December 16, 2025 — Marist students are continually proving that small acts on campus can spark big change in the Hudson Valley.

Students in Marist’s nonprofit leadership and management course put their classroom learning into action this semester, partnering with Hudson Valley nonprofits to raise funds, build awareness, and support community needs. The project gave students hands-on leadership experience while deepening Marist’s connection to local organizations.

“It’s inspiring to see students apply management concepts and analytical skills from across disciplines to address real community needs and understand how their academic work translates into practical solutions,” said Dr. Jim Melitski, Professor of Public Administration.

Throughout the semester, the student-led events took place across campus, each one supporting an important Hudson Valley cause.

Real Partnerships, Real Impact

 
Dr. Jim Melitski reviewing data with Karina Syrota ’26 (left) and her group. Photo by Emily Portnov ‘29/Marist University.

The experiential learning project allows students to choose nonprofits that resonate with them personally or align with their academic interests. This semester, the class collaborated with organizations across the Hudson Valley, including: Family Services: Center for Victim Support and Safety, Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS), Hudson River Housing, Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, and more.

Students planned a mix of fundraising activities and on-campus events, such as awareness tables, creative raffles, and even an educational film screening. Each project gave them the chance to apply management, communication, and teamwork skills while building deeper connections with the local community.

To amplify student efforts, the Ascienzo Family Foundation matched a portion of the funds raised, helping every dollar go even further.

Nathan Morse ’27 and HVARS

Nathan’s group importing data in the class’ dashboard. Photo by Emily Portnov ‘29/Marist University.

Finance major Nathan Morse ’27 and his group selected Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, a local nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates animals and provides low-cost veterinary care. Nathan shared that the mission offered a clear opportunity to make a difference.

His group hosted an on-campus awareness table to educate students about HVARS and opportunities for involvement. They also coordinated a raffle basket featuring items donated by local businesses, providing the team with a meaningful experience in outreach and partnership development.

Nathan said the project has shown him how much planning and coordination go into launching a successful fundraiser. “It’s not just about raising money but also about getting people interested in the cause,” he said.

Nathan’s group exceeded their fundraising goal by more than 30 percent. He added that working directly with local stores and developing the event as a team was both challenging and rewarding, especially knowing their efforts will support HVARS’ lifesaving care for animals.

Karina Syrota ’26 and Hudson River Housing

Students putting on a viewing of the student-made documentary “Homelessness in Focus: Students for Hudson River Housing. Photo by Emily Portnov ‘29/Marist University.

Computer science major Karina Syrota ’26 and her group partnered with Hudson River Housing, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families throughout Dutchess County create pathways to long-term stability.

Her group hosted a donation drive, where they encouraged students to support their Poughkeepsie neighbors through monetary donations. They also showcased their documentary, “Homelessness in Focus: Students for HRH,” in the Lowell Thomas Screening Room.

Through these events, Karina’s group raised awareness and resources for their mission. “Many students may not realize the extent of housing insecurity in Poughkeepsie,” Karina said. “Even small contributions can genuinely make a difference in someone's life.”

She noted the importance of storytelling in fundraising, using it to humanize the issue of homelessness and help students connect with real people in the community who need support.

Jack Keenan ’27 and Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie

Jack Kennan '27 and group reviewing data. Photo by Emily Portnov ‘29/Marist University.

Jack Keenan ’27, a finance and economics double major, and his group partnered with the Children’s Home of Poughkeepsie, a long-standing nonprofit that supports vulnerable children and families in the Hudson Valley.

They hosted a table where students made holiday cards for the children and donated to the organization’s GoFundMe page. “Every dollar has an impact on a local level, strengthening the Hudson Valley community and showing vulnerable kids that people believe in their future,” said Jack.

He noted that the event was meaningful because it brought the campus community together in support of the Children’s Home and its mission, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can brighten a child’s holiday season.

Impact and Insight

At the end of the semester, students analyzed their results and reflected on strategies to strengthen their fundraising efforts.

Dr. Melitski hopes the project demonstrated the power of community engagement and nonprofit leadership.

“I hope students gained practical leadership and management experience and a deeper understanding of how nonprofit organizations operate, along with an appreciation for the challenges and rewards of community-based work,” he said.

Learn more about the Department of Public and Nonprofit Administration.