Large Turnout Seen For Open Houses
The Marist Rotunda. Credit: Ava Battinelli '26
With two open houses completed, Marist College’s Admissions Office is gearing up to welcome another round of prospective students on Nov. 11 to receive financial guidance, learn about academic and career planning and witness student life on campus.
Nicole Radassao, senior associate director of admission, explained how the 2023 Open Houses have exceeded previous attendance records, totaling 380 students on Oct. 8 and 392 on Oct. 15.
“Not only has the number of attendees grown, but so has the geographic diversity of who’s attracted to Marist,” reported Michelle Eggink, assistant director of content marketing and communications, in a press release. “Students traveled from California, Arizona, Texas, and Oklahoma to attend one of the sessions, with attendees coming from 34 states.”
The significant turnout for these open houses also comes when Marist has admitted large freshmen classes, leading to limited housing space for first-year students.
Open houses begin with a presentation that introduces families to Marist programs. Radassao said the speakers shared information about the Marist 100 Strategic Plan, student life and community and Marist’s academic experience.
Afterward, visitors can speak with faculty and students from each academic school, speak with various offices during the Student Experience Fair, attend breakout presentations from various programs or attend a student life panel.
Gavin Gilooly ‘26 worked at the Student Clubs and Organizations table. “Although I was primarily there on behalf of the SPC (Student Programming Council), I also informed prospective students and their families about many other clubs at Marist,” said Gilooly.
With over 80 student clubs and organizations to choose from at Marist, including Greek life, the Student Government Association (SGA) or a clubs pertaining to career goals, Gilooly answered questions about everything available on campus.
“Interestingly, the most asked questions were about whether Marist has a debate club,” said Gilooly. “People were also interested in outdoor organizations such as hiking, kayaking, and ski club.”
Radassao explained how, due to an increased demand for the open-house style program for prospective students, Marist expanded visiting opportunities to three Open Houses this year, more than any other year.
“Feedback from visitors and faculty, staff and students who assisted with the events has been overwhelmingly positive, so the next event will not change significantly in content or structure,” said Radassao.