When Marquis Larmond ’24/’26 arrived at SUNY Brockport from New York City, he was looking for more than a college education. He wanted independence, a sense of belonging, and a place where he could grow as both a student and an athlete. What he found was a community that challenged him, supported him, and ultimately helped him discover his purpose.
“Being able to move more than six hours away and knowing I could become part of a family made my transition easier.”
Marquis Larmond
“Being able to move more than six hours away and knowing I could become part of a family and a community made my transition easier,” said Larmond.
As an undergraduate student-athlete on the Wrestling team and a member of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Larmond quickly learned that balancing academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities required dedication and perseverance.
“I realized I couldn’t just be good in athletics; I also had to excel in the classroom,” said Larmond. “I spent a lot of nights in the library and even reached out to my EOP counselor for help.”
Larmond’s hard work paid off when he earned academic recognition through induction into Chi Alpha Epsilon, a national honor society that celebrates academic achievement among EOP students.
Marquis Larmond
Leadership became a cornerstone of Larmond’s Brockport experience. As captain of the wrestling team and an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he discovered a passion for helping others navigate the same challenges he had faced. Through these experiences, he learned that true success is about more than personal accomplishments — it is about lifting others and creating opportunities for those around you.
“During my undergraduate student teaching experience, I realized I found myself more invested and passionate about teaching elementary students,” said Larmond.
That passion for service led Larmond to continue his education at Brockport, where he pursued a Master of Science in Education in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Administration.
“It is an honor to be able to provide assistance to the caseload of students in the EOP family.”
Marquis Larmond
During his graduate studies, Larmond also served as an EOP Graduate Counselor, providing academic, career, financial, and personal guidance to students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.
“Being fresh out of undergrad, I can connect and talk to students about my experiences and hopefully guide them in the right direction so they’re able to excel in all aspects of being a college student,” said Larmond.
Because he recently walked the same path as many of the students he supports, Larmond can connect with them in a meaningful way and offer advice rooted in firsthand experience. He is also developing initiatives to support student-athletes, helping them balance the demands of college life while building confidence in their ability to succeed.
For Larmond, graduate education at Brockport has been about more than advancing his career.
“It is an honor to be able to provide assistance to the caseload of students in the EOP family,” said Larmond.
At Brockport, Marquis didn’t just earn a degree — he found a path that allows him to inspire, empower, and advocate for others every day.