April 22, 2025 — Members of the Marist community and local leaders came together to honor three outstanding individuals at the 55th Annual Community Breakfast. 

President Kevin Weinman presented the President's Awards to Geraldine Laybourne and Dr. Julie Riess, Co-Founders of DAY ONE Early Learning Community, and Krista Jones, Founder of Sparrow's Nest, for their years of dedicated service to the people of the Hudson Valley.

Geraldine Laybourne (left) and Julie Riess (center) receive President’s Award from Kevin Weinman. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Geraldine Laybourne and Dr. Julie Riess, Co-Founders of DAY ONE Early Learning Community
DAY ONE offers innovative, leading-edge programs designed to foster a model teaching and early learning environment, where families, educators, and aspiring teachers support children’s development.

As part of their many contributions to the community, DAY ONE has a strong collaboration with Marist through the Tarver Internship Program, providing students with real-world experience in the nonprofit, educational, and child development fields.

"Geraldine and Julie exemplify a deep commitment to service, education, and innovation," said President Weinman. "Their work in Poughkeepsie provides a critical foundation for young children, ensuring they have access to exceptional early learning opportunities."

Laybourne, a groundbreaking media executive who revolutionized children's entertainment as President of Nickelodeon from 1989 to 1996, has remained deeply committed to education throughout her career. 

She also co-founded the Oxygen Network and has held executive roles at MTV Networks and Disney/ABC, earning multiple Emmy Awards for her contributions.

Dr. Riess is a developmental psychologist who has spent her career at the intersection of research, theory, and practice in early childhood education. For 25 years, she led Vassar College's early childhood laboratory school, pioneering inclusive learning environments and best practices for young learners. 

Her research has examined critical issues such as the long-term effects of early childhood lead poisoning and the benefits of intergenerational learning.

Geraldine Laybourne (left photo) and Julie Riess (right photo) speak at the Community Breakfast. Photos by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

"Poughkeepsie is building its community network, not from defending our silos, but from embracing our unique superpowers," said Dr. Riess. "Together we have seen and heard and we have raised a village up together. Poughkeepsie is also building our children's networks, their brain networks."

Laybourne expressed gratitude to the Poughkeepsie community for embracing their vision. "Poughkeepsie is small," she said. "Poughkeepsie has every problem you can imagine. But we can prove it in Poughkeepsie and take it everywhere."

Krista Jones receives the President’s Award from Kevin Weinman at the Community Breakfast. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Krista Jones – Founder of Sparrow's Nest
What started as a small act of kindness in 2012—cooking meals to ease the burden on families battling cancer—has grown into a life-changing organization that now serves more than 430 individuals each week across the Hudson Valley.

"Krista is a change maker who spreads kindness and compassion," President Weinman said. "Her unwavering commitment to charitable endeavors serves as a shining example of Marist's steadfast dedication to service."

Sparrow's Nest has expanded significantly over the years, now operating out of a state-of-the-art 7,000-square-foot facility in Hopewell Junction. The organization prepares and delivers two nutritious meals weekly to families within a 35-mile radius. 

Recognizing the widespread need for support, Jones broadened Sparrow's Nest's mission to include anyone facing a cancer diagnosis in Dutchess County, ensuring that families receive help when they need it most.

Marist's women's volleyball team has formed a connection with Sparrow's Nest, participating in the "Spiking for Sparrow's Nest" charity tournament with the Spackenkill School District. The student-athletes not only played but coached younger players and provided spiking demonstrations.

The team attended the breakfast to show their support for Jones and her organization.

Krista Jones (second from left) with the Marist women’s volleyball team at the Community Breakfast. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

Weinman also noted that Marist’s student newspaper, The Circle, profiled Jones's work in a feature story last fall.

"There are few things harder for a family than a cancer diagnosis," wrote student journalist and editor Erin Holton '25. "Sparrow's Nest was created to give people some peace, offer them some financial relief and some mental relief [and] to give them comfort during a time when nothing is normal."

"Until we find a cure for cancer, Sparrow's Nest remains in the fight to make sure that every single individual, no matter their socio-economic status, financial status, every single individual that needs our help that is finding cancer gets our help," Jones said. "It is our goal and our mission to make sure that every single person that needs healthy food, that is battling the cancer diagnosis gets it."