Marketing and Communications serve as St. John’s in-house marketing agency. Our team of experienced professionals works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative units to support the institution's enrollment and advancement goals and to promote awareness of St. John’s brand.
The office provides strategic marketing development through a variety of resources: editorial (including copywriting, editing, and proofreading support), design, photography, digital (including website, video, and social media support), media planning, and external printing services. MarComm also produces University-wide communications vehicles including Noteworthy; posts on electronic campus signage (e-boards); handles inbound marketing initiatives, and maintains the University brand guidelines.
An account director is assigned to every college/department and is the first point of contact to access all office services. To identify the account director for your area, please contact Lucy Traverso at 718-990-7587.
Contact Us
University Center, Room A
718-990-7587
Our Team
Gabrielle Verkman
Director
Sandy Strk
Associate Director
Nicole LoCurto
Director, Enrollment and Student Success Marketing
Danielle Bushell
Associate Director, Graduate Marketing
Nicole M. Bertram-Secor
Production Manager
Elena M. Damiani
Director, Media Planning and Partnerships
Yves Vilain
Assistant Director, Media Campaigns
Andrew Miller
Editorial Director
Stephen T. Vivona
Copywriter/Editor
Stephanie M. Petrellese
Editor
Odaris M. Ithier
Creative Director
Rosemary Kracke
Senior Associate Art Director
Victoria Chebrucher
Director, Graphic Design
Jennifer L. Rouse
Senior Graphic Designer
Jad N. Nammour
University Photographer
Emily McIntyre
Assistant Director
Nick Boffardi
Video Producer
Toni Critelli
Digital Marketing Content Creator
Aaron Felix
Social Media Marketing Specialist
Aishwarya Gupta
SEO and Marketing Analytics Specialist
Robert Hairston
Video Producer
Maximus Marcone
Social Media Marketing Specialist
Lucy Traverso
Office Manager
Charles Bahadur
Director of Marketing Analytics
Our Portfolio
Print Materials
Marketing and Communications promotes the people, programs, and achievements of St. John’s University through a wide range of print and online publications.
Homepage Features
The www.stjohns.edu homepage contains a wide range of feature stories, photo galleries, profiles, and multimedia pieces that promote the accomplishments of the University, students, faculty, and alumni.
Email Communications
Marketing and Communications produces and delivers a variety of email messages to both internal and external audiences, including Noteworthy. Please provide at least two send dates when requesting an email; there is a limit of four emails per day. Note that the Office of Marketing and Communications withholds the right to delay the release of emails for high-priority communications such as emergency alerts and/or presidential messages.
Video
Marketing and Communications develops a wide range of videos that promote the University, individual colleges, and our students and faculty. Follow the University's YouTube page for samples of our work.
Social Media
By producing and managing social media content for platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram, Marketing and Communications engages a variety of audiences on behalf of the University.
Digital Advertising
Using a combination of paid search and social media ads, retargeting messages, and branding initiatives, we connect with our audience online and through mobile devices.
Photography
Photographers from Marketing and Communications cover a wide range of University events and activities both on campus and offsite. Their work can be found accompanying homepage feature stories, in online photo galleries, and in various St. John’s marketing pieces.
The Johnnies Blog
Your essential guide to college. From making friends and navigating New York City, to building a career-ready degree, our student stories and expert advice bring the college experience to life. Whether you’re exploring majors, planning to apply, or seeking support for a balanced and purposeful college journey, we’re here to inform, inspire, and connect you every step of the way.
Related Links
News at St. John's
St. John’s University School of Law Receives Historic Gift to Name DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center
Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum has announced that the Public Interest Center at St. John’s Law will be named the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center in honor of alumna Rose DiMartino ’81...
Alumnus Appointed Bishop of Rochester Diocese
On January 7, Pope Leo XIV appointed Most Reverend John S. Bonnici ’87SJC as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, NY. Bishop Bonnici currently serves as Auxiliary Bishop...
Finding Light, Purpose, and Community: Catholic Scholars Reflect
Founded in 2012 by the late Pamela G. Shea-Byrnes, D.Min. ’86SVC, ’90G, the mandate of the Catholic Scholars Program is to form students not only intellectually, but spiritually and ethically...
From the Blog

Career Readiness in 2026: What Does It Actually Mean for Students?
Students are often told they need to be “career ready” by the time they graduate. But what does that actually mean? Is it having a job offer lined up senior year? Knowing your exact career path before you toss your cap? Or graduating with a perfectly polished résumé?
The reality is that career readiness looks different for everyone. This guide breaks down what career readiness really means, why it matters in college, and how you can start building toward it throughout your journey.

After You Submit Your College Application: What Comes Next
After hours of research, planning, and gathering materials, you’ve finally submitted your application. Now that you can close that door, you might wonder what comes next.
The time after applying to college can feel oddly quiet, and it is easy to take it for granted. However, this is actually a vital period to complete important tasks that support your college admission journey.

College Rankings: What They Mean for Your Search
College rankings are everywhere, from search results and brochures to social media and everyday conversations. With so many lists out there, it can feel like numbers alone are shaping your future, especially when a school ranks higher on one list and lower on another.

College Application Checklist: Requirements, Tips, and Timeline
Essays, recommendation letters, deadlines, score reports; applying to college is a lot. But with a clear plan, you’ll stay on top of everything and avoid last-minute stress.
This simple college application checklist guides you on what you need, when to do it, and how to succeed.

What it Means to be a Nontraditional Student and How to Succeed
College isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. And today, more students than ever are taking paths that don’t fit the old, traditional mold. You might be returning after time away, balancing a full-time job or family responsibilities, transferring from another school, or finally deciding it’s your moment to pursue the degree you’ve always wanted.
In this blog, we explore what it actually means to be a nontraditional student, the strengths you already bring to the classroom, and the flexible options that can help you earn a degree on a timeline that works for your life.