Marist College recently hosted a four-day national seminar for K-12 history teachers, partnering with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The event brought educators from across the country, including participants from the west coast and Alaska, to explore topics such as the Great Depression, New Deal, and World War II.
The seminar included lectures, readings, and a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Teachers worked directly with primary sources and discussed key historical questions.
Dr. David Woolner, professor of History at Marist and Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation Fellow in Roosevelt Studies, led an in-depth session on Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership during this era. “The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is one of the most respected organizations in the country focused on improving our understanding of our nation’s past,” said Dr. Woolner. “It is a real pleasure and an honor to be leading one of GLI’s personal development seminars for K-12 teachers here at Marist.”
Provost and Dean of Faculty Dr. Catherine Gunther Kodat commented on Marist’s ongoing collaboration with the Gilder Lehrman Institute: “In hosting a GLI summer institute on FDR’s response to the global crises of the Great Depression and World War II, Marist is able to share our special relationship with the Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum with some of the nation’s finest history teachers. Teachers also got to meet some of Marist’s outstanding student scholars who are learning the importance of using history to shape leadership skills and global perspectives as members of the University’s Long Reach Society.”
The Long Reach Society scholarship program supports students interested in History or American Studies by providing $10,000 annual scholarships along with access to mentoring opportunities, enrichment funds for internships or study abroad programs, travel support for classes or conferences, and dedicated faculty guidance.
Samantha Mattioli ’27 participated in both the seminar and Long Reach Society activities. She said: “As a student aspiring to become a history teacher, attending the professional development event for history educators was an incredibly inspiring experience… I had the opportunity to join these amazing teachers and professors for dinner, where we shared stories about the lessons and trips that make teaching history meaningful.”
During this period, Marist announced it received an anonymous $500,000 donation over two years for expanding enrichment funds available through Long Reach Society scholarships. These funds can be used by students for travel related to study abroad programs or class trips as well as internship costs or conference attendance opportunities.
This recent gift follows an earlier multimillion-dollar pledge from alumni Genine and Michael McCormick through their family foundation.
Mattioli noted that her involvement in Long Reach Society enabled her visits to various historical sites nationwide including Gettysburg; presidential libraries; Washington D.C.; Mount Vernon; New York City; Boston; among others. “Being part of the Long Reach Society has opened so many doors and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” she said.
William Silkowitz ’27 also attended both events: “Educators are the reason why I and many of my peers have pursued studying history in higher education… Long Reach Society has provided me with so many opportunities to explore history with my own eyes.”