Marist University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Marist University, formerly known as Marist College until 2025, is a private university located in Poughkeepsie Town, New York, overlooking the Hudson River. Founded in 1905 by the Marist Brothers, a Catholic religious order, the institution initially served to prepare young men for vocations in education. The original property, named Saint Ann's Hermitage, expanded over the years with the acquisition of the Edward Bech estate, evolving into the Marist Normal Training School offering college-level courses under Fordham University. By 1946, the school received a four-year college charter under the name Marian College, and later became Marist College in 1960, broadening its mission to include lay male students. Women were admitted to evening courses in 1966 and full-time programs by 1968.During the late 20th century, Marist underwent rapid expansion under the leadership of presidents such as Linus Richard Foy and Dennis J. Murray. The campus grew to 180 acres, with new academic buildings, residence halls, and specialized centers, including the Lowell Thomas Communications Center, the Margaret M. and Charles H. Dyson Center, and the James A. Cannavino Library. Strategic partnerships with companies like IBM enhanced technology infrastructure and academic programs. Over the years, Marist also established off-campus extension centers in Fishkill and Goshen, New York, and a branch campus in Florence, Italy.Today, Marist is a secular institution with a focus on liberal arts, management, social and behavioral sciences, and fine arts. The university supports 23 NCAA Division I sports teams and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. Its commitment to academic excellence, student-centered learning, and community engagement continues alongside a rich historical legacy rooted in its founding by the Marist Brothers. The campus remains a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities, reflecting its growth from a small religious training school into a prominent private university.