POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist has completed the Million Dollar Challenge, a fundraising initiative designed to ensure the long-term future of football at Marist College. The goal was reached through the generosity of approximately 200 alumni, friends, parents, and fans of the football program.
“Since coming to Marist, I have been struck by the community's enthusiasm for Red Fox football,” Marist President David Yellen said. “The success of the Marist Million campaign is a testament to that support, and we are grateful to all who participated in this important effort.”
Shortly after the opening of Tenney Stadium, Marist received a $1 million challenge grant from the late Raymond A. Rich. Mr. Rich was one of the 20th century's leading businessmen and industrialists as well as a good friend to Marist College. As part of this challenge, the Rich Estate matched each dollar raised exclusively for use by Marist Football up to $1 million, thus creating the $2 million endowment.
“Ray Rich was a great friend of the College and, in particular, of Marist football,” Marist President Emeritus Dr. Dennis J. Murray said. “I know he would be pleased that his generous gift inspired such a broad outpouring of support from former players and coaches and other alumni and friends of Marist. I particularly want to acknowledge the leadership of Matt Daly and Tom Coyne in reaching the challenge Ray Rich had set forth.”
Gifts received through the generosity of donors will help elevate the program and provide a vibrant atmosphere for future Red Foxes. The $2 million endowment will create a sustainable source of support for the Marist football program while providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically and athletically.
“The success of the Marist Million campaign will help ensure that football remains a vital program here for future student-athletes and fans alike,” Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray said. “Our program is stronger for the generosity of so many alumni and friends.”
The rich football tradition at Marist spans more than 50 years. What began as a club program in 1965, now boasts a roster that includes players from 15 different states. The program began varsity competition at the Division III level in 1978, and was elevated to Division I-AA (now known as the Football Championship Subdivision) in 1993. The Red Foxes played in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Football League from 1994 until 2007, and won three league championships.
“The great support that the entire Marist College community has shown for our football program is an inspiration to all of our players and coaches and will continue to be for generations to come,” Marist head football coach Jim Parady said. “We are grateful to everyone who participated in the Marist Million campaign.”
Following the 2002 season, seven MAAC Football League schools disbanded their programs over the next six years. Over this time, Marist football continued its growth. The Red Foxes played their first season at Tenney Stadium in 2007. Marist played the 2008 season as an FCS independent after the MAAC Football League disbanded, and joined the Pioneer Football League for the 2009 campaign. In 2013, the Marist football team won a share of the PFL championship.
The spring of 2014 brought national recognition to the Marist football program. Marist graduate Terrence Fede '13 became the first football player in school history to be selected in the National Football League Draft. Fede was chosen by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round with the 234th overall pick.
In late August of 2015, Jason Myers '13 won the place-kicking job with the Jacksonville Jaguars and became the second former Marist football player to appear in an NFL game. In the second week of the 2015 season, Fede and the Dolphins traveled to Jacksonville to face Myers and the Jaguars, marking the first time two Marist graduates shared an NFL field. Myers connected on three field goals, including a 28-yard attempt with 40 seconds remaining which proved to be the game-winner in the Jaguars' 23–20 triumph.
About Raymond A. Rich
Raymond A. Rich was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1912, the son of Arthur and Lucy Baker Rich. After serving in World War II, Mr. Rich became vice president and director of Philco Corp. and then accepted the presidency and directorship of Avco Corp. From there his career escalated, and he went on to hold multiple, simultaneous CEO and chairman positions in numerous companies.
Mr. Rich provided Marist College the largest financial gift in its history. He bequeathed to Marist a 60-acre riverfront estate in the Ulster County Town of Esopus that contains one of the most historically and architecturally significant homes in the Hudson River Valley. The Payne Mansion is a 42,000-square-foot Beaux Arts-style palazzo designed by the famed Manhattan firm of Carrere and Hastings that was built in 1905. The firm of Robert A.M. Stern believes a residence of this significance and style would have a replacement value conservatively estimated at approximately $65 million. In addition, Mr. Rich has designated approximately $10 million for an endowment to support the Raymond A. Rich Institute for Leadership Development, which will be housed at the Esopus estate.
About Marist College
Marist is a comprehensive institution with its 210-acre main campus in the Hudson River Valley in New York, a branch campus in Florence, Italy, extension centers throughout New York, and educational offerings around the world through its online programs. Marist is distinguished by high-quality faculty, innovative program offerings, a beautiful riverfront campus, and a technological platform that is comparable to those of the best research universities in the world.
Marist is dedicated to helping students develop the intellect and character required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century. These goals derive from the Marist Brothers, a teaching order that originated in France in 1817, settled in Poughkeepsie in 1905, and established the Marist Normal Training School in 1929. The school evolved into an independent four-year liberal arts college, receiving its charter from New York State in 1946. The Marist Brothers' ideals of commitment to excellence in education, the importance of community, and dedication to service remain an integral part of the College's mission. The Marist ideal of excellence in education is achieved through an emphasis on quality teaching and distinctive learning opportunities.
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