June 15, 2018 — From June 5-8, Marist played host to the first-ever joint conference of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) and the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC), otherwise known as the 2018 Super Conference. 

The College’s Admissions team spent more than a year planning this event because of the significant visibility it provided.  It was a unique opportunity for Marist to welcome nearly 1,900 college planning professionals from all over New York and New England to campus, where they experienced firsthand what a unique, welcoming, and beautiful place the College is.  Said Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communication Sean Kaylor, “In an increasingly competitive admissions environment, we believe the exposure this conference brings will help Marist for years to come in terms of driving future enrollment, increasing understanding of our academic offerings, and strengthening brand awareness.”

Super Conference attendees had the opportunity to grow professionally, network, and learn from colleagues from the seven states represented by NYSACAC and NEACAC.  The conference included more than 120 sessions on a wide array of topics, including the role of emotion in enrollment decisions, the value of two- and four-year college collaboration, the power and impact of female mentorship, and engaging students on financial aid; more than 50 sessions on increasing inclusion, access, and success for all students; a Middle Management Institute for mid-career college admission professionals; an Executive Leadership Track for high school and community-based organization counselors; tours of Marist and other local colleges; late-night bingo and bocce; and an on-campus concert by Michael Cavanaugh of Broadway’s Movin’ Out. 

Guests of the conference also enjoyed a sampling of the best the Hudson River Valley has to offer through a series of evening excursions.  Destinations included the historic Oliver Hazard Payne Mansion, home to Marist’s Raymond A. Rich Institute for Leadership Development; the Franklin D. Roosevelt President Library and Museum; the scenic town of Rhinebeck; the Culinary Institute of America; and a cruise on the Hudson River.  Speaking of the river, many of the conference attendees were lodged in Marist’s new North Campus Housing Complex, which provides stunning views of the Hudson River.

At the end of a very busy week, Kaylor noted, “I’m proud of my team and grateful to the entire Marist community for helping to make the Super Conference such a success.  NYSACAC and NEACAC are both terrific organizations that give the members of our profession the knowledge and tools we need to positively impact the students we work with.”