Support for the new chapters has been encouraging. For example, the Arizona chapter sponsored a reception before the Marist men's basketball game at Arizona State University in Tempe Dec. 22. The new chapters reflect the geographical diversity of Marist alumni. Although approximately 75 percent of alumni call the New England and Mid-Atlantic states home, alumni populations in the South, Midwest, Southwest and abroad have been growing steadily. Marist alumni now live in all 50 states and 48 foreign countries.
Marist alumni are also a young group.
More than 45 percent have graduated since 1990, and the Class of 1998 was Marist's largest ever at more than 860 graduates. In contrast, from 1946 to 1969 only 1,000 students graduated from the College. Beyond chapter events, the Alumni Association strives to provide worthwhile services to not only alumni but also current students who will soon join the ranks. In cooperation with the student Communication Arts Society, the association sponsored a panel discussion Nov. 9 featuring prominent alumni in the media. More than 65 students attended.