Staff

Sarah M. Young, Executive Director for the Office of Student Leadership and Activities
Sarah has been working in Student Affairs for over nine years. Starting out in residence life at Syracuse University and Stony Brook University for five years she then moved in to the Associate Director of Student Activities position at Stony Brook. Before beginning in Student Affairs, Sarah worked in athletics for three years at Bethany College and Hamilton College. Sarah earned a Masters in Counseling Psychology from West Virginia University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Hamilton College. Sarah is dedicated to diversity and leadership development on campus. Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Stan Cherian - Director of Orientation / Associate Director for Student Leadership and Activities
Stan is a native of Philadelphia and now a proud Brooklynite. He received a bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy, and a master's in higher education administration from Temple University. Before coming to Hofstra, Stan worked at St. Joseph's University as the assistant director of student activities, and at Temple University's Student Activities Office as the assistant director. In 2001, Stan joined the staff of the Student Activities Office as the assistant director, where he was the adviser to the Student Government Association and Hofstra yearbook, Nexus. He was the director of Orientation and New Student Programs from 2006-09 and now has rejoined the Student Leadership and Activities office. Currently he oversees New Student Orientation, class programming and graduate student organizations.

Robyn Kaplan – Associate Director for Student Leadership and Activities
Robyn thrives on opportunities to connect with a diverse population of students and a dedicated community of colleagues. Valuing the co-curricular experience, and offering energy, creativity, and commitment to all that she does, Robyn is happy to be joining the Hofstra Pride. Graduating from Brandeis University with a concentration in Legal Studies and a double major in Politics and History, Robyn went on to pursue a Master’s of Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Connecticut, at which she worked for two years in Residential Life and Student Involvement. Following her passion for leadership development, campus activities, student advisement, and multicultural education, Robyn worked at Fairfield University for three years prior to coming to Hofstra. Excited to join the OSLA team, Robyn oversees our leadership initiatives, service opportunities, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and advises the Student Government Association. When she can, she loves to visit her family in New Jersey and travel.

Mario Bolanos - Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Activities (Greek Life)
Mario Bolanos is one of the assistant directors of the office and is overseeing fraternity and sorority life. He earned a bachelor of arts in history and a master’s in public administration/health administration from Kean University in Union, NJ. Previously, Mario served as assistant to the director of Greek life at Kean University and conducted a graduate internship in health care administration while completing his graduate work. Mario is a member of Iota Phi Theta National Fraternity and Order of Omega National Greek Honor Society. In his “spare time” he enjoys reading history books, visiting museums, and vacationing.

Jaclyn Congello-Vento - Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Activities (Spirit Support)
Jaclyn Congello-Vento graduated from Stony Brook University with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. She received a Master of Arts degree in Foundations of Education, with concentrations in Multicultural Education and Philosophy of Education from Hofstra University in 2008. She has been working at Hofstra since 2007 and started in the Office of Commuting Student Affairs and worked there until August 2009. As one of the Assistant Directors of Student Leadership and Activities, Jaclyn oversees the Orientation Leaders and Spirit Support and works closely on class programs and traditions.

Ashley Gray - Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Activities
Ashley Gray graduated from Hofstra University with both her Bachelor of Arts in English Publishing and her Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. A native of Pennsylvania, Ashley has found her home here on Long Island. As an undergraduate, Ashley was Editor-in-Chief of Hofstra's Font Arts and Literature Magazine and as a graduate student, she was a Graduate Assistant in both Center for University Advisement and Student Leadership and Activities. Ashley was also a Big Sister in Long Island's Big Brothers Big Sisters. Ashley's continued involvement in co-curricular activities led her to discover her passion for higher education. She loves working with a diverse student population, encouraging them to get involved and serve their communities. Ashley is excited to begin her professional career at Hofstra and help students make the most of their college experience. As an Assistant Director, she oversees Service and Leadership Development. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys the simple pleasures of life: laughing, the ocean, cantaloupe, and the stars.

Brendan Caputo - Assistant Director, Student Leadership and Activities
Brendan Caputo was born and raised in Valley Stream, Long Island. He has received a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies as well as a Master of Science in College Student Development Counseling. Both degrees are from Hofstra! Brendan was an Assistant Dean in the Center for University Advisement from October 2007 to March 2012 here at Hofstra, too. He will be working with academic, pre-professional, and social undergraduate clubs as well as helping to coordinate Welcome Week. When he is not in the office, Brendan enjoys spending time with family, going to the gym, and playing tennis.

Mary A. Gale – Senior Assistant To the Executive Director, Student Leadership and Activities
Mary began working at Hofstra in 2005 as a part-time secretary for Student Accounts. In 2008, Mary transferred to the Department of Management in the Zarb School of Business. In November 2012, she joined the staff of Student Leadership and Activities in a full-time capacity as a Senior Assistant to the Executive Director. Mary is a native Long Islander who resides in East Rockaway, with her husband, three children, and their Chocolate Labrador, Buddy.

Vicki Herlihy - Senior Executive Secretary, Student Leadership and Activities
Victoria Herhily attended Nassau Community College and Adelphi University before coming to work at Hofstra's Axinn Library in 1988. Vicki began working at Hofstra in October 2003. Her son Kevin is a member of the Class of 2013 and her daughter Sarah is a member of the Class of 2015! Vicki is working towards her B.S. degree in Community Health. When Vicki is not working she enjoys being with her family, cooking, knitting, gardening, walking with her 2 Wheaton Terriers and shopping for antiques.

Colleen M. Niemczyk - Senior Assistant To the Associate Director, Student Leadership and Activities
Colleen graduated from Fordham University with a B.A. in mathematics before coming to work part-time at Hofstra University's Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center in 2001. In 2003, she became a full time staff member Hofstra's Reading/Writing Learning Clinic. In 2013, she joined the staff of Student Leadership and Activities. Outside of work, Colleen enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, sailing, and kayaking.

Alexandra Panos – Graduate Assistant, Spirit Support
Alexandra Panos graduated from the University at Albany with a B.A in Psychology and a dual minor in Education and Sociology. At Hofstra, she is currently pursuing a M.S.Ed in School Counseling and is working as a Graduate Assistant for Spirit Support in the office of Student Leadership and Activities. Alexandra is from Bay Shore, NY and in her free time loves to run, spend time with friends and family, and cook.

Alicia K. Ryan - Graduate Assistant, Programming
Alicia graduated from Stony Brook University with a B.A. in Linguistics and a minor in Leadership Development. She is currently working toward her M.A. in Hofstra’s new Forensic Linguistics program. Outside of school and work, she enjoys adventuring the outdoors (especially on roller blades), frequenting tearooms, and going to festivals with family, friends and her dogs.

Melissa Mayard – Graduate Assistant, Service and Leadership
Melissa was raised here in Long Island, New York. She attended Stony Brook University where she found her love for education and helping others. Melissa received her Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor degree in Africana Studies. She currently attends Hofstra University where she will be receiving her Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies. In her free time, she enjoys reading a heart racing mystery, dancing to the rhythm of a beat, or a relaxing shopping day with her friends. Her parents came to the United States from Haiti with hopes of seeing their children succeed. Melissa hopes to make them proud one day.

Nicole Thomas – Graduate Assistant, Fraternity & Sorority Life
Nicole Thomas graduated from Honors College at St. John's University with a B.A. in English and a minor in Graphic Design. She is currently working at Hofstra as the Graduate Assistant for Fraternity & Sorority Life while pursuing an M.S.Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. She is excited to be part of the Hofstra community! Nicole was born in Brooklyn, NY and currently lives on Long Island in New Hyde Park. In her free time, she loves to paint, go to the beach, and fine dine, but her favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends.