Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Leadership, Robin Diller Torres

Contact:

Office - Student Center Rotunda Rm. 385
Campus Phone: 845-575-3517
E-mail: Robin.Torres@marist.edu

Main Duties: 

In her current role as Assistant Dean of Student Engagement & Leadership, Robin is responsible for the oversight of the Offices of First Year Programs and Student Activities, Orientation, Emerging Leaders, Student Government, and other strategic initiatives in the division of Student Affairs. Robin has served as an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Communication and the Arts since 1996.

About Robin:

Hometown: Born and raised in New York, New York - The East Village.

Education:  

BA, Literature - SUNY Purchase; MA, Psychology - Marist College

Licensed Mental Health Counselor - New York State

Advanced Certificate in Executive Leadership - Cornell University

My earliest Marist Memory...dates back to 1989, when the wonderful staff here allowed me - a total stranger -- to borrow Adrian Hall (a building that no longer exists) to host an event for another college. That was the first time I experienced the strong sense of community and generosity that exists on this campus. Three years later, I interviewed, accepted a job, and moved here with my family. It was a great decision.

My parents used to always say to me...be positive...no matter what it is, it can always be better, but it should never be worse.

One of my favorite movies is...Patch Adams. Anyone who knows me knows I share the belief that "laughter is the best medicine!" As a student and teacher of community psychology, how can you not love a movie about a change agent who defies labels, solves problems by thinking outside the box, and recognizes that each of us are healers. My favorite line from the film: "If you focus on the problem, you can't see the solution. Never focus on the problem!"

My friends would describe me as...humorous, caring, trustworthy, persuasive and honest to a fault. Oh, there is also klutzy, verbose and the single worst driver they know!

My biggest "mentors" growing up were my parents...My Father was a brilliant, honorable man who forgot in this life  more than most will ever learn. He inspired us to read, to be musical, to live in the moment and to treat everyone with respect. My Mother...no one had or will ever have the intuition, humor or overall "people-smarts" that were her inherent gifts.

If I could travel anywhere, I'd go to...Israel. After 8 years of Hebrew School and many years teaching the language and culture to little kids and teens, I'd love to "test drive my linguistical skills" and I hear the falafel is terrific. As an update, I was fortunate enough to experience this dream in March 2010 during Marist's first spring attachment course in Israel. It was an unforgettable experience and "yes, the falafel is amazing!"

When not busy with things at Marist...I spend as much time as I can with my husband, twin teenagers, son, and puppies. I teach Community Psychology, Public Presentation, and Psychology of Self Development at Marist, and serve as a Trustee and "Gabbai" for my synagogue. I am a writer presently working on my next book, and I serve on the Advisory Board of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am also a Gallup certified Executive Coach and I provide leadership workshops in the Hudson Valley area.  In addition to my beautiful family, I am blessed with a large "family of friends," that I spend as much time with as I can. Hobbies are reading, music, social media and "compulsive cleaning."

My message to the students of Marist is..."Make it your own." Maximize all that is here for you to create a unique and meaningful experience. Take that tough class that interests you. Why not add that second major or minor? Choose a unique Pathway. Study abroad if you can (believe me, you can). Go out of your way to meet wonderful people who are nothing like you...but who share your sense of values. Be a leader, that's why we chose you in the first place. Above all else, if you have one of those days where you feel like "no one cares," know that a number of us have chosen to make your success our life's work!