Marist College has dedicated Sammon House, a restored campus building named in honor of Brother Seán Sammon, FMS. The dedication ceremony took place on November 8 and was attended by university trustees, Marist Brothers, friends, and members of Brother Seán’s family.
Brother Seán served as a Marist trustee from 2010 until his death in 2022 and was previously Superior General of the Marist Brothers. He was recognized for his compassion, commitment to community, and skill as a cook. The newly named Sammon House now serves both as a gathering space for the campus community and as the presidential residence.
President Kevin Weinman hosted the dedication event with his wife Beth. During the ceremony, Chris Magro, Brother Seán’s nephew, said: “My uncle had two families — he had us, and he had you, his Marist family. What did we share together? We shared his love for hospitality.” He added: “I don’t think there’s a better way to honor my uncle.”
Weinman reflected on Brother Seán’s impact at Marist: “He had a unique gift for bringing people together, for making them feel seen, valued, and cared for. Naming this house for Brother Seán made instant sense.”
Brother Seán was known on campus for hosting dinners that fostered conversation among students and faculty. President Weinman recalled attending two such gatherings during his first year at Marist.
Since opening over the summer, Sammon House has hosted various groups including the Board of Trustees, new faculty members, student-athletes from the softball team, returning international students from Florence and Dublin programs, tour guides, Commencement speaker Steve Kornacki, and graduating seniors.
“We’re just getting started,” Weinman said. “Dozens of events per year over many decades in the future. This facility and our commitment to use it in the spirit of Brother Seán and the image of the Marist Brothers will help us in this effort.”
The dedication also acknowledged the ongoing influence of the Marist Brothers’ values—education excellence, community engagement, and service—on the university’s mission.
Guests at the event viewed displays about Fern Tor estate’s history and Brother Seán’s contributions to Marist College. Ross Mauri ’80/P’15, former Chair of the Board of Trustees who proposed naming Sammon House after Brother Seán, concluded with remarks: “If you reflect on Brother Seán for yourself, you will find where he left you with a strong piece of wisdom or comfort at an important time if your life. Or maybe the inspiration to do something you didn’t think was possible.”
The building originally served as a carriage house on Fern Tor estate before being renamed St. Ann’s Hermitage when acquired by Marist in 1997. In 2024 it underwent restoration to preserve its architecture while creating space for campus events and presidential hospitality.
