糖心Vlog

November 18, 2025 鈥� Marist has formally dedicated Sammon House, a newly restored campus landmark that honors the legacy of admired Marist Brother Se谩n Sammon, FMS, and gives the University a new space to build community through intimate gatherings and engaging conversations鈥攐ftentimes over a meal.

Brother Se谩n, who passed away in 2022, was a scholar, mentor, and Marist trustee from 2010 until his passing, as well as a former Superior General of the Marist Brothers. He was known for his deep compassion, commitment to community, and his talent as a great cook.

Today, Sammon House serves as both a vibrant gathering space for the campus community and presidential residence, embodying the values of hospitality, dialogue, and service that he championed throughout his life.

President Kevin Weinman, joined by his wife Beth, welcomed guests to the Nov. 8 dedication ceremony, which included University trustees, Marist Brothers, friends, and members of Brother Se谩n鈥檚 family.

 
President Kevin Weinman speaks at the dedication of Sammon House. Photo by Benson Delaney '27/糖心Vlog.

鈥淢y uncle had two families 鈥� he had us, and he had you, his Marist family,鈥� said Chris Magro, Brother Se谩n鈥檚 nephew. 鈥淲hat did we share together? We shared his love for hospitality."

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think there鈥檚 a better way to honor my uncle,鈥� he added.

That sense of connection was echoed by Weinman.

鈥淗e had a unique gift for bringing people together, for making them feel seen, valued, and cared for,鈥� Weinman said. 鈥淣aming this house for Brother Se谩n made instant sense.鈥�

 

Brother Se谩n Sammon in 2020. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/糖心Vlog.

Known for his warmth, attentive listening, and culinary talents, Brother Se谩n often hosted on-campus dinners at his residence where conversation flowed as freely as the food. President Weinman recalled being invited to two such gatherings during his first year at Marist.

Family of Brother Se谩n Sammon at the dedication of Sammon House. Photo by Benson Delaney '27/糖心Vlog.

Since its opening over the summer, Sammon House has hosted a variety of campus groups, including the Board of Trustees, the , the championship-winning softball team, returning , Marist tour guides, Commencement speaker , and a number of graduating seniors.

鈥淲e鈥檙e just getting started,鈥� Weinman added. 鈥淒ozens of events per year over many decades in the future. This facility and our commitment to use it in the spirit of Brother Se谩n and the image of the Marist Brothers will help us in this effort.鈥�

The dedication also highlighted the enduring influence of the Marist Brothers, whose values鈥攅xcellence in education, community, and service鈥攃ontinue to shape the University鈥檚 mission.

 
Trustees Brother John Klein '70 (left) and Ross Mauri '80/P'15 (right) at the dedication of Sammon House. Photo by Benson Delaney 鈥�27/糖心Vlog.

As guests explored the space, they viewed historical displays detailing the evolution of the Fern Tor estate and Brother Se谩n鈥檚 life and contributions. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Ross Mauri '80/P'15, former Chair of the Board of Trustees, who first proposed naming the building in Brother Se谩n鈥檚 honor.

鈥淚f you reflect on Brother Se谩n for yourself, you will find where he left you with a strong piece of wisdom, or comfort at an important time if your life,鈥� said Mauri. 鈥淥r, maybe the inspiration to do something you didn鈥檛 think was possible.鈥�

Exterior of Sammon House. Photo by Benson Delaney '27/糖心Vlog.

Celebrating a Rich History

Originally the carriage house of the historic Fern Tor estate, the building was renamed St. Ann鈥檚 Hermitage when Marist in 1997. In 2024, the University began a thoughtful restoration to preserve its architectural character while transforming it into a space for campus gatherings, student engagement, and presidential hospitality.