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

Charles Bahadur
Senior Associate 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

Meg Nugent Dwyer
Writer/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

Patricia Watts
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
Multimedia Video Producer

Emily McIntyre
Assistant Director

Lucy Traverso
Project and Office Manager
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.
Related Links
News at St. John's
St. John’s Homeland Security Graduates Discuss Emerging Industry Issues with Students
St. John’s University students and graduates are using the latest technologies to meet the nation’s homeland security challenges.
Harold Jackson Scholarship Application Opens
The Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science (GSRM) , part of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University, is presently accepting...
A Seat at the Table
By Prabhleen Kaur, Graduate Student
From the Blog

Exploring the St. John’s Catholic Scholars Program: Student Insights and Reflections
Are you looking for a college experience that deepens your faith, challenges you intellectually, and helps you grow as a leader? In this Q&A, get an inside look at the Catholic Scholars program at St. John’s University through the eyes of current student and scholar Chiyoko Goya.
Chiyoko shares how the program has enhanced both her academic journey and personal development, offering valuable insights into how this unique opportunity can shape your own college experience.

A Week in the Life of a Public Relations Major in NYC
In this blog, I take you through a typical week as a public relations major, from classroom learning to networking events, internships, and campus involvement. If you’re curious about what it’s like to study public relations and build a future in the field, this is your inside look!


Impactful Extracurricular Activities to Add to College Applications
Wondering how to make your college application stand out? Your high school extracurriculars might be the key to catching an admission officer’s attention and securing that acceptance letter.

Merit-Based Scholarships: Everything You Need to Know to Get College Funding
This guide provides you with essential information about merit scholarships, including the different types available, eligibility requirements, and where to find them.

How to Set Academic Goals: 4 Steps for Early College Success
Entering college is an exciting chapter filled with possibilities—but without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Setting academic goals can transform your experience from simply getting by to achieving extraordinary success.
This guide helps you master academic goals, stay focused, and unlock your full potential in your first year and beyond.