Assistant Director of Student Activities, Gabrielle Occhiogrosso, announced last week she would be stepping down from her position at the end of the semester.
“It is very bittersweet, but I am leaving Manhattan College to pursue my career in higher education. I recently received my doctorate of education and I have accepted a position at the director level,” Occhiogrosso said.
However, Occhiogrosso is not going far as the director position she has accepted is at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. She will be the new Director of Student Activities, Leadership and Commuter Life.
“I will be right up Riverdale Avenue,” she said.
Occhiogrosso said that this was a very hard decision for her due to her long history and involvement at MC. She has been such an integral part of the Office of Student Activities on campus and worked as a residence hall coordinator at the college.
“I have so many memories. I do not even know where to begin.
“Watching our spirit squads at basketball games, hosting the Manzo family from Bravo, attending Broadway shows, watching students grow from freshmen year through graduation, seeing students in Locke’s, I have so many memories at MC. Most of all, I have worked with the best staff and students. I will miss them very much,” Occhiogrosso said.
When asked what her advice would be to her replacement, she said that “there is a true sense of community at Manhattan College. Get to know the students, the staff, administration, and the Brothers as much and as often as possible. I have made relationships at MC that will last me a lifetime and I can only hope the same for my replacement.”
The position for Assistant Director of Student Activities has been posted and has not yet filled for the upcoming semester.
Academic advisor in the School of Arts, Noreen Carey, will also be leaving the college.
“Noreen left because her husband Seamus Carey, a former philosophy professor at Manhattan College and now former Dean of Arts and Sciences at Sacred Heart University, took the position of President of Transylvania College in Lexington, KY. She was very sad to leave, but she has to go with her family,” Assistant Dean of the School of Arts Diana Cruz said.
While this decision was seemingly unannounced, it is evident that Carey left on a positive note and that it was also a bittersweet goodbye for her coworkers.
“Noreen is one of the most warm and friendly people you will ever meet. She’s never afraid to laugh at herself and I know she enjoyed her time at MC and getting to know the students,” Cruz said.
However, Carey’s position has been filled. Angie Thrapsimis, former office manager for the Dean of Students has taken over Carey’s role as academic advisor in the School of Arts. She is definitely a familiar face around campus and it is clear she is excited to take on this new position.
“For those that do know her, they know she loves the students here and wants the best for them,” Cruz said.
“That is the reason she got the position. My piece of advice would be just to come on in and say hi. The more we know you as individuals, the more we can help when you need it. You know that here in arts we enjoy talking to you about more than just classes. We want to hear all about you,” Cruz said.