Rare Northeast Earthquake Shakes Marist

On Friday at 10:23 a.m., a 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook the tri-state area, including Marist College. The United States Geological Survey reported the epicenter was near Whitehouse Station, New Jersey; the earthquake shook buildings from Maryland to Maine. No life-threatening injuries or major damage has been reported, according to the Associated Press.

The tremors passed through the Marist campus but were not felt by all. Students claimed to have noticed the shockwaves through most residential buildings, including McCormick Hall, O’Shea Hall, Upper West Cedar Townhouses, Fulton Street Townhouses and Foy Townhouses.

However, it was not felt in all of the classrooms on campus. Some students and faculty in parts of Donnelly Hall, the Steel Plant Building and 51 Fulton reported that they did not feel any noticeable vibrations.

Additionally, Dr. Jennifer Robinette, senior professional lecturer of communications and public relations, who was teaching a class in the Murray Student Center, did not notice the earthquake, nor did her students.

“We didn't feel a thing in the music hall,” said Robinette.

They were unaware of the earthquake until a few minutes later when students began receiving texts asking if they felt the tremor. Not knowing the severity of the situation, the students were rightfully worried.

“They were concerned and were wanting to communicate with friends and family to make sure everyone was alright,” said Robinette. “One student said that her mom had texted her that their pictures had fallen off the walls.”

Jaylen Rizzo ‘27, who was in the McCann Cafe, shared a similar experience with her mom, who was at home in New Jersey.

“I was already on the phone with my mom and heard her say, ‘The house is shaking,’” said Rizzo.

The experiences differed in specific buildings, as the shock was felt in some classes but unnoticeable in others.

“The computers were wobbling back and forth, and the projector that the professor was using was also shaking,” said Grace Mintel ‘26, who was in one of the Mac labs on the second floor of the Lowell Thomas Communication Center. “My professor opened the door and asked the students sitting outside our classroom if they felt the building shake, and they said no. She asked a professor passing by if he felt the building shake, and he also said no.”

In an email to the Marist Circle, John Blaisdell, director of Safety and Security, said, “I have heard of nothing that was damaged or disturbed. As of one hour after the incident, the security office had received no inquiries or reports related to the event.”