This issue celebrates the Class of 2025, whose achievements epitomize our institution's mission. These students have demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication as scholars, leaders, and global citizens. Here are some of their stories.
 

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

Sean Kennedy—Majors: Biomedical Sciences, Business (Concentration: Healthcare Management)
Valedictorian

Sean is the Class of 2025 valedictorian, an achievement he is deeply grateful for as a first-generation college student. He served as president of the American Chemical Society, was the first male member of the dance team, treasurer of the Dance Ensemble, and assisted in the chemistry lab. Additionally, he worked as a patient care technician at Northern Dutchess Hospital and interned in the emergency department at MidHudson Regional Hospital. His research with faculty explored rural health issues and antibiotic resistance in agriculture—uniting his passion for science and community health. Sean is preparing to apply to medical school and hopes to become a primary care physician. Following graduation, he will complete a one-year service term with AmeriCorps as a member of the Rural Health Service Corps.

Sean’s favorite Marist memory: “Meeting my best friends at a stuff-a-plush event freshman year.”
 

Basma Khaled Awadallah—Accelerated Master’s in Business Administration
2025 Graduate Student Speaker

In 2024, Basma received her undergraduate degree in biomedical sciences from Marist and will graduate this year with an MBA. She worked as a medical assistant for Children’s Medical Group and volunteered with Mental Health America and the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. As an undergraduate, she also conducted scientific research on haloarchaea species JOR-1 and NRC-1, which is expected to be published in 2025. “Inclusivity isn’t just a value at Marist — it’s a lived experience,” Basma said. She expressed gratitude for the expanded horizons and lifelong connections she found at Marist.

Basma’s favorite Marist memory: “Watching the solar eclipse in 2024 with friends and the Marist community along the Hudson River.”

Sheridan Speight—Majors: Political Science, Economics

Sheridan served as student body president, leading Marist’s Student Government Association during the 2024-25 academic year. In that role, she built relationships, gained leadership experience, and developed skills that helped her grow into a more well-rounded and accomplished individual. She also participated in fundraising for Grace Smith House, was a member of the women’s club lacrosse team, studied for a semester in Washington, D.C., and took part in the Greeks and Democracy Attachment Program in Greece. Sheridan interned with the Office of Congressman John Larson, Larson for Congress, and Nassau Financial Group. She is excited to apply everything she has learned and to represent Marist in the world.

Sheridan’s favorite Marist memory: “The community engagement involved in the Dyson ribbon-cutting ceremony, as it was wonderful to participate in such a momentous occasion on campus.”
 

Jack Woods—Major: Accounting

In his time at Marist, Jack learned to be confident in who is he, finding positive academic, and social experiences that helped him take chances to shape his future. He was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Accounting Club, and the School of Management Student Leadership Council. Jack also volunteered for the Income Tax Assistance Program and participated in the ASPIRE program in Dublin, Ireland. He interned at KPMG, where he gained valuable professional experience and earned a full-time job offer. Jack’s published in the NYCPA Journal and his senior thesis, “A Hybrid Approach to Goodwill” is currently in the works for publication.

Jack’s favorite Marist memory: “Five of my professors from the School of Management and I spent the weekend in Connecticut presenting our research at the Northeast Business and Economic Association (NBEA) conference. During the trip, we enjoyed dinner together and exchanged research ideas and stories.”

Layla Keen—Major: Business (Concentration: Finance); Minors: Economics, Psychology

Layla was a co-founder of Marist Red Fox Financial (MRFF), a student-staffed division of Hudson Valley Credit Union that operates as a fully functioning credit union and provides students with access to financial education. MRFF also became a place where she built lasting friendships and meaningful connections. She served as director of financial literacy and was a School of Management ambassador. Layla participated in the Business in Greece study abroad program with Dr. David Gavin and Dr. Joanne Gavin. She completed a wealth management internship with Hudson Valley Credit Union and worked at Magii Inc., where she will continue her career in wealth management after graduation.

Layla’s favorite Marist memory: “Being able to open Marist Red Fox Financial and make lifelong friends and connections.”
 

SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS

Evan Paul Spillane—Majors: Cybersecurity, Philosophy; Minors: Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Science
Undergraduate Student Speaker at Commencement

Evan served as president of the Class of 2025 for three years and as this year’s student body vice president. He was also president of Marist Esports, where he became a two-time MAAC champion and organized a 24-hour charity livestream benefiting Sparrow’s Nest, a local nonprofit. Additionally, Evan conducted quantum research through the Marist-IBM Joint Study program for two years and published research with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). He presented this work at the Guide Share Europe technology conference in London. After graduation, Evan will join JPMorgan Chase as a software engineer and plans to return to higher education to pursue a master’s degree and doctorate.

Evan’s favorite Marist memory: “Being selected as the student speaker for the Marist Class of 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony.”

Vanessa Hasbrouck—Majors: English, Philosophy; Paralegal Certificate

Vanessa was an active member of the Marist community through her involvement in Habitat for Humanity, Dance Ensemble, and the Student Government Association. Her leadership and dedication extended beyond campus, as she represented Marist at the 2024 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Vanessa also held a legal internship with Corbally, Gartland and Rappleyea LLP, where she explored her passion for law. She credits her accomplishments to the support of her family, especially her brother and sister. After graduation, Vanessa plans to pursue a Juris Doctor and a career in criminal or health law.

Vanessa’s favorite Marist memory: “Doing the Cupid Shuffle with Frankie the Fox at Midnight Breakfast!”

Neel Nguyen Viswanathan—Majors: American Studies, Communication (Concentration: Journalism)

Neel was captain of the Marist track and field and cross-country teams, as well as a member of the Marist Student-Athlete Advisory Committee executive board. He worked as a communications associate for the Marist Poll and served as student producer on the Marist Poll’s “Poll Hub” podcast. Additionally, Neel was a founding member of the Marist Poll GenNext program and produced a full-length documentary for Delaware Currents. According to Neel, choosing Marist was the best decision of his life. Everyone—from the dining hall workers to the professors to the custodians—was a vital part of what made Marist such a special place for him.

Neel’s favorite Marist memory: “Doing long runs at Minnewaska State Park with my teammates.”
 

Matthew Pater—Major: Political Science; Minor: Music

During his time at Marist, he served as an associate justice in the Student Government Association and was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Matthew spent much of his time outside the classroom at the Marist Poll, where he worked as a head coach and research associate and contributed as a student researcher on the GenNext project. He wrote his honors thesis with the Poll on AI‑generated synthetic survey data. Matthew also served as a legislative intern for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in Washington, D.C. After graduation, he plans on working in research before attending graduate school.

Matthew’s favorite Marist memory: “Traveling to New Hampshire for the New Hampshire Primary.”
 

Lily Jandrisevits—Majors: English, Philosophy; Minor: French
Lily was editor-in-chief of Diotima, Marist’s undergraduate philosophy journal. She also worked on The Mosaic, Marist’s literary and arts magazine, as an art editor and event planner. Lily was a student worker in the Marist Archives, helping preserve historical materials and ensure their accessibility for researchers and future generations. She studied abroad for a semester in Aix-en-Provence, France, and completed a Tarver summer internship through the Marist Center for Civic Engagement. After graduation, Lily will pursue her master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Manitoba.

Lily’s favorite Marist memory: “Getting to research one-on-one with my professors.”