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
Annual Business Plan Competition Showcases Student Entrepreneurship
A technology solution designed to make urban parking more efficient, an alternative to fast-food restaurants in Poland, and a lighting company that uses genetically modified bacteria to emit natural light—those were just three of the entrepreneurial ideas St. John’s University students brought to the annual James and Eileen Christmas Business Plan Competition, held April 10 at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.
Global Vincentian Community Celebrates 400th Jubilee
On April 17, the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians) celebrates a new historical milestone: the commemoration of 400 years since its foundation. In the United States, the Vincentians are the founders and sponsors of St. John’s University, De Paul University, and Niagara University.
14th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner Honors Educators Who Shape the Future
More than 100 friends of St. John’s University gathered on April 10 for the 14th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner, honoring alumni and faculty of The School of Education (SOE) who have each made indelible marks on the lives of countless students throughout the years.
From the Blog

How St. John’s Students Turn Big Ideas into Real-World Impact
At St. John’s University, students are empowered with hands-on learning opportunities to build skills, gain valuable mentorship, and turn visionary ideas into action. One standout event is the business pitch competition known as the Johnnies Innovation Challenge.
In this Q&A, we hear from the three winning student teams of the 2025 Johnnies Innovation Challenge. They share the inspiration behind their business ideas, the skills they gained through participating, and how experiences like this are helping shape their futures.


College Rankings Are Useful. Campus Culture Is Essential.
Rankings only tell you so much. Campus culture shapes your college experience. Learn how to find your fit and see how St. John’s University in Queens, NY, gets it right.

Why Students Choose St. John’s: Stories in Their Own Words
At St. John’s University, students have access to opportunities that can truly shape their future—think leadership roles, global study-abroad programs, real-world internships, and a campus community that feels like family.
Whether you’re just starting to explore what St. John’s is all about or you’ve recently been accepted and are thinking about what’s next, these five student stories offer a real look at what it’s like to grow here. In their own words, they share what made St. John’s feel like home—and how they’ve taken full advantage of everything it has to offer.

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.