Rebecca Marmolejo '13 attended Rutgers-Merck Summer Bioethics Institute. The Institute introduces area high school students accepted for the program to the major ethical theories and the application of these theories to some of the most important bioethics confronting contemporary society. The focus was on ethical issues that arise in robotics, an interdisciplinary area that combines computer science, engineering, biology, philosophy, linguistics, and the neurosciences. The issues examined included the ethics of using robots in warfare, in the workplace, in the home, and in hospitals (as surgeons), whether robots should have rights if they are conscious and intelligent, whether internet agents (which are small scale robots) should be given the ability to do ethical reasoning, and whether robots which are designed using principles of animal physiology are a new species of animal.

Each daily session of the Institute consisted of lectures (given by science and philosophy professors from Rutgers University and other universities), a critical thinking and writing workshop, and an interactive discussion of a case study or problem in bioethics. Instruction was also provided by the Rutgers librarian on using a modern library with its digital search strategies and tools, as the students prepared materials for presentations given at the end of the week.

Bayonne resident and former Assistant Prosecutor in the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, Leo J. Hurley Jr., has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Marist High School in Bayonne.

"I'm honored to be able to assist their fantastic, fantastic mission," said the 34-year-old Hurley, who is an attorney with Archer & Greiner P.C. in Hackensack.

To many, Marist brings happy thoughts, fond memories and a great foundation that led to a successful career. Because of this and more, alumni and friends often ask me "How can I help Marist in the future?"

At Marist, we look forward to a future in which we continue the wonderful mission of St. Marcellin Champagnat that will affect generations. You can become a lasting partner in mission by supporting Marist through your planned estate.

We generally think that estate planning involves arranging transfer of our property to selected close family members and friends, but, perhaps, Marist High School could be considered as well.

First, of course, you must consider if your loved ones would suffer a hardship if you included a small bequest to Marist High School. Like churches and other non-profit organizations, Marist High School depends on contributions to continue operating. This duty should not be left just to the extremely wealthy. Regardless of your economic status, your assistance will have a great impact on Marist, where tight budgets make funding a critical and ongoing need. A bequest of a few thousand dollars does make a difference and your legacy will live forever.

For further information on legacy planning click here. We also suggest that you discuss your options with your accountant, financial advisor or attorney. 

One of the major goals of the Office of Institutional Advancement is to seek ways in which we can better engage our alumni in supporting the school.  This would include financial support as well as getting involved in various activities throughout the year.  The strength of our school rests with each and every graduate and we want each of you to always feel you have a home at Marist.  We welcome your input as to how we can better serve our alumni and in turn how you can help Marist High School.

One of the first steps is to identify individuals willing to serve as Class Agents. Your primary responsibility will be to act as a liaison between your classmates and Marist.  We would ask you to help remind classmates to keep us up-to-date as to address changes, current e-mail addresses, etc.  If you know of interesting news from classmates, we can then include articles in our alumni correspondence.  

If you are interested in becoming involved or serving as a Class Agent, please email Chris Hansen, Associate Director of Alumni Relations at chansen@marist.org. 

A Quick Note from John Taormina  

Dear Marist family,

Each year at Marist High School is exciting, with many members of our community routinely accomplishing the remarkable. Whether a student is attaining a competitive scholarship, a faculty member is acting as a mentor in and out of the classroom, or an alumnus or parent is volunteering at Marist, there is always a wonderful story to tell. As usual, there is a lot to be thankful for at Marist. 109 students arrived on the first day of class excited and ready to learn. The school looks great, our academic and extra-curricular programs are top-notch, and we are looking forward to a competitive and successful athletic season under the direction of Athletic Director, Ron Hayward '99.

So that we can continue providing Catholic education in Bayonne and surrounding Hudson County cities, we need your help! We need you to continue being our partners in mission. Your voice in supporting our school is so essential. Without you, the future of Marist cannot be predicted. With you, Marist will continue to educate young men and women to go out and transform the world.

If you would like to invest in our Marist students, visit www.marist.org/annualfund. You may choose to make an unrestricted gift to the annual fund. Or, you may choose to make a restricted gift to an academic department or a sport that is important to you, whatever the case, you are helping young people. If your budget calls for monthly or quarterly arrangements, email Norma at nabreu@marist.org. If you're not sure about investing at this time and would like a no pressure informational meeting, please email me at jtaormina@marist.org.

John A. Taormina, M.A.