In the program’s inaugural year, the American College Personnel Association recently selected Jaclyn Vento, director of orientation and special events at SUNY Old Westbury, as a “Next Generation Mentor” for undergraduate students nationwide interested in pursuing a career in student affairs. Vento, a Massapequa resident, will be paired with mentees for a one-year term, which includes the annual ACPA Next Generation Conference.
“I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the Next Generation conference 10 years ago as a sponsored student and that changed my career path and life immensely,” said Vento. “Being able to give back to this field and the leaders of its future is an honor and I hope to create a similar life-changing experience for my ACPA Next Generation mentees as I experienced myself.”
Vento joined Old Westbury in 2013 and has transformed its First-Year and Transfer Orientation programs to assist new students in making a successful transition into the academic life and social engagements at the college. In addition to her nine years of student affairs experience at additional regional colleges in student activities, academic advising, and commuter student life, Vento participates on various campus committees including Panther Pride Homecoming and the President’s Fall Convocation.
“The Division of Student Affairs is proud of the work Jaclyn has accomplished during her time at Old Westbury, where she already mentors our own students in various capacities on a daily basis,” said Usama Shaikh, assistant vice president for student affairs. “With her abundance of experience and enthusiasm, we have no doubt she will have a profound impact on the lives of her ACPA Next Generation mentees too.”
Vento received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, with a minor in philosophy from Stony Brook University, and a Master of Arts degree in Foundations of Education with concentrations in multicultural education and philosophy of education from Hofstra University.
ACPA is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that fosters college student learning by generating and disseminating knowledge for student affairs professionals and the higher education community. The association has more than 7,500 members representing 1,200 postsecondary institutions from across the United States, and around the world.
For more information on student life or orientation programming at Old Westbury, visit www.oldwestbury.edu/life.
—Submitted by Danielle Collins
