Office for Student Involvement LC Staff
The Office for Student Involvement staff is composed of professional staff members committed to developing student leaders and serving the Fordham University community.
Christina Frankovic-Sepsi
Director
A native of Bergen County, New Jersey, Christina became the Director for Student Involvement in October 2022. Christina received her undergraduate degree from Fordham University and completed her Master of the Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel Administration from New York University. As a proud Alumnus of Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Christina served as an Orientation Leader and an Orientation Captain during her undergraduate years. She is so excited to welcome all of the new students to our Fordham family.
Daniel Patterson
Associate Director for First Year Experience
Daniel joined the Office for Student Involvement staff in January 2009. In this role as Associate Director for First Year Experience, he oversees the New Student Orientation program, and supervises the Commuter Freshman Mentor program. In these capacities, Daniel supports the transition of new students to the Lincoln Center campus by helping them acclimate to all aspects of life as a college student in New York City. Prior to coming to Fordham, Daniel worked as a Resident Director in First Year halls at Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from the Midwest, Daniel grew up in Illinois, received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Iowa, and his Master of Science degree in Counseling and Student Personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Melissa Gazal
Associate Director for Student Involvement
As an alumnus of Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Melissa joined the Fordham staff in August 2019 as the Assistant Director for Programming and Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Education. In March 2023, Melissa became the Associate Director for Student Involvement. She supports the 70+ clubs at the Lincoln Center campus with their leadership development and programming needs. She completed her Master of Education in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Fordham College at Lincoln Center in May 2014.
Kayla Newell
Assistant Director for Programming and Coordinator of Alcohol & Other Drug Education
Kayla joined the Office for Student Involvement in September 2023 as the Assistant Director for Programming and Coordinator of Alcohol and Other Drug Education. Her responsibilities include advising the Campus Activities Board and BeWell at the Lincoln Center campus. Her role also involves promoting responsible decision-making regarding substance use and facilitating conversations on the subject. Moreover, she facilitates programming and event management assistance to various clubs. Her passion is seeing students flourish in their leadership roles through self-discovery. Additionally, she's a huge advocate for getting involved on campus to create a healthy well-rounded college experience. Her advice to all students is to seize campus opportunities and embrace a fulfilling college experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Community Services from East Carolina University, followed by a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University. Though a native of North Carolina, she now calls New York home and relishes in all the city has to offer.
Sandy Vargas
Office Manager
Sandy Vargas joined the Fordham staff in August 2008. She manages the day to day activities of the Office for Student Involvement. She provides administrative support to the Dean of Students as well as the staff, administers budget funds for the student clubs, provides club support, and supervises the student worker staff. Sandy is the advisor for SOL (Student Organization of Latinos). Sandy graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies.