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

Outdoor headshot of Matt Ardila-Weigand.

he/him

DIRECTOR
Hometown: Horseheads, NY
Years at UB: 23

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

Outdoor headshot of Chrissy Daniel.

she/her

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
Hometown: Willard, OH
Years at UB: 10

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. 

Ann Marie Lester

Outdoor headshot of Ann Marie Sperrazza.

she/her

COORDINATOR - OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Years at UB: 4

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!

Tommy Linares

Outdoor headshot of Tommy Linares.

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COORDINATOR - STUDENT STAFF
Hometown: Bay Shore, NY
Years at UB: 3

The UB community is dedicated, passionate, and all-around inspiring. I love being able to share my love for the Buffalo community, as well as appreciate UB pride with amazing student leaders and a strong team of dedicated staff. It's truly a great place to take part in a student's journey to success! 

Meg Syrell

Outdoor headshot of Meg Syrell.

she/her

COORDINATOR - INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
Years at UB: 4

I am grateful to be a part of the UB community and to work with such diverse, caring, excellent students. I love being able to support new international students as part of a team dedicated to setting students up for success as they begin to navigate their college experiences.

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.

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.

Welcome Weekend Leader Student Staff

Welcome Weekend Leaders (WWLs) are undergraduate student staff who implement Welcome Weekend, the official kick-off to the fall semester for new students. 

WWL helps to form the UB photo at the New Student Welcome.

Welcome Weekend Leaders help form the human interlocking UB during the New Student Welcome.

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

Review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).