Ulysses deArmas
(he/him/his)
Associate Director
dearmu@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Maryland; New York City (Manhattan); Virginia; Washington D.C.; West Virginia; U.S. Territories (including U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico); Liaison for LGBTQ+ students
Favorite thing about Troy
I am a season ticket holder for the Tri-City ValleyCats, a local independent minor league baseball team. The Saturday morning Farmers' Market in downtown Troy is a great place to people watch, buy fresh produce, and sample delicious food from local restaurants.
Elena Grande
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
grande2@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: New Jersey
Favorite thing about Troy
As a native of the Capital Region, Troy holds a special place in my heart. One of its most redeeming qualities (and there are many!) would have to be its diversity of food choices. I enjoy a tasty bibimbap from Sunhee's Farm and Kitchen, delight in the gluten-free and dairy-free delicacies from Liza's of Troy and savor the unrivaled homemade ice cream at The Snowman during the summer months. No matter your tastes or cuisine of choice, The Collar city has you covered!
Heather Hansen
(she/her/hers)
Associate Director, Undergraduate Operations
hoffah@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Undergraduate Operations
Favorite thing about Troy
Ali Baba Mediterranean restaurant – it's a short walk from campus, and the fresh-baked lavash with yogurt sauce is amazing! Also, La Capital Tacos is fantastic if you are in the mood for some authentic Mexican food!
Valen Headley
Assistant Director
headlv@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Illinois; New York City (Brooklyn/Queens)
Nikki Hogan
(she/her/hers)
Admissions Associate
admissions@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: On-campus events & virtual information sessions
Favorite thing about Troy
I love going for a run or walking my dog by the river in Troy! I also enjoy June Farms, a 120-acre farm about 20 minutes from campus - one of their magnificent "daily walks" around the farm is a must any time of year. My favorite place to eat in Troy is The Ruck - the food is great, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Leslie LaBrecque
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
labrel@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Kansas; North Carolina; New York (Albany & Rensselaer Counties); Oklahoma; South Carolina; Texas; Accessibility and Neurodiversity Liaison
Favorite thing about Troy
My favorite thing about Troy is the community. There is always something going on downtown, like live music, the farmers' market, and trivia nights. I also love the local restaurants and small businesses - it makes for a small-town feel in a city!
Arianna Livshits
(she/her/hers)
Senior Event Planner
admissions@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: On and off-campus events; New York (Saratoga and Schenectady Counties)
Favorite thing about Troy
If you are looking for a great place to grab coffee during your visit to Troy, look no further than Jacob Alejandro on River Street! They have all the caffeinated favorites, and a variety of seasonal drinks that not only taste great, but look great in pictures! They also have unique pastries to pair with your drink. There is something for everyone!
Karen S. Long
(she/her/hers)
Director, Undergraduate Admission
longks@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Massachusetts (Greater Boston & Cape Cod)
Favorite thing about Troy
I love the variety of cultural activities and festivals offered throughout the year. From concerts in EMPAC and the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, to summer concerts along the Hudson River, the music scene in Troy is vibrant. Troy Night Out, Chowderfest, the Pig Out, and the Victorian Christmas Stroll are great annual events that bring the local community together.
Sarah Maliarik
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
malias@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Alaska; California (Northern); Hawaii; Massachusetts (Central); Nevada
Favorite thing about Troy
Troy is an action-packed college town. Located just a short walk (or free shuttle ride) from campus are more than 120 small businesses. Personally, I love Ryan's Wake where you can spend warm evenings on the patio overlooking the river, and The Whistling Kettle where you can get some warm soup on chilly winter days. The Waterfront Farmers' Market is also a highlight! There is also a variety of things to do outside of Troy, such as apple picking at Indian Ladder Farms, attending live theater at Proctors, and shopping at Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center.
Randi Moore
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
moorer7@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Pennsylvania
Favorite thing about Troy
Troy is a beautiful city that is going through an amazing revival. The architectural details that adorn many of the buildings in downtown Troy are beautiful. The year-round Farmers' Market is a great spot to hit on Saturdays, and Troy Night Out, which takes place on the last Friday of each month, is another favorite of mine. I always enjoy the annual Victorian Stroll, and visiting the Arts Center to see what new exhibits are on display. Some of my favorite places to eat can be found in downtown Troy!
Clare Piotrowski
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
neec2@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Arizona; Michigan; Minnesota; New Mexico; New York (Bronx, Staten Island, & Westchester County); Wisconsin; Accessibility and Neurodiversity Liaison
Favorite thing about Troy
I love Troy because it has an intimate feel, despite being a city with a plethora of coffee shops and restaurants that have yet to disappoint! I love to go through all of the small businesses and learn their stories. I'm looking forward to the Troy Farmers' Market to find some locally grown food!
Denise Rhodes
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
rhoded2@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Colorado; Idaho; Indiana; Iowa; Montana; Nebraska; New York (Long Island); North Dakota; South Dakota; Utah; Wyoming
Favorite thing about Troy
You can never be bored here! Whether it's the weekly Farmers' Market, discovering local shops and restaurants, or even just a stroll by the river; the options are endless. Some of my favorite places are Franklin Alley for a good game night or Manory's for an amazing bacon, egg, and cheese!
Nicholas Rosato
(he/him/his)
Associate Director; Director of Transfer Admission
rosatn@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: New York (Central Hudson Valley & Catskills; Rockland County), International (excluding China & India); U.S. Citizens Living Abroad; Homeschooled Students; Transfer
Favorite thing about Troy
Troy Night Out – a monthly arts and cultural event held the last Friday of every month in downtown Troy. It’s a great opportunity to check out the local, unique shops, art galleries, musicians, and restaurants.
Matt Stabler
(he/him/his)
Assistant Director
stablm@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Connecticut; Massachusetts (Western); Rhode Island
Favorite thing about Troy
I love the eclectic mix of downtown Troy, with Bacchus Wood-Fired pizza, Brown’s and the famous Dinosaur BBQ. There is something for every taste at any moment. If you are into games and puzzles, then check out Bard & Baker café, with its selection of over 750 games. Finally, the best way to unwind at the end of the day is to enjoy some baseball at the Tri-City Valley Cats, a wonderful venue to relax in the company of friends, and experience the stunning sunset over left-field.
Shaun Tarantelli
Assistant Director
tarans2@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: New York (Western, Central, and Northern); Oregon; Washington
Troy is a great place to explore all different kinds of food. Craving some fresh Turkish food? Ali Baba has you covered. Maybe you are in the mood for some spoke Korean chicken and dumplings? K-Plate will take care of you. Looking for a new restaurant to support? The Seasoning House opened recently and to offer authentic African food to the Capital District. After all that, you can finish it off on the deck at Brown's Brewing Company overlooking the river. Whatever you are looking for, Troy has it!
Jeanine Thompson '04
(she/her/hers)
Assistant Director
admissions@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: California (Southern); Maine; New Hampshire; Vermont
Favorite thing about Troy
Troy is a great city with pubs, eclectic events, and boutique shops all within walking distance of campus. Be sure to visit the Arts Center, Farmers' Market, and don't forget to check out one of the many clubs right here on campus.
Megan Whalen
(she/her/hers)
Associate Director; Director of International Recruitment
doppm@rpi.edu
Area of Responsibility: Alabama; Arkansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Mississippi; Missouri; Ohio; Tennessee; International (China & India); Liaison for Military Veterans
Favorite thing about Troy
Troy offers a wide variety of unique activities, experiences, restaurants, and shops. Concerts at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market are two of my favorites. My new favorite lunch spot downtown is K-Plate Korean BBQ- always fast and delicious!