WALKWAY2COLLEGE - Key Persons

Rita L. Banner has more than 40 years of experience as a college admissions professional, most recently as Director of Admissions at Dutchess Community College. She also has taught on the college level for more than 40 years, including "New Student Orientation to College." She has undergraduate degrees from Dutchess Community College and Vassar College, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from The American University and a Master's Degree in Political Science from The City University of New York. Rita is a former member of the State University of New York College Admissions Professionals, and a former member of the Executive Board of the Dutchess County Counseling Association. She is the recipient of the Dutchess County Counseling Association Meritorious Service and Counselor of the Year Awards, the New York State Counseling Association Professional Service Award, the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, SUNY College Admissions Professionals "Admissions Profession Award," and the YWCA Salute to Women Award.

Susan Mead has more than 40 years of experience in the field of college financial aid, most recently as the Assistant Vice President for Student Financial Services at Dutchess Community College. She has taught Business classes at DCC and Marist College, as well as the "New Student Orientation to College." She provides large group financial aid workshops, as well as individual counseling. Sue has degrees in Accounting from DCC and Marist College, as well as a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Marist College. She has been a member of the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Association (NYSFAAA) and has held positions as a Regional Officer and as a member of the Conference and Government Relations Committees. She has participated in the New York State Legislative Forum and is also a former member of the State University of New York Financial Aid Professionals and the Dutchess County Counseling Association. Sue is the recipient of the NYSFAAA Region V Service Award, NYSFAAA Citation of Appreciation, Sister Berndine Hayes and Rusty Hopkins Service Award and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence for Professional Service. She has served as Co-Chair for the New York State Financial Aid Administrators Government Relations Committee, and has been quoted in The New York Times, Poughkeepsie Journal and several online publications.