staff
Michael Beseda - Vice President for College Communication and Vice Provost for Enrollment
Michael Beseda has been responsible for the enrollment function at Saint Mary's College since 1998 and for college communication since January 2003. In his enrollment role, he oversees admissions, financial aid, registration, institutional research, and student retention efforts. As vice president for college communications, he is responsible for Saint Mary's communication with its key internal and external audiences, including faculty, students, and staff, and members of the media, government, and community.
Beseda earned his bachelor's degree at Saint Mary's College as well as a master's degree from San Francisco State University. He began his career at Saint Mary's as an admissions officer and has also served as director of admissions and assistant vice president for research, planning, and technology.
Gina Meneni - Senior Associate Director of Admissions
"Don't limit yourself to the classroom. Travel, socialize, and connect with those around you. Only you can design your college experience."
After receiving a B.A. in Politics and a minor in Spanish, I graduated from Saint Mary's College in 1999 and found employment with a law firm in San Francisco. I quickly realized that I did not want to go to law school and returned to the campus to work as an Admission Officer. I loved my job so much that I pursued a master's degree in Higher Education Administration at the University of Michigan. Upon completion of my degree I raced back to Moraga to continue my work in Admissions, recruiting academically talented students who will engage in, and improve upon our academic and student lives. While I enjoy being a part of the SMC community, I have to say my favorite part of the job is being able to travel and connect with students and families from all areas and backgrounds. I am proud to represent my Alma Mater and look forward to working with you and your family through the application process.
Kevin Miller - Associate Director of Admissions - Southern California Regional
"Never select a college based upon an arbitrary ranking you find in a magazine. Instead, select a college based upon your OWN set of statistics. When you attend a school that possesses those tangible and intangible qualities that matter to you, you are far more likely to be happy with your selection. And when you are happy and comfortable with the college you attend, you will do amazing things."
Kevin Miller earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Occidental College and his master's degree in education from University of Bridgeport. In addition to several years as an English teacher, Kevin served as associate director of admissions at both Bard and Occidental Colleges. Kevin is responsible for the strategy and implementation of admission efforts in Southern California.
Angelica Moore - Associate Director of Admissions - Director of Transfer Recruitment
“Don’t rule out the value of a good liberal arts education due to the published costs to attend a private college or university. Often times the costs decrease dramatically with scholarships and financial aid. You can only discover the true cost of attending a college after you go through the admissions process.”
I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Diego State University, and I had a positive overall experience due to the fact that I was a member of the volleyball team and thus had a support system in place. Otherwise, I could have slipped through the cracks because it was difficult to feel connected to the college when I attended classes in lecture halls with 200 plus students. It was not until I attended a liberal arts institution as I pursued my Masters Degree in Education that I began to pursue and enjoy a deeper learning process. My courses had about 20 students per class, and I experienced a much more interesting and engaging style of learning. The class sizes were small enough for me to get to know the students and the professors quite well. I was attracted to Saint Mary’s College because there is a very strong sense of community that permeates the campus between students, faculty and staff. I firmly believe in the value of community and the liberal arts education, and I am proud to speak with students about Saint Mary’s College of California.
Omar Zazueta - Associate Director of Admissions for Marketing and Operations
“When selecting a school, do your homework. Research all the colleges, compare them, and most importantly: VISIT THEM! Your decision will be based on how your visit goes. Then make sure you are choosing the school for the right reasons.”
Growing up in rural Northern California, I never imagined attending such a beautiful place like St. Mary's College. After I graduated from Ukiah High School, however, I was fortunate enough to come here as a first generation college student. I decided to commit to SMC the moment I arrived for an overnight program. The campus was stunning, and the people here were so friendly and caring. I loved that this college was slightly bigger than my high school because I was able to get to know my professors and engage in wonderful conversations in and out of the classroom. As a student, I was frequently invited into the homes of professors for dinner. After graduating in 2003 with a BA in Communications and a minor in Spanish, I moved home to work at Ukiah High School as an Academic Advisor for children of Migrant Farm Workers. Now I have returned to St. Mary's (I just couldn't stay away) to work in the office of admissions. As a recent alum, I look forward to working with prospective students, and helping them along the admissions process.
Lin Larson - Senior Assistant Director, Coordinator for International Recruitment
"Saint Mary's College of California welcomes students from all over the world and from many states within the US each year. Visiting campus may not be possible for you. We encourage you to connect with alumni, school counselors, current students, or meet with representatives from Saint Mary's College when we visit your city, state or country. Write to the admissions office with your questions - we are here to help you through the college admission process."
If the world was an oyster, then Saint Mary's College is the pearl. The campus community is wonderful! I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Asian Studies, and have been devoted to international education for the past 13 years. As part of the Admissions team, my goal is to bring international students and American students living abroad to the College to earn their degree. When you see me at a college fair or in your high school in the states or abroad, come say "Hello!" If you want the best a small liberal arts college has to offer, then Saint Mary's is the pearl you seek.
Damien Fatongia '05 - Assistant Director of Admissions - Coordinator of Minority Recruitment
"I encourage prospective students not only to visit the colleges they're interested in, but also to contact and get to meet your admissions officers. It is always nice to put some faces to the applications we read. But more than that, knowing your admissions officers will make it easier for you to contact them if you have any questions or need help with the application process."
I graduated from Saint Mary's College in 2005 with a BA in Sociology/Anthropology. After graduation I went straight to work for the Admissions office. After a year, I decided to travel Europe and live as a professional rugby player in Frankfurt, Germany. Now I'm back with my alma mater and thrilled to share my experiences with prospective students and the reasons why I enrolled at Saint Mary's College. One of the things that attracted me to the school is the location; it is nestled in the rolling hills of Moraga where the big cities of San Francisco and Oakland are just a stone's throw away. But more than that, it is the feeling of community that I appreciate most. If you walk down the halls, you are sure to be stopped by one of your professors for a quick chat. If you're at a sporting event, the athletes representing Saint Mary's are your friends. I invite you to visit and experience these things first hand!
Patrick Macaraeg -Assistant Director of Admissions - Coordinator of Campus Visits
I was born in Oakland and grew up in San Jose. I graduated from UC San Diego, Thurgood Marshall College in 2003 with a BA in Political Science and a BA in Urban Studies and Planning. I thrived because of the undergraduate college system within the University and my involvement with clubs and organizations that produced talent shows and hip hop dance competitions. I also outreached to high schools, tutoring and mentoring all around San Diego County. Upon graduation, I started my calling in higher education at my alma mater, coordinating student activities from welcome week to semi-formals. When I returned to the Bay Area, I landed at Santa Clara University coordinating admission events and the student ambassador program. I moved over to Saint Mary’s College to pursue an opportunity to help oversee the new Visitor Center and direct the ambassador program. I appreciate the genuine sense of community that I see between students, staff and faculty. I believe in the sense of belonging a college community offers and the value of a liberal arts education. I look forward to assisting prospective families learn more about Saint Mary’s College.
Erik Coloma '09- Admissions Officer
"Get involved! In college, get involved with extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, mission and ministry or student government. You will be able to meet wonderful people that share the same interests as you, and you might find a new interest that you grow a passion for. Your experience in college is truly what you make it. Get out there!"
I graduated from Saint Mary's fairly recently with the class of 2009, receiving a Bachelors of Arts in History. The thing I love about Saint Mary's is that it is an institution that offers opportunities at every corner. These opportunities range from getting involved in an organization to receiving an internship. It is a place where you are able to find your passion and grow. Not to mention we have a beautiful campus located in the hills of Moraga. My experience at Saint Mary's took shape both inside and outside of the classroom. I loved how I was able to meet with my professors and just have conversations with them. They were always available whenever I needed help. Outside the classroom, it is easy to get involved at Saint Mary's. My junior year I held the position of Vice President for Student Affairs, in which I oversaw all student organizations on campus. Then during my senior year I had the honor of serving my fellow peers as Associated Student President. I loved and enjoyed every single moment as a student at Saint Mary's. I now have the pleasure and joy of sharing my experience with students as an Admissions Officer for the College.
Celine Miernicki '09 - Admissions Officer
"Visit the school. How will you be able to picture yourself somewhere if you do not visit?"
I spent one month in the Dominican Republic for a service January Term course. During those four weeks I traveled to six orphanages teaching the children to play soccer, running their PE classes and after school programs. This unique experience that Saint Mary's offered me provided an opportunity for growth on so many levels, both academic and personal. Our discussions at the end of each day, led by our professor, allowed me to conduct a deep investigation of myself and establish a new perspective on the society I live in. Those children taught me never to forget the power of a smile and the importance of trying.
Sherilee Batten - Marketing Communications and Database Administrator
My first encounter with St Mary’s was as a spectator on the Pat Vincent Rugby field. I became homesick on the campus grounds as the surroundings reminded me of Maritzburg College my husband’s Alma Mater. I was therefore fortunate when a few years later a position opened up on campus that coincided with my job search. I am part of a very dedicated and professional admission department. Our team strives to handle your application in a personal and professional manner
ensuring that this part of your college experience is smooth and memorable. We also provide information and communications to assist all prospective students in making the very important decision on which college to attend.
Though I have lived in California since 2000, I was raised in South Africa which is where I get my passion for Rugby. I also spent two years in Montpellier, a small town in the south of France, before moving to California. I love the French culture and the French lifestyle and hope to eventually spend more time there. Any students considering a visit to South Africa as part of our International Study abroad program are welcome to pop by for a chat.
I am the Mother to three children; my eldest daughter attends UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. My son attends Saint Mary’s and plays rugby for the Gaels. My youngest daughter will be attending Saint Mary’s in the Spring. On the weekends you will find me on the Rugby field, either cheering for the Saint Mary’s Rugby Gaels, or for the Diablo Gaels, the men’s team that my husband coaches.
Wendy Marcajida - Administrative Assistant and International Student Assistant
Wendy Marcajida earned an Associate of Arts degree in Natural Science from Ohlone Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with an option in Ethnic Studies from California State Hayward (now named California State East Bay). She has several years of administrative experience in education, legal, and human resources for Fortune 500 companies and other organizations. Wendy is responsible for maintaining document control of prospective Freshman and International student files.
The Admissions Office runs efficiently and handles every piece of document that comes in with the utmost care. We strive to make the Admissions process seamless, easy, and offer quality customer service to everyone we serve. I enjoy working in the Admissions office because I feel that I am assisting with one of the most important decisions of a student’s life.
