WHO SHE IS
Program Director, TAP and Process Automation; Enrollment/Degree Verify Coordinator; VA Certification Officer—Rose Hill and Westchester campuses
TIME AT FORDHAM
3 years
WHAT SHE DOES
Although Irene is an employee of the academic records office, multiple aspects of her job relate to financial aid. Drawing upon her technology background, she has automated the TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) system and the Degree Verify system. She is currently working to automate the manual processes used by enrollment services. Since last August, she has helped veterans to access the new GI Bill for tuition assistance and housing support.
BACKGROUND
Irene grew up in the Bronx and attended Bronx High School of Science. After graduating from Baruch College with a degree in computer information systems, she was a program analyst in financial institutions for 15 years. In 2006, she joined the Fordham community, following a five-year hiatus from work in which she focused on raising her children.
WORKING WITH RETURNING VETS
“Each vet has a different interesting experience and story. I get a lot of self-satisfaction out of helping these students. I’m proud of my work with the veterans because I feel that I’m really doing them a service, repaying them for their service to this country.”
AT HOME AT FORDHAM
“As a child, we lived in a six-story apartment building on Belmont Avenue, which is probably one of the highest points in the Bronx. From my bedroom window, I could see the Keating Hall clock. The day I came to interview here, as I was walking across campus, I felt like I was home.”
TEAM SPIRIT
“We in academic records have a great team. We always help each other; it’s nice having that camaraderie between every member. We all have distinct roles, but we know the processes for everybody, so there is always backup.”
ONGOING PROJECT
“The Banner student system is the responsibility of enrollment services. Our office is implementing a more recent version of Banner, so we have a lot of work ahead of us. We want to improve the system and the services to the students. We are constantly doing test scenarios for IT so they can implement the system properly.”
OUTSIDE INTERESTS
When she is not working, Irene enjoys flower gardening, traveling, spending time with her family, and attending plays and concerts. She also recently hosted 65 family members for Christmas Eve dinner at her home.
