Marist University announced on March 11 the launch of the Red Fox Faves, a new annual student choice awards program that highlights students’ favorite places in the Poughkeepsie area and on campus.
The initiative aims to strengthen connections between Marist students and the local community by celebrating businesses and locations that are central to student life. The awards reflect the university’s commitment to fostering a vibrant college town atmosphere in Poughkeepsie and its surroundings.
Sierra Fisher, a Marist senior who helped start Red Fox Faves, said, “Having so many options for dining, entertainment, and recreation within walking distance and a short ride from campus is one of the things I love most about going to Marist. Hundreds of students voted in this year’s inaugural program, proof of how much students love being part of the local community.”
Winners were selected across ten categories by student vote. Ready Coffee was named favorite place to get coffee; Eastdale Bagels won favorite breakfast spot; Lola’s Café was chosen as favorite lunch spot; Cosimo’s received favorite restaurant to bring your family to; Sweet Frog took favorite sweet treat; Walkway Over the Hudson was picked as favorite outdoor recreation spot; The Halal Shack Bowl won for favorite on-campus bite; McDonald’s was named for late-night cravings; James A. Cannavino Library was selected as favorite study spot; and Tree Lighting was recognized as favorite Marist tradition.
Carlo Citera, owner of Cosimo’s, said, “We love supporting Marist and seeing so many students and families come through our doors. Our goal is to be your go-to neighborhood spot—whether you’re here for a big celebration or just a quick bite. That’s exactly what we’re here for!”
Poughkeepsie has recently been recognized among America’s Top 100 Greatest Cities of 2025 by World’s Best Cities (Resonance Consultancy), citing its vibrant college town atmosphere supported by institutions like Marist University. According to recent reports, more than 25% of the region’s workforce is employed by colleges, universities, or health care centers in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Additionally, Marist University contributes an annual local economic impact of $500 million.
Rebecca Edwards, Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor, said, “The launch of Red Fox Faves is a great way to celebrate these local businesses and special sites. Thank you to Marist University, also, for this reminder of how college and university students help sustain our local economy.”
The Red Fox Faves program is expected to continue annually as part of ongoing efforts to connect students with their surrounding community.
