You’ve probably seen the Red Fox logo while driving through the Hudson Valley, or maybe you’ve just heard people talk about that "pretty school on the river" in Poughkeepsie. But honestly, most people don't realize just how heavy the marist university notable alumni list actually is. It’s not just a liberal arts school with a nice view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge; it’s a weirdly effective incubator for New York City mayors, NBA legends, and the kind of media personalities who basically live on your TV screen.
Whether you’re a prospective student wondering if a degree here actually opens doors, or just a trivia buff trying to figure out where that one actor went to school, the roster is surprisingly deep.
The Sports Icons You Didn't Know Were Red Foxes
When people think of Marist athletics, the first name that usually pops up—and for good reason—is Rik Smits. "The Dunking Dutchman" is basically the patron saint of Marist basketball. Standing at a massive 7'4", Smits didn't just play; he dominated before becoming the number two overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Indiana Pacers. It’s kinda wild to think a small school in Poughkeepsie produced one of the most reliable centers of the 90s.
But it’s not just the tall guys. Jared Jordan (Class of 2007) was a total floor general who led the nation in assists—twice. He eventually got drafted by the Clippers. Then you have Terrence Fede, who made history as the first Marist football player ever to be drafted into the NFL, landing with the Miami Dolphins in 2014.
- Jason Myers: Currently one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL.
- Bobby Joe Hatton: An Olympian who played for the Puerto Rican national team.
- Maureen Magarity: A standout player who transitioned into a high-level coaching career.
From the Hudson Valley to City Hall and Beyond
Politics at Marist is a big deal. The school’s proximity to Albany and New York City makes it a natural breeding ground for public servants. Perhaps the most famous (and currently relevant) name on the marist university notable alumni list is Eric Adams. The Mayor of New York City earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Marist.
It’s a bit of a pattern. The school seems to churn out people who end up running things. Joseph Borelli, a prominent New York City Councilman, is an alum. So is Kevin Byrne, who serves as the County Executive for Putnam County.
Honestly, the political reach goes even further. You’ve got Howard Mills III, who was the Superintendent of Insurance for New York State, and John C. Tkazyik, the former mayor of Poughkeepsie itself. It’s like there’s something in the water at the Hancock Center that makes people want to run for office.
The Media and Entertainment Power Players
This is where things get interesting. Marist has a massive reputation for its communications and fashion programs, and the alumni list reflects that perfectly.
You might recognize Bill O'Reilly (Class of 1971). Love him or hate him, he’s one of the most influential figures in the history of cable news, and he started out as a history major in Poughkeepsie. On a completely different side of the media spectrum, there’s Jon Gabrus. If you listen to podcasts like Comedy Bang! Bang! or watch Guy Code, you know him. He’s hilarious, loud, and a proud Marist grad from the Class of 2004.
Tech and Digital Pioneers
Gina Trapani is a name you should know if you care about the internet. She founded Lifehacker, which basically taught an entire generation how to be productive. She’s been named one of the most influential women in tech, and she graduated from Marist in 1997.
Then there’s Jeff Sutphen. If you had kids (or were one) in the late 2000s, you saw him hosting BrainSurge on Nickelodeon.
Why the "Marist Connection" Actually Works
Is it just luck? Probably not. Marist has this long-standing partnership with IBM that started decades ago. That tech-heavy foundation helped build a network that isn’t just about "who you know" but about having the actual skills to survive in high-pressure industries like finance and media.
Take Gerald Beeson, for example. He’s the COO of Citadel, one of the biggest hedge funds on the planet. He graduated in 1990. Or Kevin MacLellan, the former Chairman of NBCUniversal International. These aren't just mid-level managers; they’re the people sitting at the very top of the food chain.
The school is also surprisingly strong in the "niche" greatness department. Kathy Liebert is one of the most successful professional poker players in history. She’s won a World Series of Poker bracelet and has millions in career earnings. She studied business and finance at Marist, which... yeah, that checks out.
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The Military and Service Heritage
We can't talk about notable grads without mentioning Captain Paul X. Rinn. He was the Commanding Officer of the USS Samuel B. Roberts. During a mine attack in the Persian Gulf, his leadership was credited with saving the ship and his crew. He’s a legitimate hero who walked the same campus as some of these NBA stars and tech moguls.
What You Should Take Away
If you're looking at Marist, don't just see it as a "safety school" or a quiet campus in the woods. The marist university notable alumni prove that the ceiling there is pretty much non-existent. You can go from the Marist Circle student newspaper to the New York Times (like sports columnist Ian O'Connor) or from a small classroom in Dyson to the Mayor's office in Manhattan.
The real "secret sauce" seems to be the school's focus on practical, career-ready skills. Whether it’s the Marist Mindset List that gets national headlines every year or the massive internship culture, the school is designed to get people into the workforce.
If you want to tap into this network, start by reaching out to the Alumni Association or looking into the specific "Center for Career Excellence" programs. The Red Fox family is notoriously tight-knit, especially in the Tri-State area. If you see someone wearing a Marist sweatshirt in NYC, there’s a good chance they’re willing to help a fellow alum out.
Keep an eye on the Marist "Hall of Fame" selections and the annual Alumni Award recipients to see who the next generation of power players will be. The 2025 and 2026 classes are already producing names in pediatric medicine and global public affairs that are starting to make waves.
Next Steps for Researching Marist Success:
- Check the official Marist Alumni "Spotlight" series for recent graduates in your specific field.
- Look into the Marist-IBM Joint Study if you’re interested in how the school’s tech background influences its business grads.
- Visit the James A. Cannavino Library archives for a full list of historical graduates and their career trajectories.