Marist College’s Marie and Rupert Tarver Summer Internship Program provided students with hands-on learning experiences at local nonprofit organizations this summer. Ten interns participated in a range of projects that included conservation work, bilingual advocacy, food security initiatives, and community support services.
The program is open to students from any major. Participants receive a stipend, tuition credits, and on-campus housing while working under the guidance of Marist faculty and Dr. Melissa Gaeke, Director of the Center for Civic Engagement. According to Dr. Gaeke, “The Tarver Internship helps students learn more about themselves and what they want for their future. They connect meaningfully with community partners, step outside of their comfort zones, and build networks that lead to career and graduate school opportunities.”
Established in honor of Marie Tarver—a long-time community leader—and her husband Rupert Tarver—a civil rights pioneer in the Hudson River Valley—the internship aims to foster civic engagement among students.
Ivory Unga ’26 worked with Dutchess Outreach on food procurement and distribution efforts. She said, “I felt seen during my Tarver experience because the organization showed me that my work would be important and intentional. I learned that the nonprofit sector is definitely the place for me because I know now that I want to work somewhere smaller and more human-centered.” Renee Fillette, Executive Director at Dutchess Outreach, stated: “We’re so grateful for Ivory’s hard work, bright energy, and unwavering commitment to our mission. We’re incredibly proud of all her accomplishments and honored to be part of her journey.”
Jacob Gresens ’26 served as a bilingual translator at Casa Comunitaria de Recursos in Poughkeepsie. He created educational videos, helped coordinate events focused on legal rights awareness, and spoke on Radio Kingston’s La Voz. Gresens reflected: “Interning at Casa Comunitaria de Recursos allowed me to practice my Spanish in real, unscripted conversations and see firsthand how the class concept of interorganizational collaboration plays out in real life. The experience helped me become more self-sufficient, connect with local leaders and elected officials, and build meaningful bridges by meeting people where they are.”
Environmental Science major Kristen Fitzgibbon ’26 interned with Scenic Hudson collecting data from vernal pools—temporary wetlands vital for amphibian breeding—which contributes to local climate resilience efforts (https://www.scenichudson.org/). She noted: “A key takeaway from this experience was realizing how much I enjoy both fieldwork and data analysis, and that I want to keep working in the environmental nonprofit space. Part of the reason I enjoyed it so much was because everyone at Scenic Hudson is truly dedicated to their work and wants to enact positive change in the environment. Not only did I gain technical skills, but I got to explore and learn about all of the work Scenic Hudson does amidst the climate crisis.” Alex Wolf from Scenic Hudson commented: “Kristen was an invaluable addition to our team this summer. She collected data that we would not have otherwise had the capacity to collect, helping us learn more about how our local habitats are responding to a changing climate, including hotter summers and increasingly unpredictable rains.”
Aidan Parascando ’26 worked with Marist Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP), which provides academic support for at-risk students (https://www.marist.edu/liberty-partnerships-program). Parascando explained: “Working with LPP involved more than just trying to keep students on track academically with tutoring; it meant ensuring that their basic needs were being met, showing up for them after hours, and ultimately building mutual trust. In enriching their experiences outside of the classroom, I felt like I was making the most difference.” Crystal Parkhurst, Director of LPP added: “Aidan has been an incredible asset to the Marist Liberty Partnerships Program this summer. His energy, creativity, and dedication have enhanced our summer programs, and his contributions will have a lasting impact on the young people we serve.”
Lizbeth Santos-Cruz ’27 interned at Dutchess County Pride Center supporting LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts (https://dutchesspridecenter.org/). Santos-Cruz shared: “My Tarver internship with the Dutchess County Pride Center was an emotionally powerful experience that allowed me to support the Poughkeepsie LGBTQ+ community and connect with the local area after spending my first year studying abroad in Ireland,” she said. “Before this, I hadn’t had a formal internship—just waitressing and retail—and I felt unsure about my major and career path. The experience gave me more clarity, taught me how to support underrepresented groups, and expanded my social circles through networking.”
Hannah Epstein ’26 gained practical experience at United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region by organizing outreach efforts such as an annual Diaper Drive collecting over 85,000 diapers (https://www.unitedwaydutchessorange.org/). Epstein remarked: “This internship confirmed my passion for mission-driven work and gave me the opportunity to learn from an incredible women-led organization,” she said. “Working across departments, I saw how a global nonprofit with a strong local focus connects people to essential resources like housing, food, and mental health support through programs like the 211 hotline and our Essential Needs Supply Hub.”
Students interested in applying for next year’s program can contact Dr. Melissa Gaeke.
