Search Site icon--logo-mobile Hartwick College
Home

Hartwick College Hosts Unforgettable NYSACAC 2025 Conference

From June 3–6, Hartwick College proudly welcomed close to 600 guests to campus for the 47th Annual New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) Conference.

For four days, admissions professionals from across the state gathered on Oyaron Hill for meaningful professional development, dynamic networking and spirited celebration. More than three decades after first hosting the conference in 1991, Hartwick was honored to once again serve as the gathering place for New York’s college access community.

Leading Hartwick’s hosting efforts was Bryan Gross, vice president for enrollment management and athletics, who reflected on the impact of the conference and what it meant for the College and the profession.

Bryan Gross, Vice President for Enrollment at Hartwick College

“This was more than an event—it was a moment. We were honored to showcase our campus and community to colleagues who work tirelessly to guide students toward opportunity. The conversations, the camaraderie, the energy—it all reminded us why this work matters so much.”

Bryan Gross

Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics

NY State college admission counselors in Hartwick College's Lambros Arena during the NYSACAC Conference
NY State college admission counselors during the NYSACAC Conference on Hartwick College's Frisbee Field for evening activities
NY State college admission counselors during the NYSACAC Conference in Hartwick College's Stack Lounge for evening activities
NY State college admission counselors during the NYSACAC Conference on Hartwick College's Founders' Way enjoying the valley view

The four-day event began with the impactful Coming Together Conference, which welcomed 280 participants dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in college admissions. Following the pre-conference, the larger NYSACAC Annual Conference brought together a diverse community of professionals, including 220 high school and independent counselors, 271 college and university representatives, 125 first-time attendees, as well as two retired professionals and seven proud Hartwick alumni.

Guided by the theme “Striking a Balance,” the week aligned closely with Hartwick’s Life Balance College philosophy, emphasizing student wellness, purpose-driven education and meaningful preparation for life after college. The conference featured 73 educational sessions and a keynote address from Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist with The New York Times.

Lauren Sangimino, NYSACAC President-Elect, emphasized both the professional impact of the event and what made Hartwick an exceptional host.

“The NYSACAC conference provides a professional development opportunity to bring together secondary and post-secondary counselors from across the state to network and attend educational sessions to help stay informed on the rapid changes in our profession,” she said.

“Hartwick College was a perfect fit. A tiered campus with picturesque views, welcoming staff, and an ideal location created a unique experience.”

Lauren Sangimino

NYSACAC President-Elect

The conference also offered memorable social experiences, including a night at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a gathering at Brewery Ommegang and fireworks on campus.

Among those inspired by the experience was John Durante, principal of Syosset High School and host of The College Admissions Process Podcast, who also recorded a special episode on campus in the Shineman Chapel Celebration Room. Durante, who recently celebrated his 300th episode, praised both the setting and the spirit of the conference.

“This was one of the best that I’ve attended,” he said.

“Hartwick College has an amazing campus in a beautiful part of the great state of New York. The faculty and staff could not be more accessible—from the welcoming committee to all of the resources provided. Everything was so well organized and so much fun. And I still cannot believe that as part of this conference, I got to walk through the Baseball Hall of Fame.”

John Durante

Principal, Syosset High School

As the conference came to a close, Hartwick proudly passed the NYSACAC torch to Nazareth University, which will host the 2026 annual conference.

June 10, 2025
News Release, What's New

Learn More About Hartwick

Annual Senator James Seward ’73 Summer Public Service Intern

Adilyam Imyarova ’27 will work with the institute’s co-directors, Professors Matt Chick, Laurel Elder and Zachary McKenney, on a range of projects, including preparing Hartwick to serve as an official polling place for the fall’s elections.

Read More

Art Awards Class of 2025

For as long as they could remember, Billie Metcalf ‘25 had thought about “The Beast.”

Read More