Marist College Alumni Awards - Patrick M. Lavelle // 2023

When Patrick M. Lavelle looks up at the sign over Lavelle Hall on the Marist College campus, he doesn't see his name. He sees his parents' name, whom he proudly dedicated the hall to at the ribbon cutting of the impressive residence hall in the north campus housing complex. Lavelle said, "It's in the spirit of giving back that I am here today. I am honored to have this hall named for my parents, who sacrificed so much to give me a Marist education." Pat's journey to Poughkeepsie began on Long Island. He was raised in Deer Park, attended St. Anthony's High School, and then came to Marist in 1969. It is a move he is clearly very thankful for. Pat said, "I've been blessed. I always hold Marist as really where a big portion of my success came from, certainly from the school but also the interpersonal relationships that I was able to create there." One of those relationships was with Marist Professor Dr. Jack Kelly, his economics teacher. He taught from having practical experience in the field, and Pat was mesmerized by him, which is probably one of the reasons why he looked to a career in business when he got out of school. Lavelle believes the founding principles of the Marist Brothers permeate the institution. As he said, "It's not right in your face, but it's there: strong ethics and doing business, say what you're going to do and then do what you say." Pat remembers the fun times with friends. He describes his time at Marist as a fest for four straight years. He was a member of the wrestling team and one of the members of our first club lacrosse team. Relationships are a common theme when talking to Pat. On the plaque outside Lavelle Hall, Pat added a personal message to all the students who walk these halls: "Your lives will be enriched by those you meet here. Cherish the friendships made; they will be lifelong." Lavelle said, "The relationships that I created at Marist and the people that I met and am still friendly with today had a big positive impact on my life. One of my friends recommended me for a job, and that certainly put me on a path that without that relationship would have been different." That job was at the Hartford Group, and one of his clients was AudioVox, now Vox International. After working with their management team for a short while, he was offered a position as Northeast Regional Sales Manager. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, holding various positions, and was made President of Audiovox Electronics in 1993 and was appointed to its board at that time. Pat was made CEO and President of Audiovox Corporation in 2005. Under his direction, Vox diversified into the mobile electronics category and quickly became a dominant manufacturer of automotive entertainment and security systems. Today, the company owns nine of the top selling security brands in the US. Lavelle led the team's acquisition of a variety of audio and electronics brands. Perhaps the most significant acquisition to date has been the addition of Klipsch, which along with the company's existing business has given Vox number one market share in the premium loudspeaker category at retail. More recently, the company acquired Onkyo, a premium manufacturer of audio receivers and amplifiers. Additionally, the company has rapidly expanded its automotive business and today supplies products to Stellantis, Chrysler, Daimler Benz, Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Kenworth, and a number of other heavy truck manufacturers. To diversify, Vox acquired a leader in biometric identification to extend their scope to include perimeter access infrastructure, IT, and password protection technology and products. A well-respected veteran of the consumer electronics industry, Lavelle has been the Chairman of the Consumer Electronics Association and executive board. Currently, Pat sits on the CEA executive board as industry advisor. Lavelle has also been honored by the Anti-Defamation League of New York with its American Heritage Award for promoting growth, diversity, and democratic ideals in the workplace. Pat has always been an active and passionate Marist supporter. A college trustee since 2005, Lavelle led the Marist Fund campaign as National Chair for 2016 through 2018. He served as a National Alumni Division Chair for the 2004 and 2005 Marist Fund campaigns and was a member of the committee that led the campaign for Marist, which successfully concluded in 2012 after exceeding its goal. Pat currently sits on and is the Chair of the Advancement Committee. Lavelle's generous philanthropy has included not only monetary support but also in-kind gifts such as cutting-edge audiovisual equipment for Tenney Stadium, the multi-purpose academic building, and the renovated Student Center. Through Vox, Pat has three children: Megan, Kate, and Michael, class of 2002, who married a fellow Red Fox, Kristen Stevens, class of 2005. He also has seven grandchildren: Charlotte, Emily, Penelope, Hannah, Cameron, Sloan, and John. At the dedication of Lavelle Hall, Pat said, "It is my fond hope that as tomorrow's leaders walk the halls of the building that bears my family's name, they will form the lasting relationships that will follow them for life. I have had that good fortune, and I wish it for all my Marist brothers and sisters. I must say that I am quite humbled and honored to be here today, but most of all, I am happy to be home." To which the Marist community heartily responds, "Welcome home, Pat. We're glad you're here." Congratulations to the 2023 Dr. Dennis J. Murray Distinguished Service Award recipient, Patrick M. Lavelle, Class of 1973.