The Exchange Club of Southern Dutchess saluted Dennis Murray, president of Marist College for three decades, at its 42nd annual Award Breakfast May 11 at the Fishkill Holiday Inn.
Southern Dutchess established its Exchange Club, which also runs a heroes award dinner in April, in 1966.
During Murray”™s tenure, Marist has undergone a $300 million transformation, including a $4.5 million donation of computer technology by IBM, which continues to partner closely with the school; new buildings, including the Lowell Thomas Communications Center; the Margaret & Charles Dyson Center, which houses the school of management; a $27 million student center; as well as new student housing. Last year, Richard Kay left his $75 million estate, Payne Mansion in Esopus, to the school, the largest bequest the college has ever received.
Marist ranked 15th of 172 colleges and universities in the northern U.S. that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s degree programs in the 2010 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Robert Dyson, who has been on the college”™s board of trustees and now serves as its chairman, said Marist has achieved worldwide acclaim for “adhering to the principles established by the Marist Brothers 80 years ago ”“ character development is part of its core curriculum. It”™s now become one of the most sought-after schools in the U.S.”
He credited Murray with his ability to attract talented staff and for forging partnerships that have put the college on the map in a big way.
Murray spoke of the colleges “economic impact of $300 million a year” on Dutchess County: “Our annual budget of $140 million, as well as a staff of 780 full-time and 400 part-time employees, contribute to Dutchess County each year. Marist attracts 50,000 visitors to its campus and has made a social impact through a variety of cultural and entertainment offerings on campus.”
Marist”™s music program, its 22 athletic teams including its women”™s basketball team and the Center for Lifetime Study involving 575 seniors have made the Poughkeepsie campus a magnet for students and visitors.
Murray said a recent poll of 1,300 corporate leaders indicated they would move their companies to areas where a talented student population was available. “The fact that we have a wealth of talent is an indication the Hudson Valley is an attractive place to do business and to find a skilled workforce,” he said.
The Exchange Club has also given some cash-strapped business owners an opportunity to network. “I belonged to the chamber,” said one guest, “but I couldn”™t afford the $300 yearly fee. This organization is $100 a year, leaving me $200 to advertise and get my company name out there. I meet the same people and participate in the community. It is a good alternative for those who are trying to stay involved but have to watch their spending.”
Marist at a glance
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- Marist Brothers acquire St. Ann”™s Hermitage in Poughkeepsie in 1929. Adjacent purchases bring the campus to 150 acres.
- Marist give out its first college degrees in 1947.
- For the 2010-2011 school year, tuition for incoming freshman begins at $27,500.
- More than 4,100 full-time and 1,100 part-time students attend undergraduate and graduate courses.
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