Campus Farewell Reception for Retiring Faculty
The list of faculty members getting recognized for their retirement at the Farewell Reception. Source: Courtesy of Marist College
Marist will honor 18 retiring faculty members at the annual Campus Farewell Reception for their contributions and commitment to the college.
The list also includes faculty who retired in 2020 and 2021 since the college did not hold farewell receptions during the height of the pandemic. Many of the faculty members retiring have worked at Marist for upwards of 20 years and have seen the college change and grow throughout their time on campus.
“The many expansions and improvements to the campus have been stunning,” Gerald McNulty ’75 said. “Our campus was a fraction of the size of today’s campus. It has been heartwarming to see the college grow and prosper.”
As the Director of Communication, Film & TV, Gaming and Interactive Media Internships and the Marist In Manhattan Program, Professor McNulty has interacted with many students throughout their four years at Marist.
“I will miss the energy,” Gerald McNulty ’75 said. “Students strolling across the campus, teachers walking briskly to their classrooms. Mostly I will miss the smiles on the faces of those very happy seniors who are about to graduate.”
Although McNulty will be leaving his director position, he plans to continue his forty-year connection to Marist. While he is excited about the free time retirement will allow, he will return to campus to teach a few classes, attend sporting events and visit colleagues.
Professor of Studio Art Donise English began working as an Adjunct Professor in 1987 and became a full-time professor in 1993. English also served as the Gallery Director from 1995 to 2005. She will be retiring at the end of this semester and is looking forward to working in the studio every day and taking trips into the city whenever she wants to look at art.
“I’ll miss experiencing my student’s excitement when they created something that they didn’t think they were capable of, whether it be a painting, drawing or a book,” English said.
One of English’s favorite memories at Marist occurred during her Art Capping courses, where before 2008, they would take a three-day trip to New York City to visit museums and art galleries. They would stay in a historic mansion on 95th Street called “The House of the Redeemer.”
“We looked at art all day then returned for a formal dinner prepared for us by their chef, English said. “We stayed up late discussing all of the art we saw and shared many personal stories.”
Former Marist alumni Dr. Elizabeth Quinn ’95 will also be retiring at the conclusion of this spring semester as an Associate Professor of Psychology. Just like McNulty, Dr. Quinn has worked at Marist for 25 years. While Dr. Quinn loves being a professor, she is excited to have more time to enjoy her hobbies and spend time with her ten grandchildren.
“Few things are as gratifying as helping students discover or understand something they didn’t know before,” Dr. Quinn said. “I teach FYS and Capping, among other courses, but these two provide the opportunity to watch students grow from just kids hitting campus for the first time to rising adults. To be part of their journey is an honor.”
While Dr. Quinn noted that some aspects of Marist haven’t changed during her time at Marist, such as the Dyson bathrooms, other areas have seen significant improvements. She recognized the beauty of the Hudson River today compared to the overgrown and smelly waterfront when she was a student.
Former Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Steve Sansola, agrees with Dr. Quinn that one of the most memorable transformations on campus has been the waterfront. Sansola began at Marist in August of 1985 as the Director of Housing and retired in August 2020 after 35 years of employment as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Since retiring, Sansola has spent most of his time traveling, running, hiking, biking, kayaking and spending time with friends and family. Recently, he rescued a black lab puppy who joins him in many outdoor activities.
“During my years at Marist, I’ve been so inspired by the talent and contributions of the community, especially by students, to those in need in both the Hudson River Valley and the worldwide community,” Sansola said. “The spirit of the Marist Brothers - excellence in education, pursuit of higher human values and service to others is alive and well at the college.”
The Campus Farewell Reception will take place on May 17 from 3-5 p.m. in the Murray Student Center Cabaret. Faculty who would like to attend the reception and see the 18 retirees get recognized should respond to specilaevents@Marist.edu or call 845-575-3359 to reserve a spot.