President Weinman Celebrates Abroad Students

President Kevin Weinman giving a speech to the Marist students studying abroad in Italy. Photo by Hannah Epstein '26

Marist College President Kevin C. Weinman continued his world tour on Oct. 2, visiting students studying abroad in Florence, Italy. 

There, a celebration was held for the students, whether they were in Florence for the semester, their first year or all four years of college.

The presidential reception was held at the Palazzo Budini Gattai, featuring an aperitivo-style dinner. Students also enjoyed live music and could explore parts of the historic building and grounds.

During dinner, President Weinman toasted the gathered students, citing the tremendous growth of the Florence abroad program and the unique opportunity Marist students have to study there.

“There is nothing like this in all of higher education. We have 400 Marist students here in Florence studying this semester, [which is] 8% of the Marist student body,” said Weinman.

This success is seen not only with the Florence program, but also with Marist’s other study abroad programs. 

Open Doors Report recently ranked Marist’s abroad program number one in the nation. The school offers over 75 locations spanning six continents, ranging from two-week attachment programs to year-long programs. 

President Weinman encouraged students on the fence about studying abroad “to give it a look because [Marist has] so many amazing programs and it truly is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

With the continual growth of these programs, it is important to President Weinman that he gives abroad students the same care and attention that he gives to students in Poughkeepsie, New York.

“Where Marist students are, at any point in time, those places are every bit as much about the Marist education,” said President Weinman. “It’s important for me to be present, to learn about their experience and to try and make it better for them, just the same way that I do for the Poughkeepsie students.”

Annabelle Kailan ‘26, studying in Florence for the fall, believes Weinman is living up to his word. She attended the presidential reception and expressed great admiration for the event.

“It's no question to Marist students that President Weinman is one of the greatest parts of what makes Marist all that it is. We all know that he deeply cares about the students and the success of our school, but the fact that he came all the way here to spend time with us just emphasizes his genuine care for the Marist community,” said Kailan.

She and other students had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with President Weinman about their experiences in Florence, take photos with him and even be part of a group selfie.

“The energy was one of collective joy. It was an absolutely awesome night,” said Kailan.