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
Years at UB: 21
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
Years at UB: 8
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
Years at UB: 1
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
Years at UB: 2
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
Emma Bailey
she/her
Hometown: Chittenango, NY
Major: Psychology
Graduation year: Spring 2022
Take advantage of all the amazing opportunities UB has to offer like clubs, research, and events. By diving in and taking full advantage of everything, you’ll really get the most out of your UB experience.
Jada Mowatt
she/her
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Major: Chemical Engineering
Graduation year: Spring 2022
I found my place at UB through my Daniel Ackers Scholars Living Learning Community (LLC) in Dewey Hall, engineering clubs such as AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) and NBSE (National Society of Black Engineers), and academic small groups offered by UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences! I love connecting with others around our academic interests.
Ethan Nhan
he/him
Hometown: Queens, NY
Major: Computer Science
Graduation year: Spring 2022
After attending general body meetings for many different clubs, I found my home here at UB with True Blue (the student section for all UB sporting events). I found a club where I can connect with others about interests that I have outside of the classroom. New students, consider trying different clubs until you find your home!
Lia Sitrin
she/her
Hometown: Hillsborough, NJ
Major: Business Administration
Graduation year: Spring 2022
My advice to incoming students is to avoid getting swept up in the pressure of someone else’s idea of what your college experience should be. I didn’t join any clubs my first year because I wanted to figure out my academic lifestyle first. Just like I did, move at your own pace and tailor your experience to what’s best for you!
Devonte Tolliver
he/him
Hometown: Queens, NY
Major: Neuroscience
Graduation year: Spring 2022
It’s okay to not have everything figured out when you start college. This is the time to step out of your comfort zone, explore, and grow as a person. While you’re at UB, strive to be open-minded, meet new people, and immerse yourself in the campus to help discover who you truly are.
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