January 03, 2012
Spend a few minutes with Michael R. Daniels and you quickly get
a sense of someone who is totally at home within the world of
higher education. He should be, because that’s what he’s been doing
in one way or another for his entire life!
Daniels
joined the St. John’s University family last October as Associate
Director of Alumni Relations for Academic and Student Programs. He
is responsible for the initiation and coordination of all programs
involving interaction between the Office of Alumni Relations and
the academic schools and colleges of the University, particularly
those that foster a connection between current students and alumni,
such as the Alumni Insider’s View…Program (AIV).
“In the few months that I’ve been here I’ve come to realize that
St. John’s has very dedicated and successful alumni, many of whom
enjoy the opportunity to share their particular expertise with our
students,” he said. “My goal is to make AIV the best program that
it can possibly be. The interaction between our alumni and students
is what makes this program so special, and the more we can bring
them together the easier it will be for both groups to form a
relationship that is meaningful and productive over a period of
time. AIV is a wonderful program, and I see it getting better and
better every semester.”
No stranger to working with students, Daniels has spent his
professional life in roles in which student engagement was the
primary focus. His career began taking shape while he was earning
his undergraduate degree in American Literature from the State
University of New York (SUNY) at Brockport. Daniels returned to
Brockport for his Master’s Degree in Higher Education, and after
graduation began working in student services that included
positions at SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Farmingdale. He spent 17 years
at the College of Staten Island, a branch of the City University of
New York, where he served as Dean of Students and Interim Vice
President for Student Affairs.
After a brief period of retirement, Daniels came to St. John’s
to resume his profession, bringing his extensive student service
experience into the Office of Alumni Relations.
“The whole idea of service is very appealing to me, and it’s one
thing that makes the University such a unique place,” he noted.
“The students that come to St. John’s are very eclectic. Walking
around, I see a lot of students who are maybe first generation
college students. I walk through the D’Angelo Center and I’m a
student affairs guy, so I’m not shy about engaging students. I talk
to them and they tell me that because the University gives out so
much help in grants and financial aid, the opportunity that they’ve
been given means so much to them. They’re determined to do whatever
they need to make the most of their time here.”
Daniels is quick to point out that the similarities between the
University’s students and alumni far outweigh any of the obvious
differences that exist among them. He notes that his current
position is unique in that it allows him to make good use of his
talents in ways that make a difference for both groups within the
St. John’s family
“I want to make the connection between our alumni and students
holistic, because I know that both of those groups can really
benefit from each other,” he said. “That’s a nice way for students
to realize that St. John’s made an important difference for them,
and that we in the Office of Alumni Relations were a part of that
difference. It’s also a great way to keep our alumni connected,
because by making a difference for the students they’re really
making a difference for their University, and probably for
themselves as well. It’s always a nice feeling to know that you’ve
done something important for somebody else.”
Daniels considers himself an educator rather than an
administrator, and is grateful that throughout his life he has
enjoyed many opportunities to serve as a mentor to both colleagues
and students. He plans to continue in that role for as long as
possible.
“To have an opportunity to work in higher education is something
to be cherished,” he said. “It’s a calling rather than just a job.
We do what we have to do because it makes sense, and because it
makes a difference for others on some level. I hope that at some
point down the road people will think of me as a role model,
because I’ve really tried to spend my life doing positive things
for people. And you know what, I’ve really had fun doing it!”