Maegan Gindi

Why did you decide to become an administrator?
Sophomore year in college. I was an RA and thought that was the best job...a great chance to build a community, create a welcoming environment, solve problems, respond to crisis situations, assist others in navigating the complex system of a college campus, and to have a positive influence on others. My current job isn’t that different from the first one I had at the University of Delaware 25 years ago...

How did you wind up at RIT?
I was working at the University of Rochester as Dean of Students and this position [Vice President of Student Affairs] opened up, which offered more responsibility, a larger student population, a more diverse population — especially with the presence of NTID — and the opportunity to join a strong student affairs team.

We have work to do to continue to make the student experience strong and enjoyable. I’m up for the task. I have tried to be accessible and listen to students. I’m working hard at being visible, which has been hard with the extra time constraint of going back to school.

What do you enjoy most about RIT?
The students, the possibilities, the energy, and the intersection of all three.

What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in Rochester?
Jogging, reading, and learning. I love the Public Market, the canal, and hanging out with friends. We have a family place in the Poconos and it’s great to go there and unwind and be with my extended family. We go biking and skiing there and just unplug from our normally hectic pace.

You have many degrees and are currently working on adding an Executive Doctor of Management degree. What motivates you to pursue those degrees?
Education has always opened doors for me. Each one of my degrees has added a skill set or exposed me to additional perspectives. I am hoping to do more scholarship in the next few years and this current degree program has honed my qualitative and quantitative skills. It has been a great deal of work, but worth it!

What are your thoughts on the Imagine RIT Festival?
Loved it, loved it, loved it...It was great to see faculty and staff bring their family members. It felt like a community to me. I look forward to seeing how we can enhance it for next year. More music would be something I’d like to see.

As Vice President for Student Affairs you have worked with many students. Is there a story that particularly stands out for you?
Lots of great stories — lots of wonderful people that I have gotten a chance to know. Certainly one story that stands out is when Dr. Simone was hosting a pool party for the RAs and OAs. After we acknowledged all their effort and hard work, we ended up jumping into the pool with them (fully clothed). The students in the pool were shocked, they just didn’t expect it. There are many more...the Cornell game this year down at the Blue Cross Arena.

What do you feel is the most important advice you can give to students?
You gotta get involved. It will make all the difference between a mediocre and a great college experience.

Which university have you enjoyed the most so far?
Why, RIT of course! Second, the University of Delaware, which is pretty close to RIT in terms of size and academic programs. I liked the size (about 15,000 students), a vibrant student life and large enough to meet some pretty interesting people, which I certainly did... four and a half great years. It was large enough to get lost a bit and have some anonymity and just enough affinity groups to be connected.

What program would you like to see instated at RIT, and why?
Maybe a mandatory study abroad program — I wish I had done that in college. The more options, the better for students. Possibly another facility on campus for intramural programs, near the residence halls or Global Village. We have such a demand for recreational space; it would be great to have more places for students.