MMC Admissions Staff

Jim Rogers

With over 15 years of experience in college admissions, Jim joined Marymount Manhattan College in 2005 as Dean of Admission. Originally from Washington, DC, he relocated to Tampa, FL where he received his B.A. in Marketing from The University of South Florida and a M.B.A. From The University of Tampa. He was drawn to the excitement and limitless opportunities of New York City and to Marymount Manhattan for its focus on the student as an individual. Dean Rogers is responsible for the marketing, advertising, recruitment, and admission of qualified students to the College.

"There is a perfect college for every student. My advice is to do your research, make a list of things that make you happy. Do you want to be in a city or in the suburbs, do you want a big or small school, do you need individual attention, what do you envision as the ideal student environment? These are just a few of the questions to ask. My staff and I are eager to help you learn if MMC is what you envision. I encourage you to visit and let us answer your questions and only then will you know if Marymount Manhattan College is the perfect college for you."

Lisa Velez joined MMC in 1994 as a student in the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). She attended classes part-time and worked in the Office of Admission full-time while completing a B.A. in Psychology. She refers to her experience at MMC as an amazing opportunity. Lisa has now worked in the Office of Admission for over 13 years and is committed to the success of the students and making each of their experiences as fulfilling as possible. Lisa coordinates and plans of all Admissions related events. In addition, she is responsible for many of the operations related processes on a day-to-day basis.

"Take your time and consider all options when deciding on the college that will provide you with an experience for a lifetime. Having been a Marymount Manhattan student, I guarantee that if you choose MMC, you won't regret it."

Orteg Dakaj

Orteg Dakaj joined the Admission team at Marymount Manhattan in 2009 as Director of International Recruitment & Multicultural programs. He relocated to New York from Wichita, Kansas to join Marymount. A professional international educator, Orteg has travelled to over 40 countries, across five continents, and is responsible for broadening the scope of international recruitment and campus internationalization efforts to better serve the MMC student community. He also coordinates the college's International Student Orientation and multi-cultural programs.

"Each year over half a million students visit the United States to study. In today's ever expanding global environment, higher learning at an institution as diverse as Marymount Manhattan – located in the world's financial capital – is designed to provide international students with a solid foundation for worldwide career success and professional accomplishment. Please allow us to assist you in turning your dream of an American education into an attainable reality!"

Troy L. Cogburn

Troy joined the Marymount Admission team in 2008. Originally from Pelham, New York, Troy graduated from The University of Tampa in 2006 with a B.A. in Performing Arts. While there, Troy worked in the Office of Admissions for four years, as well as one year with the office of residence life. Troy sits on the executive board of the New York State Transfer Articulation Association and also serves as co-chair for the downstate region. He is the advisor to current transfer students at MMC, and the admission liaison to the Bedford Hills College Program.

"You will know when you find the right college. Give yourself time to explore the options out there before making your decision. Ask questions. Talk to professors, students, and administrators. Make sure that, in choosing a college, you truly believe that you are about to embark on a journey that will impact your life in a positive way for years and years to come."

Sandra Altman

Enthusiastic and committed to being part of the Marymount Manhattan College team, Sandra embarks on her newest journey in Admission while pursuing a career in Higher Education. In May 2011, she received her B.A. in Communication Studies at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. Sandra remained in Pennsylvania after graduating to work as an AmeriCorps member where she recruited student volunteers for community outreach events at Juniata College. Pleased to return to her home state of New York, she already finds herself working amongst supportive, professional and amiable co-workers. Sandra is certainly anticipating her admission travels within New York City and meeting several prospective students who may join the flavorful Marymount mix.

"Several may advise that college is ‘what you make of it.' I've concluded that Marymount Manhattan College is for the making, rather. A student from MMC is transformed, molded, made—whatever the term—in order to apply and experience the vast array of opportunities and studies at our liberal arts institution."

Alexandra Berry

Alexandra joined Marymount Manhattan College in 2012 from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut where she was an International Student Advisor. As an ISA she had direct interaction with students from over 80 different countries expanding her cross-cultural knowledge in addition to Immigration rules and regulations. Along with Orteg Dakaj, Alexandra's role will be to expand the international department, specifically recruiting throughout the Western Hemisphere. She is also involved with multi-cultural activities and events on campus to increase and promote diversity.

"Marymount Manhattan College is a great home-away-from-home, especially for international students. Our small institution in a neighborhood setting and unique flare acts as a home base providing our students with the confidence to take risks and try new things. The world is yours to explore and we will be here to help you discover the unknown."

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Alexandra Giorgio

Alexandra joined the Admission Staff at Marymount Manhattan College in 2012. She graduated in 2011 from Quinnipiac University with a B.A. in Public Relations. During her time at Quinnipiac she worked as a Student Ambassador in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions providing prospective students and families with campus tours. She also held several leadership roles throughout her college career including Vice President of Public Relations; Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity and intern to the Associate Vice President of Public Relations. Alexandra is excited to join the admissions team at Marymount Manhattan College, as she believes that a foundation in liberal arts helps foster long term success.

"Your college experience extends far beyond the classroom. When choosing a college consider the extracurricular activities that they offer as well. Be sure to get involved in as many of the opportunities your college has to offer, as they will help you grow as an individual and meet new people."

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Jaclyn Hall

Jaclyn joined the Admissions Staff at Marymount Manhattan College in 2011. Born and raised in New Jersey, she is thrilled to return to the tri-state area after completing her B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy at Hartwick College and her M.S. in Student Affairs Counseling at Syracuse University. While in upstate New York, Jaclyn worked in admissions, residence life and as an academic counselor at local community development programs. She is excited to work with students and families at Marymount Manhattan, as she values the strength of a small college community coupled with the vast opportunities a liberal arts education provides.

"Finding the perfect fit in a college can be an exciting and overwhelming process. Do your research by visiting campuses, reaching out to academic departments, learning about campus life and reaching out to your supports. Be active in your search process and you'll be on the right path to success."

Paul Kohler

Paul joined the Admission Staff at Marymount Manhattan College in 2011. He graduated in 2010 with a B.S. in Marketing from the State University of New York at New Paltz. While at New Paltz, Paul worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admission as a Student Ambassador, giving tours of the campus to potential students and their families. He also took on other various leadership roles including serving as a Resident Assistant and Freshman Orientation Leader. Paul was drawn to Marymount Manhattan College for it's ability to provide students with a small community feel, while still allowing them to take advantage of all the opportunities that New York City has to offer.

"Be sure to take your time and find a school that fulfills your individual needs. The best way to narrow down your top choices is to schedule a visit and experience them first hand. This is the single greatest way to ensure a good fit."

Chris Levine

Chris joined the Marymount Manhattan College community in 2011 when he began working in the Center for Student Services. After more than a year of being with the college, he decided to bring his experience and his personality to the Office of Admission. Originally growing up on Long Island, Chris graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz with a B.A. in English and a minor in Theatre Arts. It was there that he became heavily involved in Higher Education, working for Admissions, Residence Life, Student Development, and Student Affairs. Chris is constantly inspired by the driven, focused, and talented students that are here at Marymount.

"Finding the perfect college for you is like wearing the perfect shoe—you know when it fits. The excitement and the anxiety are well-worth it when you find the college of your dreams. Remember that so much of your education comes from your experiences outside of the classroom, too! The things you learn while in college will change you for a lifetime."

Sarah Rosenblum

Sarah joined the Admission team at Marymount Manhattan College in 2012. She earned a B.A. in English and a minor in Art History from Union College in Schenectady, New York. While at Union, Sarah served as a Gatekeeper tour guide for four years and as the alumni admissions intern during her senior year. Sarah also interned in the admissions office at Sarah Lawrence College in the summer of 2011. Although she is originally from Los Angeles, Sarah is thrilled to be in NYC and feels lucky to be part of the MMC community. She is a strong advocate for a liberal arts education and has found Marymount Manhattan College to be a welcoming and vibrant community.

"College is a match to be made not a prize to be won." My high school guidance counselor had this quote taped to her door when I was applying to college and I thought it was great advice. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the college admissions process. Try to maximize this time as a chance to hone in on your interests, discover your passions, and find a school where you can thrive and be yourself. I encourage you to visit our campus and see for yourself what MMC is all about. We hope to see you in Manhattan soon!

Dolly Sengsavang

Dolly joined the Admission team at Marymount Manhattan College in 2012 after relocating from Boston, MA. She earned her B.A. in History and a concentration in American Sign Language & Deaf Studies and Asian Studies from the College of the Holy Cross. While at Holy Cross, she worked extensively with the Admission Office as a student tour guide, and the Office of Student Development as the Student Coordinator for freshmen orientation. Dolly was drawn to Marymount Manhattan College because of its strong liberal arts foundation, and the small community feel it offers while being in one of the largest metropolitan cities. Dolly's responsibilities include overseeing the front desk of the office while being the first point of contact for prospective students and their families. She also works with the student assistants and assists with the day-to-day operations in the office.

"The college process is an exciting and overwhelming experience. Be sure to take the time to really get a feel of each school you visit –whether it is through campus visits, sitting in a class or meeting with staff and faculty members. If you can picture yourself growing and learning at the college for the next four year, then you will know it is the right fit."

Dionne Cooney

Dionne Cooney became a member of the admissions team in 2007. With years of experience from LaGuardia Community College she became Coordinator of Admission Support Operations at Marymount Manhattan College. Dionne, with 17 years of experience, was built to work in higher education and her passion for this job is amazing. Some of her many responsibilities are to oversee data entries clerks and she is also a liaison for many departments. Dionne is very thankful for her change of scenery and is happy to be part of the MMC community.

"Don't let anyone tell you you're not capable of making it."

Amanda Garay-Cedeno

Amanda Garay is a 2006 graduate of Marymount Manhattan College. She holds a B.A. degree in Humanities and was a member of the Higher Educational Opportunity Program (HEOP). She worked as a student worker throughout her four years at MMC and has since secured a full-time position in the Office of Admission. Amanda's responsibilities include the processing and maintenance of all admission related documents and records. She also acts as a liaison between the operations side of admission and key departments around the College. She is grateful for all her experiences and opportunities offered to her both as a student and later as a staff member.

"Imagine your ideal college experience because every student is different and has different expectations of what they want out of a college. Marymount Manhattan is where a student can receive individual attention here on campus and still have the opportunity to enjoy the culture of New York City and individual growth."

Melissa Gonzallz

Melissa Gonzallz joined Marymount Manhattan College in 2011 with the focus and commitment necessary to aid the Admissions department during their busiest seasons.  Working as a Data Entry Clerk, Melissa assists with the flood of prospective student records regularly received by the Admissions team.  After working for four years in Social Services and equally in Data Entry, she was drawn to Marymount's mission of nurturing the student's mind and promoting growth.  She is grateful to be a part of the collective effort of Marymount Manhattan College to achieve this goal and looks forward to helping students move along on their paths.

"All of us, especially the student, will sometimes doubt ourselves or worry of failure in comparison to something or someone else. But two things are always true. One, is that everyone has their own walk in life, comparing only distracts from it. And the other is that there is no failure, there are just many paths."