Meet the Staff
The Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs team helps new students successfully begin their college journey. Through the "New to UB" programs students prepare for academic and personal success as new UB Bulls.
On this page:
Full Time Professional Staff
Matt Ardila-Weigand
he/him
DIRECTOR
Hometown: Horseheads, NY
This is my 20th year working at UB.
UB students are smart, motivated, and passionate about making a difference in the world. It’s a privilege for me to work with and learn from them every day, as they prepare for life in and beyond college.
Chrissy Daniel
she/her
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Hometown: Willard, OH
This is my 8th year at UB.
There’s something special about UB and the students who choose to study here. Our “New to UB” programs allow us to prepare students for a meaningful college experience from the start of their journey.
Val Luutran
she/her
COORDINATOR - STUDENT STAFF
Hometown: Holtsville, NY
I spent a summer interning at UB in 2018 and loved it so much, I came back full time in January 2020.
I love being part of the experience as new students begin their journey at UB, and that I get to work with a phenomenal team of student leaders who help make that transition smoother. The genuine love for UB that our students bring to Summer Orientation, Welcome Weekend, and Year One programs makes me feel lucky to come to work every day.
Ann Marie Sperrazza
she/her
COORDINATOR - OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
A little over a year
Spending time away from my hometown caused my “BuffaLOVE” to grow exponentially. In my position, I love sharing my hometown love with all of UB’s newest Bulls, while also helping to create memorable programs that support their transition to UB!
Orientation Team Leader Student Staff
Orientation Team Leaders (OTLs) are returning Orientation Leaders (OLs) who loved working with new students and families so much, they came back for a second year! OTLs work closely with OTPP professional staff to provide mentorship to both new students and Orientation Leaders, and support orientation program planning and implementation.
Meet the Orientation Team Leaders
Sigmund Agbisit
he/him
Hometown: Westbury, NY
Major: Nursing
Graduation year: Spring 2021
College is an experience like no other. Now is the time to really branch out and explore all the unique experiences and opportunities that UB has to offer! I grew as a person and learned a lot about leadership and teamwork by joining the orientation team and the Filipino American Student Association (one of the many clubs that UB houses).
Lauren Friedman
she/her
Hometown: Glen Cove, NY
Major: English Education (UB Teach Combined Degree Program)
Graduation Year: Spring 2023
The best advice I could give to a future Bull is to immerse yourself in the UB community. UB works super hard to foster events to build community, such as sports games, Resident Assistant (RA) and hall council events, and late night programming. Although some of them may feel a little cheesy, bring a buddy and branch out!
Brianne Jimenz
she/her
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Graduation Year: Spring 2022
College is a new and exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. It’s important to always get your work done, of course, but you should also make some time for yourself to relax. Your mental health is just as important as your grades!
Andy Whitehead
they/them
Hometown: New York, NY
Major: Psychology and Health and Human Services
Graduation Year: Spring 2021
It is okay to fail! College is a great experience with so many different things to explore and people to meet. You aren’t going to be great at all of it, but there are so many resources and people to help you along the way.
Orientation Leader Student Staff
Orientation Leaders (OLs) are undergraduate students who play an integral role in assisting new students and their families as they transition to life at UB. From orientation through your first semester, OLs are available to serve as mentors and share their expert insight as UB students.
Meet the Orientation Leaders
Meet the team and how they help new students figure out how to be "new to UB".
In this video OLs recite the "OL chant" over a Zoom call.
Contact us
Helping new students transition to life at UB:
Orientation, Transition and Parent Programs
Student Life
University at Buffalo
112 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Phone: (716) 645-6125