Marist College recently hosted a national seminar for K-12 history teachers, bringing together educators from across the country in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The four-day event focused on the Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II, and included lectures, readings, and a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
The seminar was supported by Marist’s Long Reach Society, which funds programs aimed at enhancing history education. Participants worked directly with primary sources and engaged in discussions on key historical topics.
Dr. David Woolner, professor of History at Marist and Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation Fellow in Roosevelt Studies, led an exploration of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership during this era. Dr. Woolner said, “The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is one of the most respected organizations in the country focused on improving our understanding of our nation’s past. It is a real pleasure and an honor to be leading one of GLI’s personal development seminars for K-12 teachers here at Marist.”
Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat, Provost and Dean of Faculty at Marist College, commented on the university’s ongoing collaboration with the Gilder Lehrman Institute: “In hosting a GLI summer institute on FDR’s response to the global crises of the Great Depression and World War II, Marist is able to share our special relationship with the Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum with some of the nation’s finest history teachers. Teachers also got to meet some of Marist’s outstanding student scholars who are learning the importance of using history to shape leadership skills and global perspectives as members of the University’s Long Reach Society.”
The Long Reach Society provides scholarships and enrichment opportunities for students interested in history or American Studies. These include grants for internships, study abroad programs, travel courses, mentoring experiences, and support from dedicated faculty.
Samantha Mattioli ’27, a student in Marist’s 5-year Bachelor/Master program in Teaching History who attended the seminar as part of the Long Reach Society, described her experience: “As a student aspiring to become a history teacher, attending the professional development event for history educators was an incredibly inspiring experience,” she said. “I had the opportunity to join these amazing teachers and professors for dinner, where we shared stories about the lessons and trips that make teaching history meaningful.”
During this seminar week, Marist announced it had received an anonymous $500,000 donation over two years to support enrichment funds for Long Reach Society students. These funds will help cover costs related to travel—such as study abroad programs—and internship expenses while giving students access to conferences and events connected with their field.
This new gift follows another multimillion-dollar pledge made earlier this year by alumni Genine and Michael McCormick through their family foundation.
Mattioli noted that her involvement in Long Reach has enabled her to visit many historic sites including Gettysburg; presidential libraries; Washington D.C.; Mount Vernon; New York City; Boston; among others. She said: “Being part of the Long Reach Society has opened so many doors and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. From the friendships I’ve made, to the strong relationships built between the history faculty and us students, to the trips, conversations, and networking we’ve experienced, it has all been extremely meaningful.”
William Silkowitz ’27 also participated in this event as a member of Long Reach Society: “Educators are the reason why I and many of my peers have pursued studying history in higher education, so I admire their devotion and commitment to learning about and teaching others history. Long Reach Society has provided me with so many opportunities to explore history with my own eyes.”
