn’t beat around the bush.”
Junior Elizabeth Gassman and senior Colleen McWilliams were also impressed. “I had heard of [West] before,” Gassman said. “I had
listened to some of his talks. He covered a lot of topics tonight. It was very relevant.” McWilliams said she knew of him beforehand as
well and that she was happy to see him come to Marist.
Not everyone was a fan, however. Senior Emilio Pagano-Yourno called West’s speech “pretty bad. He seemed like he was preaching.
He was Donald Trump-ing it. I’m surprised he’s been to so many prestigious universities.”
In addition to his academic career as a professor in Princeton, West is best known for his appearances on TV programs over the
years, including 30 Rock, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Democracy Now as well as on regular panel discussions on MSNBC, CNN,
and Fox News. He is a bestselling author whose works include Race Matters and its follow-up, Democracy Matters. He has also made
appearances in the Matrix series of films and was named MTV’s Artist of the Week for a series of spoken-word and hip-hop albums.
The Diversity Council Has Grown at Marist
By Desmond Murray, Editor
The membership of the Marist College Diversity Council has grown since the
council’s inception three years ago. The Diversity Council was created with approximately 19 members, including administrative staff and faculty at Marist. The
membership of the first Diversity Council were appointed in February 2012.
The Diversity Council is an outgrowth of the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee which was initiated by President Dennis Murray. The rationale for renaming the committee is that the charge for the council is much broader and goes
beyond compliance to include promoting the value of diversity and inclusion in
the workplace.
In fall 2015, Luis Santiago ’98, director of admission, and Christine Mulvey,
director of special projects, were appointed the new co-chairs of the College’s
Diversity Council. The membership of the Diversity Council has now reached 25.
The role of the Diversity Council is to advise the president of Marist on college
diversity initiatives concerning hiring trends and programming throughout the
College. The council also serves as an advisory body for all operational initiatives.
The subcommittees of the Diversity Council consist of the Affirmative Action
Subcommittee; Marist Mosaic; diversity Web site; LGBTQ Subcommittee; and
Diversity Works magazine.
Luis Santiago, director of admission, is one of
the new co-chairs of the Marist College Diversity
Council.
The new members of the council as of fall 2015 are Addrain Conyers; Al Abdelrahman; Alyssa Gates; Bobbi Sue Tellitocci; Colin McCann; Dashawn Jones; Desmond Murray; Douglas Owens; Freddimer Garcia; Haseeb Arroon; Irene Buccieri;
Iris Ruiz-Grech; Isabel Rose; Jeffrey Bass; Jessica Macias; Julio Torres Jr.; Katherine
Lyn; Melinda Martinez; Patricia Ferrer; Siraj Bah; Stacy Williams; Tim Murray; and ex-officio, Deborah Raikes-Colbert.
15
Unexpected Identities: Jay Blotcher Discusses Race, Sex, and
Religion
Continued from page 8
they lost as brothers.
In the nineties, Blotcher fell in love with a man he met in New York. By 2004, he and his partner, Brook Garret, were legally married.
They were one of 25 couples wed by the mayor of New Paltz, Jason West, during what became known as the “New Paltz Weddings.”
The two have been happily married since and currently live in Ulster County.
Blotcher has continued involving himself with the things he loves. He recently worked as freelance journalist for several magazines
in the Hudson Valley, including Chronogram, Edible Hudson Valley, VisitVortex, and Green Door. He also spent eight years working as
a publicist for the Culinary Institute of America. Throughout all of this, he has remained an active voice for minorities and the LGBTQ
community.
“His message applies to everyone,” said Bryanna Adams, a senior at Marist and the president of the Black Student Union. “No matter
what your skin color is or your sexuality, this is something that people should listen to.”
Graduate Students Share the Art of Rangoli
By Mariah Christian, Staff Writer/Intern
On Sept. 30, 2015, Marist graduate students from India
taught students the art of Indian rangoli. The demonstration
was part of a weeklong exhibit coordinated by the students to
share an element of their culture, Diwali, the Festival of Lights,
which celebrates light over darkness and is observed at the
start of autumn.
Learning about Indian culture and rangoli was a wonderful
experience and gave those who attended a better idea of the
different cultures represented at Marist and the importance of
learning about them.
The lesson began with the students discussing the use of
rangoli in Indian culture and used a video to demonstrate the
beautiful art. In rangoli, patterns are created on the ground using a variety of colors of sand. Rangoli is believed to bring good
luck, so it is often used during weddings and other important
celebrations.
More than 33 students attended the event, including many
members of the Marist Teachers of Tomorrow club and Marist
faculty and staff. The students broke into groups of two or three
and were placed in front of pieces of paper. Each group was
also given three different colors of sand as well as a marker.
Their instructions were to draw a complex geometric design
first, and then follow the marker with the sand.
The resulting vibrant designs were the perfect way to
welcome autumn and made an impact among the students.
Students displayed the art of Indian rangoli.
Photo by Kibria Biswas
16
International Players Make an Impact on
Soccer Team
Yet, even with these differences, this Scandinavian duo has
Even 4,000 miles away, the language of the game remains
the same for Erik Dahl and Simon Lund Jorgensen—two of the
top players on Marist’s men’s soccer team.
become an integral part of a rapidly progressing Marist team. In
2013, before either Dahl or Jorgensen were on the team, Marist
finished last in the MAAC. In 2015, however, the men’s team
finished comfortably in the top half of the league. While it was
a combination of factors that helped revitalize the team, the
influx of international talent was greatly beneficial.
Dahl, a sophomore, is an international student from
Helsingborg, Sweden. Jorgensen, a freshman, grew up roughly
40 miles away from Dahl in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The men’s soccer team has two other international players
on its roster: Mario Vukadinovic, from Germany, and Tudor
Brata, from Romania.
The international connection between these two translates
on the field—er, pitch—as well. Both are stalwarts in the Marist
midfield, with skills that seem designed to complement one
another.
“We used to not have any international players,” says
Cusano. “I’ve been with the program for four years as a player
and nine as a coach and it just wasn’t common. But, within the
last four or five years, it’s really grown.” Dahl and Jorgensen
quickly adjusted to the off-the-field transitions as well. Socially,
they’re both outgoing and amicable, which allowed them to
establish a deep camaraderie with their teammates.
By Derek Rose, Staff Writer/Intern
“Erik is a very attacking player,” says Richard Cusano,
assistant coach of the team and coordinator of tutoring at
Marist. “He can play forward, he can play center-mid. Simon,
on the other hand, is more of a defensive player. He’s a great
holding player and facilitates the ball well.”
“As soon as they got here, all the guys loved them,” says
Cusano. “They make everyone laugh and they’re just good
guys.”
Both players are gaining recognition for their quality of
play even outside of the Marist community. Last year, Dahl
was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team after leading the
Marist squad with eight total points between goals and assists.
Jorgensen was named Second Team
All-MAAC, was named to the MAAC
All-Rookie Team, and finished second
on the team with four goals.
Both players have also found success in the classroom.
Dahl, a biomedical science major, and Jorgensen, a business
administration major, have excelled academically since arriving
at Marist. Both Dahl and Jorgensen
plan to attend graduate school back in
their home countries in the future.
Their academic prowess was a
major factor in recruiting them, says
Cusano. “We’re not only looking for
top athletes in other countries, but top
students.”
The early success they’ve found in
their collegiate careers is especially
impressive considering they had to
adjust from a European style of play
to an American one.
Over the past few years, Marist
Athletics has seen a gradual expansion
of its international recruiting, going
overseas like a variety of other teams
in search of dynamic student-athletes.
“There’s a lot more physicality and
a lot less finesse [here],” Dahl says.
Jorgensen, who played for one
of the top youth clubs in Denmark,
agrees. “There are definitely some
things that I had to get used to
here. I focused a lot on the tactics
and technical part of the game [in
Denmark], but coming to a country
where physicality is a huge part of the
game required a transition.”
Simon Lund Jorgenson of Denmark is a member
of the Marist men’s soccer team.
17
“There is certainly an emphasis and
a priority placed on making our sports
programs more diverse,” says Tim
Murray, director of athletics at Marist.
“And we always want our teams to
reflect the character of the school.”
The Holocaust
Continued from page 13
very strongly to subject matter about the Holocaust, she still
believes that education is critical.
Torres’s family was greatly affected by the Holocaust, losing
many family members. From her grandparents to distant cousins, she had many stories to tell.
“If we don’t tell the story, no one will,” Torres says. Fluent
in Hebrew, she offered a word that sums up the goal: Zachor.
To remember.
Despite the extensive history, the subject of the Holocaust
was something that wasn’t ever brought up in her household.
Though she, like many others in the Jewish community, reacts
Number of International Students Increases at Marist
By Jamelia Thompson, Staff Writer/Intern
creating global citizens,” says Joe Giacolone, executive
director of international admission.
For the 2015 fall semester, Marist College’s enrollment of
international students has skyrocketed.
“International students are reviewed with the same
admission rigor as the other students in the applicant pool,”
he adds.
“My charts are going off the roof. Everything has
tripled,” said Deborah Holtman, senior assistant registrar for
international affairs.
Admissions reaches out to this group of students the
same way they seek local students. They conduct college fairs
and make high school visits to different parts of the world.
In addition, meetings are set up with U.S consulates, foreign
consulates, and international guidance counselors to discuss
Marist College education.
Holtman is responsible for ensuring that international
students have fulfilled the legal requirements for foreigners
to study in the United States and are abiding by the laws of
the U.S. government and regulations of Marist. Once she has
approved all paperwork for these students she can create
visas for them. The F-1 visa category is for foreign nationals
attending a full-time degree or academic program at a school,
college, or university. The J-1 category is for individuals
approved to participate in work- and study-based exchange
visitor programs. The J-1 program enables foreign nationals
to come to the U.S. to teach, study, conduct research,
demonstrate special skills, or receive training for periods
ranging from a few weeks to several years.
“In my opinion, international students enroll at Marist
for the same reasons a student from California, Colorado, or
New York will,” says Giacalone. “Marist offers a world-class
education with a strong liberal arts foundation. We have
a fantastic location north of New York City with incredible
faculty and staff who truly care about student success—not to
mention study abroad and internship programs that provide
transformative experiences for those who participate.”
“Everyone dreams of getting the best education they
can,” says freshman Irene Peter, a student from Tanzania.
“For me it was always about good education, and I wanted to
explore.”
Since she has started working with international students,
Holtman has noticed a drastic change in the amount of visas
she issues.
Marist College was the perfect fit for her for many
reasons.
In fall 2010, 63 F-1 visas were issued. In fall 2015, the total
number of F-1 and J-1 visas increased to 299, as documented
by the Semester Totals for International Students report.
“The Fashion Department is very strong and I am
thinking about minoring in it. Another reason why I chose
Marist was because it is not a small nor a big school—it’s
average. It’s a school where students can get help easily and
communicate with professors easily.”
According to Karen Tomkins-Tinch, coordinator of
international student programs, 49 different countries are
represented by international students who have been issued
visas to study at Marist (see sidebar).
And, she added, “It’s close to the city so I get to explore
a place I have never been to before.”
“Diversity is a critical piece of education for Marist
students. If you look at the institution’s mission, it’s about
18
Continued from previous page
including international students, who have an interest in
helping the freshmen adjust.
International freshmen arrive on campus a week before
classes start. For that week they all live together in one
residence hall, allowing them the opportunity to get to know
each other and become familiar with Marist. During this time
they also have a separate orientation where they hear about
rules and regulations of their “new home” and about the way
things are in the United States.
Throughout the first year, multiple workshops, lectures,
information sessions, and social activities are sponsored.
Activities include watching movies and playing games to break
the ice.
“Twice a year all programs come together for the CMA
[Center for Multicultural Affairs] social,” says Tomkins-Tinch.
Departments such as HEOP, International Programs, and more
meet and interact with each other over food and music.
“Sometimes it can get very overwhelming,” says
Tomkins-Tinch. “The accents, the idiomatic expressions, there
are so many variables.”
“It’s a very beautiful campus,” says Peter. “People
are friendly. There’s no reason to worry about fitting in or
anything because people are actually nice.”
To try to combat this, Marist hires upper-class students,
Countries Represented by International
Students at Marist
Irene Peter is a freshman international student
from Tanzania, Africa.
Photo by Kibria Biswas
ARCO
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
China
Columbia
Congo
Cyprus
Denmark
Egypt
Ethiopia
France
Ghana
Germany
Iceland
India
Iran
Ireland
Isreal
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Mexico
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Okanda
Pakistan
Rwanda
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Slovenia
Somalia
South Korea
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
UK
Venezuela
Throughout the semester, ARCO has hosted an array of
events that have exposed Marist students to a more unifying
atmosphere. The events included Latino Shaping the Nation,
Bachata & Merengue Night, and Share Your Story Night.
Continued from page 5
and Latino culture is one that is so rich in many different
ways: the cuisine, the music, the art, the history, the close ties
geographically between many of our countries.”
Although the club leadership will change for the spring
2016 semester, the drive to honor the agenda of ARCO
remains.
The event featured a raffle of prizes including hand-designed
glasses and paintings by juniors Mitchell Marrero, Ashly Kim, and
Valentina Ballas. More speeches were made by juniors Bryanna
Adams, president of BSU, Samantha Flores, vice president of
ARCO, and McBride. A short video featured senior Dominique
Alexandre, 2013 president of ARCO, who is currently abroad in
Thailand.
“As the new president for the spring, my main goal is to
continue the legacy of ARCO,” says Ramirez. “One thing I do
have planned for next semester is to make Share Your Story
Night into an ARCO tradition. My e-board (executive board)
and I hope to expand on what they did [past presidents] and
make it bigger so future ARCO e-board officers can continue in
our footsteps.
“Without this space, we wouldn’t have an opportunity to
hear these stories, and hearing these stories are what promotes
diversity. Having students who care enough about their culture
to educate people makes a difference,” says McBride.
19
Diversity Facts at Marist College - 2015
By Desmond Murray, Editor
In 1966 female students were admitted to the evening
division of Marist College. In 1968 female students began to
enroll in the day division at Marist and the institution became
a fully coeducational college.
and equity, and maintaining an educational environment that
cultivates the rich contributions of all cultures.
The Marist College Professional Women’s Mentor Program was founded in November 2008. The program seeks to
develop a system of mentorship opportunities in which more
experienced professionals provide guidance, wisdom, and
inspiration to female administrators for the purpose of ongoing
professional development.
Marist instituted a cultural diversity requirement for students in 2005. All students were required to fulfill the cultural
diversity requirement until 2012. Now cultural diversity has
been molded into the new core at Marist.
The Office of Special Services which
assists students with mental and physical
abilities was created through a federal
grant received by the Department of
Education in 1973. The original name of
the office when the grant was submitted
was Student Support Services.
The Marist College Diversity Website was created in February 2008. The
purpose of this website is to summarize
diversity efforts going on at Marist and to
provide a portal that links to information
about diversity – related activities and
resources both on and off campus.
The Diversity Works Newsletter was
created by this writer in 1999 to inform
the Marist College community about
affirmation action and diversity issues. In
spring 2012 Diversity Works Newsletter
was transformed into a full color magazine in hard copy and on-line.
There are at least 31 languages
spoken at Marist College. They include
Wolof, Latvian, Farsi, German, Polish,
Dutch, French, Spanish, Chinese, Gaelic,
Arabic, Turkish, Greek, Yoruba, Kinyarwanda, Romanian, Italian, Hebrew, Yiddish, Latin, Russian, Portuguese, Swedish,
Samoan, Hungarian, Japanese, Hindi,
Punjabi, Mandarin Chinese, Urdu, Telugu,
Cantonese, English and Malay.
As of 2015, the student body demographics at Marist consists of: non-resident alien 2.3 percent; black or African
American 3.2 percent; Hispanic/Latino
8.9 percent; American Indian or Alaska
native 0.1 percent; Asian 3 percent; native Hawaiian or other pacific islander
0.1 percent; white 78.9 percent; two or
more races 1.9 percent; race/ethnicity
unknown 1.5 percent.
Every year, President Dennis Murray hosts a Hispanic Heritage Month and
African American Heritage Leadership
luncheon for students, faculty and staff.
Students are identified by staff and faculty for their potential to assume leadership roles at the institution. An alumnus
in most cases provides words of wisdom
for the attendees. The Hispanic Heritage Month luncheon was
initiated in 2006 and the African American Heritage Leadership
luncheon was created in 2003.
The Center for Multicultural Affairs was created in September 2008. The mission of the center is to empower students
at Marist College by providing academic services that lead
students to successfully complete a college degree and become active contributing members of the global society of the
future, and engaging the Marist College community at large
to ensure the academic, professional and social success of all
students by creating a climate of justice, promoting access
The Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) is funded by the
New York State Education Department and has been sponsored by Marist College since 1990. The goal of LPP is to
provide services to students that motivate them to graduate
20
Ten Ways to Avoid Racist
Behavior
Continued from previous page
from high school and enter post-secondary education or the
workforce as highly competent and compassionate adults.
1. Racism thrives on denial – acknowledge it and
its consequences.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship was created in
1967 to attract minority students to Marist.
2. Create social and professional environments
that are designed to mitigate racist attitudes
and misconceptions.
The LGBTQ website at Marist College was created in 2012.
Marist College has sponsored the Holocaust Memorial
Remembrance Program in recognition of Yom HaShoah for the
past 20 years.
3. Explore the relationships between racism
and other issues such as teen violence, safe
schools, gang behavior, and diversity and
equity in public policies.
The Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) has
helped to increase the numbers of under-represented students
that attend Marist. In fall 1969, Marist became one of the
original 24 institutions to sponsor H.E.O.P and began with 29
freshman students. More than half of these students came
from New York City and the remainder were Dutchess County
residents. Approximately 50% of those original students graduated.
4. Adopt a position of celebration, acceptance,
and understanding instead of only tolerating
racial and cultural disparity.
5. Enroll in a class or workshop addressing issues
such as racism, peace, education, global
education, and critical thinking.
6. Develop a greater understanding of and
security in your own ethnic identity.
An American with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator position was created in 1997 to ensure compliance with federal
regulations and to educate Marist on issues of accessibility.
7. Establish meaningful relationships and
coalitions with persons of different ethnic
groups.
Marist College created the Affirmative Action Advisory
Committee in 1997.
8. Engage in and carefully conduct a selfevaluation of your participation in racist
conversations, jokes, and events.
The Marist Upward Bound Program was founded in 1966.
It is a federally funded college preparatory program designed
to generate in participants the skills and motivation necessary
to persist in completing their secondary education and enter
and complete a program of postsecondary education.
9. Change your position of certainty by becoming
curious and open to new information about
other cultures.
Marist College has eight (8) student clubs that represent
racial and gender groups which are funded by the Office of College Activities. They are: A.R.C.O. (Appreciating Races Creating Opportunities); Asian Alliance; Black Student Union (BSU);
Gaelic Society; Gender Equality; International Students; Italian
American Society; and LGSA (Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance).
10. Become a leader in the fight to eradicate
racism by becoming an advocate for racial
healing and harmony.
The Marist College Diversity Council was created in 2012.
The subcommittees of the Diversity Council are Affirmative Action, Diversity Website, Marist Mosaic, and LGBTQ Issues.
21
D�������� C���������� �� 2016
June 5, 2016
2016 Mosaic Awards
American Advertising Federation, Anaheim, CA
http://membership.aaf.org/mosaicawards
February 18, 2016
FCB Mosaic Career Fair & Conference
American Advertising Federation, New York, NY
http://membership.aaf.org/mosaic-career-fairsregistration
June 6, 2016
Proud To Be Latina Sixth Annual Empowerment and
Leadership Conference
Proud To Be Latina, New York, NY
http://www.proudtobelatina.com
March 9, 2016
16th Annual Cultural Insights Forum Content Matters:
Race, Diversity, and Media
Horowitz Research, New York, NY
http://www.culturalinsightsforum.com
July 11-12, 2016
Multicultural Women’s National Conference
Working Mother Media, ,
http://bit.ly/1SC3Jwe
February 27 - March 16, 2016
Avenue of Wonder
The Russian Arts Theater & Studio, New York, NY
www.avenueofwonder.eventbrite.com
hello@russiantheater.org
August 3-7, 2016
NABJ and NAHJ Joint Convention & Career Fair
NABJ, NAHJ, Washington, DC
http://www.nabj.org/?page=2016Convention
April 14, 2016
Empowered Latinas Connect
Proud To Be Latina, Chicago, IL
http://www.proudtobelatina.com/index.html
September 20-21, 2016
30th Annual NAMIC Conference
NAMIC, New York, NY
http://namic.com
April 25-26, 2016
32nd Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on
Disability and Diversity
University of Hawai’i Center on Disability Studies,
Honolulu, HI
http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu
808-956-8816/prinfo@hawaii.edu
October 27-28, 2016
5th Annual Multicultural Health National Conference,
Oct 27-28, 2016, Philadelphia
DTC Perspectives, Philadelphia, PA
http://dtcperspectives.cvent.com/events/multiculturalhealth-national-2015/event-summary-d08fe9b540df41a4
a3b9540e89cedb39.aspx
770-559-0702
May 18, 2016
NAMIC Annual Awards Breakfast
NAMIC, Boston, MA
http://namic.com
November 6-8, 2016
2016 ANA Multicultural Marketing & Diversity
Conference
ANA, Los Angeles, CA
https://www.ana.net/conference/show/id/MCC-NOV16
June 2-3, 2016
2016 3AF Asian Marketing Summit
The Asian American Advertising Federation, Los Angeles,
CA
http://www.3af.org
22
Our Staff
Desmond Murray, Editor
Adrianna Belmonte, Staff Writer/Intern
Austin Christensen, Staff Writer/Intern
Kibria Biswas, Photographer
Mariah Christian, Staff Writer/Intern
Mallika Rao, Staff Writer
/Intern
Jamelia Thompson, Staff Writer/Intern
Derek Rose, Staff Writer/Intern
Kelly Stohr, Photographer
23
diversity
WORKS
Marist College
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
www.marist.edu/diversity