Each year the Marist Alumni Association presents the Alumni Leadership Award to two graduating seniors at the Baccalaureate Ceremony. Nominations can be made by employees of Marist who are also graduates of the college because they are uniquely qualified to identify these outstanding students.
The Marist Alumni Association was proud to award the 2023 Alumni Leadership Award to two outstanding Marist seniors at the Baccalaureate Ceremony on May 19, 2023:
Kumba Nyang is graduating with a BA in political science, minors in global studies and African diaspora studies, and a paralegal certificate. Throughout her time at Marist, she has served as the vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Student Government. She has also been a resident assistant, president of the Muslim Student Association, co-leader of the Mon Afrique Committee, and member of many other clubs. This has allowed her to connect and work with many different members of the Marist community, from students to faculty and staff. Samuel G. Stein is an American studies and philosophy major with a minor in history. Throughout his four years, he has been a committed leader on campus – from rising within Admissions to become an intern to his dedication to the performing arts. Sam spent the majority of his time involved with Marist theatre, serving as vice president and president. He interned with New York Stage and Film, was involved with the Marist Singers on nearly every production, and worked for Student Activities as their lighting technician.
Past Alumni Leadership Award recipients:
1970 – Joseph F. DeTura 1976 – Dr. Kathleen Manning 1977 – Rosemary Hughes 1978 – Michael Marchesano 1982 – Loretta Kennedy & John Campbell 1983 – Joan Gasparovic & David Skrodanes 1984 – Coleen Hollywood & Steve Eggink 1985 – Lorraine Isler & Greg Luna 1986 – Margaret May & Harry Carleton 1987 – Marta Powers & Todd Wysocki 1988 – Yvette Shabazz & Peter Prucnel 1989 – Joelle McBride & James Dick 1990 – Sue Lozinski & Michael Buckley 1991 – Ilse Martin & Michael Molloy 1992 – April Amonica & Matt Thomson 1993 – Janine Vitagliano & J.W. Stewart 1994 – Antonella Licari & Jeffrey Schanz 1995 – Christine Wood & David Strong 1996 – Beth Ann Kershaw & Desmond Ebanks 1997 – Kristen Richard & Patrick Mara 1998 – Bridget Foy & John Sellinger 1999 – Megan Leigh Nedell & John Daniel Svare