Remembering The Father of Marist Theater, Jerry Cox

By Demi Lonergan

The Marist College Theatre Program offers the Gerard A. Cox Scholarship, which is named after alum Jerry Cox who was a pioneer in the development of the theatre program at Marist. It is awarded to students with a passion for the theatre and arts.

In 1955, Jerry Cox graduated Marist with a degree in English and returned as a faculty member in 1967. He became the Associate Dean of Student Affairs in 1969, in addition to being an assistant professor. 

“Jerry was proud to be a part of the Marist community — proud of how the college itself grew over the decades and continues to build and expand programs, locations, and degrees,” Cox’s daughter, Anne said. Despite being incredibly involved in many different departments at Marist, Cox’s most passionate project was the creation and transformation of the theatre program, known as the Marist College Council of Theatre Arts (MCCTA). The theatre program is the college’s oldest club.

Cox served as the advisor for MCCTA for many years. As a published playwright with a background in English, Cox was able to provide students in MCCTA with a unique experience with his knowledge and background. He held weekly meetings with the MCCTA board and helped determine the shows they would perform each season. Together, the board and Cox decided on producing between seven to ten shows each year, including on the main stage, experimental theatre, and children’s theatre. 

Today, the theatre program offers the Gerard A. Cox Scholarship, which is awarded to students interested in theatre arts. Current MCCTA board member, Harper Anne Finch, highlights the importance of the program in her life. She said, “Marist theatre really shaped my experience here at Marist. I’ve been involved in nine shows now and every single one has been a different experience. I have found great friends and learned communication skills that I can use in the future. This program is my home and I don’t know what I’d do without it.” 

Tom Privitere, Marist graduate and former President of the Marist theatre program, admired Cox’s dedication to the department. “He had such passion for the things that he loved. The man radiated joy while teaching us Shakespeare, giving us stage directions and breaking down the themes of Russian playwrights. His joy translated itself into making his students love the material,” Privitere said. 

Often called “The Dean,” Cox also had a large impact on the development of the Marist campus and its institutional structure. Cox oversaw a huge increase in residential students and the start of Division I athletics. He also helped create the Marist Mentor Program, which assists students with the transition from high school to college. Currently, the mentor program helps hundreds of students adjust to college life and academics.

Bob Lynch, director of Student Activities and a close friend of Cox, said the Dean created “a plethora of opportunities for students to embellish themselves in theatre.” Cox’s voice was extremely recognizable and had an “infectious laughter that was jovial, deep, and belly hurting.” Cox was a teacher, an administrator, a mentor and a role model to many people. His wisdom, generosity and kindness will be missed. “Jerry always had his ear out… you could talk to him about anything,” Lynch said. 

Cox’s legacy will live on through the array of programs he helped to create and the people he touched. Both Marist College and the theatre program remember Jerry for not only his passion for the arts, but also his dedication to his students. Anne Cox looks forward to the future of the theatre program and her father’s lasting impact. She reminds students, “Push the boundaries within yourselves. Ask the uncomfortable questions, embrace the creative process, and leave the door open. My hope is that theatre remains a universal opportunity for Marist students and that the program's already great trajectory continues to reach new heights.”