Class of 2029: Marist’s Centennial Class

Class of 2029 celebrates the start of the year with Marist's annual first-year class photo. Photo courtesy of Marist University via Instagram.

The Class of 2029 has been coined Marist University’s “Centennial Class,” as they’ll be graduating the same year Marist celebrates its 100th anniversary, and they’ve proven to be deserving of this special recognition.  

Marist welcomed 1,379 new students this fall. The class was perceived to be slightly smaller than usual, but Marist Admissions confirmed that the class is only about 20 students smaller than the typical class size for the fall.

The Class of 2029 reflects Marist’s growing reach as students were accepted from across the country and around the world. Students this semester come from 38 countries and 35 states, with an increase in students from the Midwest. This was partially thanks to Marist’s transition to a university earlier this year.

There’s a rise in transfer students this fall alongside an increase in Marist’s retention rate, the number of students who return for their sophomore year, which is now nearly 90%. 

According to Marist’s website, the Class of 2029 are world-travelers—51 students are enrolled in Marist’s First-Year Florence and Dublin Experiences, and 27 students will graduate from Marist with four-year bachelor's degrees from Marist’s Florence, Italy campus.

The Schools of Management, Communication and the Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences continue to be the largest in terms of enrollment. 

Beyond the statistics, the Class of 2029 has already begun to make its mark. Associate Director of First Year Experience and Leadership Development, Colin McCann, noted that the class is making Marist its own. 

“Outside Champ, they stacked stones to make a bunch of stone sculptures… I've never in 30 years seen a first-year class disturb the earth. You walk outside the Champangat breezeway and the sidewalks are covered with chalk drawings,” said McCann.

Students and staff alike had wonderful things to report about the Class of 2029, describing them as ambitious, change-makers, eager and engaged.

Peer mentor Marina Bellizzi ‘26 recalled one of her experiences with the class so far. During first-year orientation, she held a rock-paper-scissors tournament with her group. 

“They were hyping each other up, bonding and connecting before they even fully knew each other. It made me really optimistic,” said Bellizzi.

The Class of 2029 has also reported a positive experience with Marist’s resources.

“There’s a lot of support with the small classes. Your professors know you, and it’s easy to go to them,” said Sawyer Behrin ‘29. 

In a short time, the Class of 2029 has already immersed itself in the Marist community. Marist students may look towards the year with excitement as the class continues to make its mark for the better.