Marist Connections

Dr. Edward “Eddie” Summers '04 / MPA'06 is an educator, scholar, community activist, higher education consultant, and motivational speaker. He is President and CEO of The Thinkubator, a Bronx-based nonprofit that works to train, educate, and connect Bronx youth to work-based learning experiences, employment, & educational opportunities.

Emmanuel Onakoya '15 is an associate Board Member and co-chair of the events committee of The HOPE Program which empowers New Yorkers to build sustainable futures through training, jobs, advancement and lifelong career support. He’s also a board member of Getting Out and Staying Out which serves 16- to 24-year-old justice-involved young men achieve their personal and professional goals

They come together to chat with Amy Woods '97 about giving back to the community, starting a nonprofit, and how the Marist Brothers' ideals inspire them to stay involved with service.

Laurie DeJong '87 is the founder of The Paper Fig Foundation whose mission is to use fashion and fine arts to support sustainable community development projects both locally and in developing nations in Africa. They currently have programs in Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, and Nigeria. She joins us to talk about the importance of giving back, how art can change lives, and the impact of COVID-19.Laurie is also the CEO of LDJ productions and a regular speaker on women’s empowerment, mentorship and the economic impact of fashion on global economies with specific emphasis on developing nations. She recently spoke at the World Economic Forum Africa. Laurie is a Trustee of Marist College, a guest writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and a member of both the Women's Presidents' Educational Organization and the National Association of Professional Women.

Paul Rinn '68 was commissioned in the United States Navy in October 1968 and over the next 30 years operated in every ocean in the world. Upon retiring from the Navy, he joined the International Consulting firm of Whitney Bradley and Brown. Currently, Paul is President of Rinn Speaks, where he has spoken to national and international audiences at universities and businesses in the public and private sectors.

Spencer Hogan '20 just graduated with a double major in business administration and economics. While at Marist he was in the Honors Program, served as Student Body Vice President and President of the Business Club, worked with the Hudson River Valley Institute, and was a Resident Assistant in McCormick Hall on campus. Last spring, he served as a White House Intern in the Office of American Innovation.

The two come together to discuss leadership.

Paul Rinn '68 is an accomplished naval leader and successful businessman who has always remained connected to and supportive of Marist College. He was commissioned in the United States Navy in October 1968 and over the next 30 years operated in every ocean in the world. In 1998, Paul Rinn retired from the United States Navy and joined the International Consulting firm of Whitney Bradley and Brown. Currently, Paul is President of Rinn Speaks, where he has spoken to national and international audiences at universities and businesses in the public and private sectors. He traveled up from Virginia to share stories from his varied career.

Jimmy Fedigan '87 is a Stage Hand and Production Electrician at Local One IATSE. In this role, he oversees all lights, video and special effects during a show from the traditional spotlight to special lighting effects to house lights. He has worked on over 100 Broadway shows in his career.Jim Joseph '91 is a Broadway Theatre Manager and nonprofit arts leader. Since graduating, he has worked in many different areas of the performing arts, on and off Broadway, including development, education, marketing, box office, and most notably “front of house” and theatre operations.

The two Marist graduates talk about their days in MCCTA, playing football, the changing world of theatre, and how they got their start in the industry.

Our three guests discuss their roles at MIPO, their recent trip to the New Hampshire primaries, and the opportunities the program is able to provide students.Lee Miringoff is the director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion and an Assistant Professor of Political Science. He is a frequent commentator on politics and elections and is often quoted in print and digital media. Lee has appeared regularly on television and radio as an expert on public opinion, politics, and polling.  

Barbara L. Carvalho is the director of the Marist College Poll. She has written numerous articles on elections, politics, and public policy issues and frequently comments on current events for print and electronic media.

Megan Landgraf is a senior majoring in political science and minoring in environmental science, and is a Newsfeed Media and Data Assistant at the Marist Poll. She is also involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success and Pi Sigma Alpha, the political honor society.

Santos Lopez '16 joins us for a podcast recorded and produced from the Orange County Choppers Headquarters in Newburgh, NY. Santos is currently the VP of Marketing for the Orange County Choppers, as well as the founder of Santos M. Lopez Marketing and PR where he does freelance work in a number of industries.

After high school, Santos spent 6 years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class. Prior to accepting this current position in 2018, Santos held a number of positions in Marketing, including work at the National Collegiate Paintball Association, Toys for Tots, Sitour USA, and Stadri Emblems. He graduated from Marist with a B.S. in Global Professional Programs, and he remains involved with the Marist Veterans Association and the Marist Asian Alliance.

He joined us to talk about his varied career path, best memories from the set of Orange County Choppers, and the importance of always reaching out and helping your fellow alumni.

Roberto Hull and Brooke Anthony from the class of 2010 and Julianne Homola from the class of 2011 join us for a special conversation about owning a business in the Hudson Valley.

Roberto is the owner of Darkside Records in Poughkeepsie, NY. Darkside is the Hudson Valley’s largest independent record store, specializing in new and used vinyl LPs, CDs, movies, pop culture knick-knacks, and more. Roberto graduated from Marist College in 2010 with a bachelors of science degree in criminal justice and is also a photographer with more than ten years of experience.

Julianne is the owner of J&J's Gourmet, a cafe and catering business that prides itself on producing high quality food prepared with a focus on art and plating. Julianne graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration and marketing in 2011 and upon graduation had the pleasure of working for the Marist branch campus in Florence for several years. Over the past year she has been developing her second business – a brand management and operational efficiency training program offered to small businesses.

Brooke is the Owner of Chloe+Lois, a Hudson Valley jewelry brand that promotes positivity and uplifts women to feel beautiful, empowered, and limitless. The company sells both online and at more than 25 retailers. Brooke founded Chloe+Lois in August 2018 while working as a Merchandising Manager, but this past summer was able to turn her business into a full-time career. Brooke graduated from Marist is 2010 with a bachelor’s in communication.

In April 2019, Tommy Zurhellen set out on 2,860-mile cross-country trek from Portland, Oregon, to Poughkeepsie, NY, to raise awareness of the issues of veteran suicide and homelessness and to raise funds for organizations assisting local veterans. After four and a half months of walking, he returned to campus on August 23. He joined Amy Woods '97 to speak about his trek, the organizations he's supporting, and how life has changed as a result of his adventure.

Tommy is an associate Professor of English at Marist, author of the award-winning Messiah Trilogy of novels, and co-host of the popular writing podcast, FICTION SCHOOL. A United States Navy Veteran, Tommy served as a nuclear electrician from 1991 to 1997 in the Persian Gulf.

This episode features the head coaches of men’s and women’s basketball, John Dunne and Brian Giorgis. John Dunne was hired by the Red Foxes last year. In his first season, Dunne led the Red Foxes to their highest win total in five years. Brian Giorgis is entering his 18th season as head coach. He is the Red Foxes’ all-time leader in wins.Guest host: Geoff Brault '08, the play-by-play broadcaster for Marist Football and Basketball.