Welcome to the NYSACAC Newsletter! Please feel free to send any feedback or suggestions to [email protected]. We hope you enjoy the Newsletter!

                                                                                              - NYSACAC Newsletter Committee

the General Membership Meeting in person to hosting it virtually over Zoom to provide everyone the opportunity to attend the meeting and save on high fees associated with hosting a meeting at the convention center. Instead of the General Membership Meeting reception at the convention center, we hosted an informal NYSACAC reception so our members could still have the opportunity to engage with each other.  It was a well attended event and we thank Nazareth University for their hospitality and hosting the event.  We hope to make this a new NYSACAC tradition.  

Since our last General Membership Meeting in June we had our Executive Board Retreat in July at Marist University.  Thank you to Marist University for having us and thank you to the Culinary Institute of America for hosting the Executive Board for dinner and a tour!

Committees hit the ground running and started planning with their Vice Presidents.  The full board met with Meryll Lynch who manages our accounts.  They called us the “poster child for non profit organizations” as we have always strived to maintain a balanced budget.  Kudos to the Finance Committee and Executive Board over the years for earning that great title.

Anticipating hurdles ahead, the board talked about ways to ensure the fiscal health of the organization and brainstormed new ideas with the Finance Committee.  This comes in anticipation of the NACAC college fair revenue share officially ending in January.  After January we will not be guaranteed revenue share from the NACAC College Fairs hosted in NY and we will need to apply for a grant each year.  If we receive a grant, it will likely be much less than what we made in the revenue share agreement.

Rob Oliva, our Vice President for Finance has accomplished a lot in just a few months.  He has focused on tightening up fiscal policies and procedures for next year, introducing new ideas to bring in income while polishing up old ideas on sponsorship.  The Finance Committee is committed to presenting a balanced budget to be voted on at our December Executive Board Meeting.  

Our new Vice President for Communications, Brenna May, took on a big initiative creating a communications calendar, in addition to other projects.  Kudos to Brenna and the membership team for conducting a smooth roll out of our membership cycle this year.  

Over the summer, committees under the Vice President of Professional Development, Rob Robinson, and the Vice President of Impact and Success (newly renamed), Danny Robinson, completed programming.  A successful Camp College was hosted at SUNY Geneseo in July.  Shortly after that we hosted Summer Institute in August for the first time at  Marist University, after many years at Skidmore College.   We kicked off the school year with Student Leaders in Admissions Forum at SUNY Albany, webinars, opening our ‘25-’26 membership cycle, and college fairs. 

With the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action to the challenges of navigating FAFSA delays in the last year, we have all felt the impact. While there are many things outside of our control, we continue to focus on the things we can control.  It is important that we continue to share our stories as educators and administrators to help humanize the impact of proposed policies.  We are urging our members to join NYSACAC for Legislative Advocacy Day in Albany on February 10th and virtual Legislative Advocacy Day on February 12th so we can continue to advocate for resources and funding in

New York State. We are fortunate to live and work in a state that values higher education and NYSACAC continues to serve as a resource for those voting in Albany.  

The work the board has already accomplished in a short amount of time is inspiring and brings excitement for the year ahead.  We hope you take full advantage of what is still to come, including our 2026 Coming Together and Annual Conference at Nazareth University June 2-5.

Wishing everyone a safe and productive fall with some time for rest as we head into the holiday season.

Lauren Sangimino, NYSACAC President

The 2026 NYSACAC Coming Together and Annual Conference Steering Committees are already in full swing. After a fun social meetup at NACAC and introductions over Zoom, NYSACAC members from the across the state are hard at work planning an unforgettable conference experience. Mark your calendars for June 2 - 5 at Nazareth University in Rochester, NY. The entire Rochester community is looking forward to showcasing everything this vibrant city has to offer. This year’s annual conference theme, “Uniting Education & Action," couldn't be more timely and I am excited to see how it comes to life through your sessions, conversations, and collaborations. I recently had the chance to spend a gorgeous fall day exploring Naz's campus, which has so many beautiful spaces that will be perfect for connection, learning, and socializing. It's going to be great.

Please be on the lookout this winter for our “Call for Proposals” for the Coming Together Conference & Annual Conference. Now is the time to start brainstorming. If you have any questions over the next few months please feel free to email me at [email protected].

                                                                                                 Haniya Mee, NYSACAC President-Elect

Together, these efforts demonstrate our continued commitment to strong governance, thoughtful
leadership succession, and accountability in service to our mission and community. Another responsibility of the Past-President is to meet with our Regional Representatives. Over
the next few months, you will get to know them a bit more as they will contribute to our
organizations upcoming newsletters.

Dave Follick, Immediate Past President

Congratulations to our NYSACAC 2025 Scholarship recipients: Arianna Carrion, Max Ferran, Ben Liu, Amelia Mohammed, Emma Murphy, and Jenna Stevens! Thank you to the members who nominated their students. Learn more about our scholarship recipients below: 

Student Name: Arrianna Carrion

High School: Global Concepts Charter High School

College/University Attending: University of Rochester

"My name is Arianna Carrion, and I’m from Buffalo, New York. This fall, I’ll be attending the University of Rochester, where I plan to major in Environmental Health and pursue a career in biomedical research and public health. As a first-generation college student from a single-parent household, this scholarship represents more than just financial support; it’s a reminder that my hard work and passion are seen and valued. With the help of this award, I’ll be able to focus more fully on my studies and research, and continue working toward creating healthier, more equitable communities through science and policy."

Student Name: Max Ferran
High School: Niskayuna High School
College/University Attending: Clarkson University
"Growing up as a caregiver to my mother, who has cerebral palsy, has shaped my resilience, creativity, and drive. Time for personal projects was often scarce, but I learned to make the most of every moment. Now, as I begin my journey at Clarkson University to study Mechanical Engineering, the NYSACAC scholarship is giving me the freedom to fully engage in hands-on learning-especially in the maker space, where I'll work with tools like CNC machines and 3D printers. I also hope to begin writing a memoir to share my story and inspire others navigating challenges of their own."

Student Name: Ben Liu
High School: High School for Environmental Studies
University Attending: Hunter College
"Receiving this award will greatly support my journey toward becoming a registered nurse by easing the financial burden of college expenses. As someone who grew up in a low-income household, every bit of support makes a difference. The scholarship would help me focus more on my studies and clinical training, as well as help me afford essential supplies like textbooks, scrubs, and transportation. With less financial stress, I can dedicate myself fully to gaining the knowledge and experience needed to make a meaningful impact in an underserved community like my own."

Student Name: Amelia Mohammed
High School: Urban Assembly School for Law and Justice
College/University Attending: Molloy University
"As a recent high school graduate preparing to begin my college journey to become a nurse, receiving this $1000 scholarship means more than just financial support; it represents a step closer to my dream of helping others through healthcare. Nursing has always been a passion of mine, and this scholarship will help cover essential expenses like textbooks, supplies, and tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and clinical training. With this support, I feel more confident and motivated to succeed in my program and eventually give back to my community as a compassionate, skilled nurse."

Student Name: Emma Murphy
High School: Shenendehowa High School
College/University Attending: Hudson Valley Community College
"School has always been a safe and happy place for me as I grew up. Now that high school has come to an end, I find myself thinking of the future and how different my life will be. College can be both stressful and expensive, and receiving this scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with it. This support will continue to allow me to stay focused on my studies. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I look forward to achieving my goals. Thank you for your trust and support."

Student Name: Jenna Stevens
High School: Depew High School
College/University Attending: SUNY Oswego
"This scholarship that has been gifted to me will help me a tremendous amount. I have big dreams when it comes to my education and my future and this scholarship will truly help push me to become what I truly wish to be. My goal one day is to become a doctor, specifically a psychiatrist. I want to help others who struggle with mental health and other struggles. I will continue to work towards my future goals especially with the help of this scholarship. Nothing will be taken for granted."

Information regarding the 2026 NYSACAC Scholarship will be available in the new year.
A special thank you goes out to the 2025 Scholarship Committee for all of their hard work:  Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy (Syracuse University), Janna Bonacorsi (Yonkers Public Schools), Kate Gildard (Marist College), Joseph Izzo (Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School), Robert Kaercher (Byron-Bergan Junior/Senior High School), and Anthony Rinaldi (Ohio Wesleyan University).

For more information regarding the NYSACAC Scholarship program, please contact Co-Chairs Annemarie Cervoni (Orchard Park High School) and Lisa Searle (Ithaca College) at [email protected].

As we turn the page into November, the energy on Long Island is unmistakable: college application season is here. For students, families, and counselors alike, this time of year brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and deadlines. Equally important, it also ushers in College Fair season, providing invaluable opportunities for students to connect directly with admissions representatives and gather the information they need to make informed decisions about their futures.
The fall began with Nassau Community College hosting a successful SUNY Operation Inform (OpInform) on Friday, September 26, 2025. This event provided school counselors with critical updates on SUNY campuses, admissions practices, and program offerings. The professional exchange gave counselors valuable insight to bring back to their students and schools, ensuring that families across Long Island have the most current information about the opportunities available within the SUNY system.

Shortly thereafter, the Nassau Counselors Association (NCA) hosted its annual Fall College Expo on September 30, 2025, at Adelphi University. The event drew a strong turnout of students and families, with hundreds of colleges and universities represented. Attendees benefited from face-to-face conversations with admissions professionals, and counselors noted the enthusiasm and preparation that students brought to the fair.

Next up, the East End Counselors Association will host its Fall College Fair on October 14, 2025, at Riverhead High School, serving students across the East End communities. Just one day later, the Western Suffolk Counselors Association (WSCA) will welcome students and families to its Fall College Fair on October 15, 2025, at Hauppauge High School. This fair is expected to feature representatives from over 130 colleges and universities, making it one of the largest events of its kind in the region. Both the East End and WSCA fairs promise to provide students with excellent access to institutions of higher learning, as well as the chance to ask questions and build confidence as they navigate the college process.

Collectively, these events demonstrate the strength of Long Island’s counseling associations

in bringing resources directly to students and families. Looking ahead, the Long Island community will gather for one of its signature professional development events: the Long Island Counselors Association Conference (LICAC ‘25), which took place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at SUNY Old Westbury. This annual conference is a cornerstone for school counselors and college admission professionals across the region, offering workshops, networking, and timely updates on issues impacting the profession.

This year’s keynote presentation will be delivered by Joshua Varon, who will present “Unlocking
Potential: Empowering School Counselors with ChatGPT and AI.” As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into education and college access, this session will explore practical ways counselors can leverage AI tools to enhance their practice, support students more effectively, and streamline administrative tasks—while also maintaining the personal touch that is at the heart of school counseling. Together, the SUNY OpInform at Nassau Community College and the LICAC Conference at SUNY Old Westbury highlight the depth of Long Island’s professional learning community. From system-wide updates to innovative conversations about emerging technologies, these events reflect the region’s commitment to equipping counselors with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to best serve their students.

From professional growth opportunities to bustling college fairs, Region 1 continues to lead with
collaboration and innovation. As the college application season accelerates, Long Island counselors remain committed to guiding students through this critical journey with care, expertise, and creativity.

Dr. Ricky Papandrea, NYSACAC Region 1 Regional Representative

Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is… and if you’re like me, you are probably spelling out Jay-Z’s name in your head, when in fact you should be saying, “my name is Luis, uh, Lu to the I, S (or at least thinking about a long ago Camp College rhyme…it’s Shuuuuuba and Luis from Cuuuuuba.  IYKYK).”

My name is Luis Barcelo and I am a school counselor at Pelham Memorial High School who is honored to be back on the NYACAC board as your Region 3 Secondary Delegate!  In this role, I hope to bring back the concerns from our side of the desk over to our wonderful college based admissions colleagues.  I will of course need your help to do that and encourage you to reach out to me at [email protected].

I also see my role as one where I can bring back information to our community to better meet the needs of our students.  I will take this opportunity to share some insights (and hope you find them helpful) that I was blessed to discuss with a wonderful colleague and friend (looking at you Jaymes White) who picked my brain about uncovering resources for counselors.  I will start by acknowledging that I have been fortunate to work in a district that receives a lot of information on various opportunities for students, and I think it is important to ensure that as many students as possible can benefit from these resources.  I know that not every school has the connections that my school has, so I pass along information to friends I’ve met over the years.  

The connections with high school colleagues and collegiate allies were formed in many ways.  Being part of professional organizations, especially NYSACAC is key in this.  Over the years I developed some long standing friendships and relationships because of organizations like this one and it is easy to share information because of the network that has grown around me.  Attend the conference and speak to the presenters after a workshop.  Join something like the legislative committee and spend a cold November evening filling out holiday cards, with other members,  thanking legislators for their support of our initiatives.  Engage in conversations with other members of the profession over a game of bocce (and don’t worry about the outcome).   Become a Camp College mentor and be inspired by all the wonderful kids and adults who are there in solidarity to shape the future of our country.  These are all just a few of the wonderful experiences I had by way of NYSACAC and I hope you can find your own space to make these connections.

I am also blessed to have worked, and continue to work, in schools that truly value college visits and try to show admissions reps love when they come into our building.  I will start by saying, “I know it’s not always easy to carve out the time to meet with a rep, especially when there’s a crisis you have to address or letters that need to be written.”  However, having been on the college recruitment side many years ago I can share that it’s often tough for college representatives to get onto our campuses.  When I first began as a counselor I worked at Bronx Leadership Academy and at that school we always made sure to meet the representatives, introduce them to our students and remain in the space (if possible) for the entire period.  Remember that we are all here to address each other's needs as human beings and nothing is more intrinsic to that than connection.  I can tell you that over the years, these connections have made it easier to meet the needs of my students when specific things come up.  It has also helped me travel all over the country and internationally (I’m looking at you University of British Columbia) as I visit some wonderful campuses.  
We do our best work being part of a larger community that shares a commitment to changing lives.  Be an active part of it, and I promise that it will make this an incredible ride!

Luis Barcelo, Region 3 Representative 

What is region 5?

Region 5 is a wide range of areas in New York State that includes Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and parts of the North Country and Southern Tier regions. If your organization is in one of the following counties, you belong to NYSACAC’s Region 5: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Franklin, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Tioga, and Tompkins. 

College Representative
Brian Gleitsmann 
Senior Associate Director of Admissions 
Utica University in Utica, NY
[email protected] 

Secondary Representative
Mark Mason  
School Counselor 
Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY
[email protected]

What can we do for you?

 
As voting members on NYSACAC’s E-Board, we help define the Association’s policies, procedures, and programing. We represent your voice in that process and are here to advocate on your behalf when decisions are made. We are your resource for all things NYSACAC. We are here to support you, hear your concerns, and to keep you updated on professional development opportunities.  Please feel free to contact us with any of your questions, concerns, or comments!

This year, Madison Morgan and Anna Ragno were nominated to participate in NACAC’s NEXT Program—an inspiring journey designed to cultivate emerging leadership within the college admission counseling community.

About the NEXT Program
Launched in April 2023, the NEXT Program is a year-long professional development initiative crafted to bolster the leadership capacity of early- to mid-career professionals affiliated with NACAC and its regional bodies. This immersive experience combines:

• Virtual learning opportunities, including webinars curated with help from the Affiliate Presidents Council's LEAD Committee.
• In-person gatherings at the NACAC Annual Conference, featuring panel discussions with current and former leaders, plus facilitated small-group networking during First Timers Orientation.
• A focus on network building, leadership growth, and pathways toward affiliate and national volunteer roles.

NEXT participants also receive recognition on the NACAC website, a certificate of completion, access to a dedicated NACAC Engage community, and acknowledgment at the conference upon finishing the program.

Madison Morgan, alongside Brian Gleitsmann, spearheaded enhancements to NYSACAC’s internal communications—streamlining the state affiliate's newsletter to become more reader-friendly and content-rich.

Anna Ragno played a key role in keeping the affiliate’s website fresh and accessible, ensuring vital forms and information remained both current and quickly available to members. She then transitioned to a position as a Co-Chair for the Professional Development Committee, alongside Caitlin Domagal.

Their dedication to communications excellence and professional development undoubtedly aligned with the leadership competencies and community-building emphasis central to the NEXT Program.

Participating in NEXT offered Madison and Anna more than just an accolade; it provided:
Connections with national and affiliate leaders

Insight into their own leadership strengths

Access to volunteer and leadership paths within NACAC’s broader structure

Validation through formal recognition and peer acknowledgment at the annual conference.
Their contributions—ranging from enhancing internal communications to maintaining digital infrastructure—are cornerstones of affiliate vitality and reflect the kind of leadership NEXT aims to foster.

Madison Morgan: "As a young professional, the NEXT program gave me new insights and perspectives into the world of admissions and enrollment. While each session topic was valuable in its own way, I mostly enjoyed the opportunity for discussion and collaboration with other NEXT participants. Being able to interact with people from all over the world, and from both sides of the desk, was a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from others’ experiences, and build meaningful professional connections. With varying degrees of admissions experience our conversations were never boring - especially the Generational Divide session which focused on the differences of each generation and how we operate in the workplace. The NEXT cohort was a judgement free zone and allowed my peers and I to ask questions and share opinions freely which I appreciated."

Anna Ragno: "I found that the NEXT program provided an opportunity for us to connect with other leaders outside of our affiliate, while at the same time gaining industry insights and professional and personal growth. Even though I have worked in higher education for almost 15 years, I learned something new during every meeting. One of my favorite sessions was Leading With Strength, What We Do Best. Prior to the session, we were sent the High-5 assessment. The results were broken down to our top 5 strengths.

The exercise was not only eye-opening, but it also proved to be incredibly practical. Shortly after, I was in a job interview where I was asked about my strengths and how I apply them to my work. Instead of giving a generic response, I was able to share the printout of my results, providing specific strengths identified through the High-5 and give examples of how I use them in my role. Having that language and clarity allowed me to communicate my value more effectively and authentically. The NEXT program gave me tools that I continue to use in my professional journey."

Madison Morgan and Anna Ragno exemplify the future of NACAC leadership. Through the NEXT Program, they've deepened their professional networks, sharpened their leadership skills, and demonstrated how meaningful contributions can spring from strong communication, technological expertise and professional development. Their journey serves as both a milestone and a launchpad—for them and for the next wave of NACAC leaders.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 NEXT participant nominees:

Darnell Douglas
Hannah Kingsley
Courtney Stern

With nearly half of all undergraduates using Federal Student Loans, it’s clear that many
students and families you’ll be counseling will be using debt as a way to help pay for
College.

But how many of them know what a loan could actually cost them – before they make
that commitment? Understanding the impact of interest rates and payment terms could
make the difference between a loan they can afford versus one that results in ongoing,
crushing debt. It could even influence which college a student selects.

Yet do you really have the time to sit down with your students and their parents and go
over that kind of complicated math? The good news is you don’t have to! Because
College Money Matters has several quick-and-easy loan estimators on its website that
show the following:

• What a given loan amount will cost to pay back over time – including how much goes to the college and how much goes to the lender
• How different monthly payments affect the amount borrowed – a good tool for determining what’s affordable
• The impact that a Parent PLUS loan may have on the family budget

These helpful calculators are all free to use, with no ads, no agenda, and no log-in
required. Just go to this link: https://collegemoneymatters.org/before-you-decide/add-
up-your-loan-costs-before-you-commit/

We hope you’ll find this page – and all of collegemoneymatters.org – to be a helpful
resource to share with your students and their families, and for you, as well.

College Money Matters’ mission is to provide free and easy-to-understand information
about paying for college to students and their families. We do not take advertisements
or sell user information. We are unaffiliated and are not selling any products or services.
College Money Matters and its website, collegemoneymatters.org, rely on contributions
and grants so that we are not beholden to private lenders, universities or other
interested parties.

Nancy Goodman

Many enrollment strategies focus heavily on first-time freshmen. However, college students transferring to new institutions have emerged as fast-growing cohorts in higher education. According to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, transfer enrollment increased by 4.4% in the most recent reporting year. This follows a 5.2% rise the year before, an overall 8% increase since 2020. That growth is particularly significant considering the 14% decline in transfer activity during the pandemic years. The strongest gains occurred at primarily online institutions, where transfer enrollment grew 6.6% year-over-year, which is a 39% increase since 2020. Public four-year colleges experienced a 3.5% rise, while private four-year colleges saw a 1.4% increase from 2023 to 2024.

What does this mean? As institutions brace for the much-discussed “enrollment cliff,” the key to stability, and even growth, may lie in the often-overlooked transfer pathway. Investing in transfer initiatives could help institutions strengthen enrollment pipelines, recover from financial shortfalls, and generate new revenue to support future campus priorities.

This investment can take many forms: enhancing transfer team structures, adopting technology that streamlines credit evaluations and reduces administrative workload, and expanding partnerships with events and organizations that specifically support transfer recruitment.

Nearly half (48%) of prospective transfer students report they will not consider an institution unless they can clearly see how their credits will transfer, how those credits will apply to their degree path, and how long it will take to graduate. Moreover, 74% say they need to understand how transfer credits will lower the total cost of earning their degree.

Leveraging AI-powered tools like DegreeSight, which integrate with existing CRMs, can help institutions deliver transparency and personalized guidance. This results in strengthen both trust and conversion rates among transfer students.

Finding these students also requires intentional outreach. Events like Phi Theta Kappa’s Catalyst Conference, known as the nation’s largest in-person transfer fair, bring together thousands of high-achieving community college students and advisors from across the country. The next Catalyst, held March 26–28 in Baltimore, Maryland, offers New York State institutions a unique opportunity to connect directly with motivated, transfer-ready learners. PTK’s emphasis on academic excellence, leadership, and educational access aligns perfectly with institutional goals. In addition, their scholarship programs can further reduce financial barriers for students while supporting institutional retention and attainment outcomes.

In short, enhancing the transfer toolkit with advanced technology, strategic recruitment, and stronger partnerships can greatly improve access and success for both students and institutions.

Alex El Helou, Region 2 Representative

High school students passionate about science, technology, or entrepreneurship are invited to apply for the EFL Young Ambassadors program at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Selected students will attend EFL conference days, gaining firsthand insights from leading investors, startup founders, business experts, and NYU scientists.

Participation in the program is free of charge—there are no tuition or fees. Students joining virtually must provide their own computer and internet connection, while those attending in person are responsible for their own transportation to NYU Stern. If these requirements pose any challenges, please contact [email protected].

Camp College:

Camp College 2026 student applications are now open! We are searching for rising high school juniors and seniors to join us next July 22nd-24th at SUNY Geneseo to prepare for the college admissions and financial aid processes. We are recruiting committee members for Camp College 2026, which will be hosted at SUNY Geneseo on July 22nd - July 24th. Committee members can expect to commit around 2 hours per month to the committee. Those interested in joining the Camp College 2026 committee should complete the following link: https://forms.gle/1fhCoH6mWe41fM7W9

Newsletter:

Please join us in welcoming Makenna Youngs to the Newsletter Committee! Makenna, along with Madison and the rest of the committee, is excited to continue evolving and enhancing the NYSACAC Newsletter—bringing fresh ideas, new perspectives, and engaging content to our readers.

Want your content featured in our next newsletter? Send your updates and content to us at [email protected]

Contact Info:

New York State Association for College Admission Counseling

P.O. Box 28

Red Hook, NY 12571

[email protected]