Hartwick Hosts Hundreds
Campus honored as host site for premier state admissions counselors’ conference
Oyaron Hill came alive June 3-6 as Hartwick welcomed nearly 600 guests for the 47th Annual New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) Conference. More than three decades after first hosting the event in 1991, the campus was honored to again serve as the gathering place for New York’s collegiate access community.
Admissions professionals from across the state engaged in four days of learning, networking and celebration. The week began with the Coming Together pre-conference, which featured 280 participants in sessions focused on inclusion in college admissions. The full conference followed, drawing several hundred high school and independent counselors, as well as college and university representatives.
Guided by the theme, “Striking a Balance,” the conference aligned closely with Hartwick’s Life Balance College philosophy, which emphasizes student wellness, purpose-driven education and preparation for meaningful lives after college. Attendees participated in 73 educational sessions and heard from keynote speaker Mike McIntire ’85, P’13, P’21, a three-time Pulitzer Prize- winning investigative journalist with The New York Times.
NYSACAC President-Elect Lauren Sangimino praised the value of the gathering and Hartwick’s role as host.
“Hartwick College was a perfect fit,” she said. “A tiered campus with picturesque views, welcoming staff and an ideal location created a unique experience.”
The social events became highlights of the week—an evening at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, a celebration at Brewery Ommegang, and fireworks on campus—offering unforgettable ways to connect and experience the region.
For many, the conference left a lasting impression. John Durante, principal of Syosset High School and host of The College Admissions Process Podcast, recorded a special episode on campus and described the event as “one of the best” he has attended.
As the conference concluded, Hartwick passed the NYSACAC torch to Nazareth University, which will host in 2026. But for those who spent the week on Oyaron Hill, the memories of meaningful conversations, professional renewal and true Hartwick hospitality will endure.
