Marist University will mark its first anniversary since achieving university status with a campus-wide event on January 29. The celebration, called “UNIVersary,” invites all members of the Marist community to wear red and participate in festivities at the McCann Center.
The main block party will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the McCann Rec Gym. Activities planned for attendees include free food, refreshments, merchandise giveaways, raffle prizes, indoor games such as a three-point basketball shooting contest, bingo, cornhole, and spikeball. Local radio station K104.7 is scheduled to broadcast live from the venue. Pop-up stands by Saxbys and MPorium will also be present.
President Kevin Weinman will deliver remarks during the event. Three winners will be selected in a raffle during his speech for prizes that include a New York City Broadway show experience and an iPad Air. Attendees must be present to win.
“January 29 is both a celebration and an invitation to continue dreaming big about what Marist can achieve,” said President Kevin Weinman. “It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year! I look forward to this opportunity to bring our community together for an enjoyable time looking back on an amazing first year as Marist University and looking ahead to an even more exciting future.”
The day’s events also feature free admission for faculty and staff—students already receive free entry—to the women’s home basketball game against Canisius at 5 p.m., where UNIVersary-branded rally towels will be distributed. Fans have an opportunity to participate in a half-court shot contest with a $2,500 prize.
Earlier in the day, Narrative 4-facilitated story exchanges are scheduled in the River Rooms of the Murray Student Center at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., focusing on building community through storytelling. Registration is required for these sessions.
“The very idea of a UNIVersary celebration is about giving us time and space to appreciate the joy of being together at Marist,” said Dr. Edward Antonio, Vice President of Community and Belonging. “It’s a chance to have fun, make memories, and, most importantly, connect with one another in person in ways that remind us why this community is so inclusive and welcoming.”
The UNIVersary event highlights both accomplishments from Marist’s first year as a university and plans for its future.
