STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Honoring the Class of 2023 - Part III

Michelle Eggink, Assistant Director of Content Marketing & Communications

This issue is dedicated to highlighting the Class of 2023 whose accomplishments have lived up to the institution's mission reflecting years of dedication, hard work, and commitment. Here are some of their stories.

Navkiran is graduating as a political science major with a minor in global studies and a paralegal certificate. She is a recipient of the Thomas Casey Baccalaureate Award for Civic Engagement and a member of the Phi Alpha Sigma honor society. While at Marist, Navkiran worked on grassroots efforts with local nonprofits and was a program associate at the Center for Civic Engagement. She served as the Student Government Association Vice President and the Vice President for Marist Model UN, representing Marist College at the National Model UN Conference two years in a row. Navkiran also worked as an orientation leader for First Year Programs and a tour guide, student greeter, and student assistant for Marist Admissions.

Favorite Marist Memory

Taking part in a scavenger hunt on campus during orientation with other orientation leaders at the end of the program.

Kumba will be graduating with a degree in political science with double minors in global studies and African diaspora studies, and a paralegal certificate. As the VP of Diversity, Equity, and Equality in Student Government, Resident Assistant, and member of many other clubs, Kumba has had a unique experience working and collaborating with many members of the Marist community. Kumba will be a TA for a pre-law class over the summer before going for her Masters's in International Relations. 

Favorite Marist Memory 

The spring attachment for “The Struggle for Racial Justice in the South” where students learned about African American history (which is American history) and visited historic places that birthed some of the most important moments of the civil rights era and the fight for equality.

Madison graduates as a fashion merchandising major and a business minor. As Student Director of E-Commerce for MPorium, Madison completed an independent study, Honors Thesis project, and capstone about her work with MPorium’s e-commerce team, where she launched both SMS marketing and analytics practices. She held internships in buying, marketing, and e-commerce at Macy’s, Qatch, and Cara Benevenia and studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Madison was also the 2022 Fashion Scholarship Fund award recipient, which led to unique networking opportunities and events, one of which led her to an internship at Macy’s that turned into a full-time offer post-graduation.  
 
Favorite Marist Memory 
Working with the entire MPorium team to redo the store and introduce the new theme at the start of each semester.

Joe graduates from Marist College with the highest-grade point ranking among adult undergraduate students and completes his degree with Alpha Sigma Lambda honors. He majored in professional studies with a focus on organizational communication, management studies, and behavioral studies. Apart from his professional achievements, Joe has a passion for creating original music with his band and has also exhibited his photography at numerous exhibitions. Joe resides in northern Westchester County with his wife and their 19-year-old daughter. He has over 27 years of experience as a public relations professional and will continue his career in this field after graduation. 
 
Favorite Marist Memory
The kindness, encouragement, advice, motivation, and inspiration received from Marist instructors and staff.

Heather graduates as an English major with a writing concentration and minors in creative writing and music. They have been in several editions of the Mosaic, Marist’s literary magazine, and won third place in the 2022 poetry contest for their piece called “No, An Honest Word.” They were a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, and a panelist at Sigma Tau Delta’s international convention with their flash fiction piece titled, “A Quiet Thing.” Heather has also interned at the Hudson River Valley Institute, played in the Marist Band, and was treasurer of the band’s sorority, Tau Beta Sigma. Post-graduation Heather will be joining the Library and Information Science Master’s Degree Program at University at Buffalo in the fall.  
 
Favorite Marist Memory 
Heather's first trip to Ireland with the ENG 345 class, particularly when Professor Zurhellen would sing "I whip my hair back and forth" in his absolute best soprano angelic singing voice. 

Marina graduates with a fashion design major and minors in fashion merchandising and product development. As the recipient of the Council of Fashion Designers of America x Coach Foundation Circular Design Scholarship, Marina had the opportunity to work at and present a special design project for Coach. She interned at Cynthia Rowley where she worked directly with the designer for their New York Fashion Week show. For Marina’s senior capping collection, her work shed light on environmental and social issues in the fashion industry by using natural dyes and upcycled materials. Her collection debuted at Marist's 37th Annual Silver Needle Runway Show. After graduation, Marina plans to continue working with designers and start her own brand. 

Favorite Marist Memories
Studying abroad in Florence, Italy during her freshman year and Paris, France for the fall semester of her junior year. She’ll also always cherish the memories of working late in the Steel Plant with her fellow design majors that have now become like family.

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