Meet the SP&E Staff
You may see them around campus, but who are they? They are the people that make your four years at Bentley even more memorable!
Get a sneak peak into the lives of the SP&E staff through a series of mini interviews.
Megan Girmaiy,
Program Coordinator, Student Programs & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
I work as a program coordinator in the SP&E office. I primarily work as the Campus Activities Board advisor and coordinate our Arts programs as well!
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I love how everyday is different and how many different students I get to meet and interact with.
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
Winterfest is always fun! Its a great kick off to the second semester and an awesome way to welcome back students!
Fun fact?
I LOVE all things Disney!
Any advice to first year students?
Take time to explore all of your interests. Attend the activities fair to learn more about the student organizations you're interested in and be sure to attend their general body meetings to learn more.
Titus Young
Program Coordinator, Student Programs & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
I supervise Today ‘N Tonight, which programs in the Student Center Wednesday to Sunday.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Working with the students.
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
I am excited for Back2Bentley.
Fun fact?
I am from Illinois.
Any advice to first year students?
That you shape your own experience. Take advantage of all the opportunities that Bentley has to offer!
Nicole Chabot-Wieferich,
Director, Student Programs & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
As the director of the Office I provide vision, leadership and management for the staff in work related to the Student Center, programs and traditions, student organizations, and fraternity & sorority life. I am also lucky to advise the Student Government Association which keeps me connected to not only the fantastic student leaders in the organization, but also the current needs and concerns of the student body. I work closely with our partners in the Division of Student Affairs to be a liaison between the work of SP&E and other departments.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I love both connecting with exceptional people (students and staff alike) to make change and better our community, while also bringing a sense of creative inspiration to our work that keeps it new, exciting, and current for the Bentley student body.
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
I absolutely love our Back2Bentley Weekend each year. It provides a wonderful opportunity to welcome returning and new students to campus with multiple large events that are high energy, celebratory, and exciting. There's always a wonderful anticipatory feeling to the start of the year and being able to welcome students in such a big way is a very fun part of my job!
Fun fact?
I have two sons, Cole (3) and Wyatt (1).
Any advice to first year students?
Think carefully about what you want to be involved in in your first year and take time to decide what is the best fit for you. There is so much to do at Bentley and it can feel overwhelming at first to take it all in. Give yourself time to settle in, go to the Activities Fair, assess what sounds interesting, and try things out when you're ready! Getting involved is a very exciting part of your college experience and we are here to help you find what you're looking for!
Liam Rice,
Graduate Assistant, Student Programs & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
My responsibilities include supervising the HYPE team (Go HYPE!), advising several clubs on campus. and working with our campus community to create some exciting programs throughout the year.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
This is my first year working at Bentley University, so I don't have any favorite parts--yet! I'm excited to get on campus!
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
I'm personally excited for the Fall Activities Fair, as it's invigorating to see all the possible opportunities to join in.
Fun fact?
I earned my undergraduate degree at our rival, Bryant University (but am very excited to now be a Falcon!)
Any advice to first year students?
Try a handful of clubs and organizations you may like and head to their first meeting. If you end up not liking it, you don't have to go back to their next meeting; it's always better to try something out and change your mind than to never try at all! Also, come stop by and say "hey" sometimes :)
Roatha Kong,
Assistant Director, Student Programs & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
I am responsible for the management of Bentley's community of 100+ student organizations. Additionally I advise AIA (Allocation and Internal Audit) and assist with the management of the student activity fee. I also work with the Fraternity and Sorority community to bring vibrancy and enhance Greek Life in the community.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Getting to work with hard working, driving, and passionate students and also plan awesome event to build community on campus.
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
I love winterfest because it’s a great program to celebrate the season.
Fun fact?
I love water (beach, lakes, etc.) but can't swim.
Any advice to first year students?
Make sure you make the most of your college experience by getting involved outside of the classroom. Join a club, participate in service learning, get a job on campus, get to know people who are different than you so you can learn about their experience and vice versa, but most importantly make sure you are enjoying every moment of college!
Matt Galewski,
Associate Director, Student Program & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
I support the 11 chapters within our Fraternity & Sorority Life community, manage Bentley's Club Sports program, and work with a team of staff responsible for student organization support and campus events.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
Working with students who are hardworking and want to make a positive impact
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
My favorite event is the Activities Fair because it's a great opportunity for new students to meet our student organizations and get involved!
Fun fact?
I have a dog named Miles -- he's a lab mix and recently turned 1!
Any advice to first year students?
Try something new! And stop by Student Center 330 if you have any questions!
Michelle Dabenigno,
Assistant Director, Student Programs & Engagement
What’s your role in the SP&E office?
I am responsible for managing the Student Center, including all of the spaces, services, and operation within the building. I also supervise a group of 35 student staff who work within different roles to help the Student Center operate smoothly.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
I love that with all of the new and changing programs, every day is different. I also really appreciate the interactions I'm able to have with students; they make my job fun and there is never a dull moment in SP&E.
What’s your favorite SP&E event?
I love the Commencement Week trip to the Bahamas. It's so great to see how excited the senior class is to be done with their schoolwork and finals and be able to celebrate and spend a stress-free week with their friends and classmates before graduating.
Fun fact?
I love to travel and visit new places.
Any advice to first year students?
Get involved! There are so many different ways to get involved. Find something that interests you because it's a great way to meet new people, fill your free time, and feel a connection to Bentley.