Tell us a bit about yourself and your higher education experience.
My name is Maira Suerte, and I’m the Director of Midwest Admission for Marist University, located in Poughkeepsie, New York and Florence, Italy. I grew up in Mundelein, and this community has a very special place in my heart. I graduated from Mundelein High School in 2010. I knew I wanted to pursue a postsecondary education and be the first in my family to receive a college degree. Therefore, after high school, I attended St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin and received my bachelor’s degree in sociology and Spanish. I continued my education at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where I received my master’s degree in educational policy and leadership. In the summer of 2016, I began my career in admissions. I love talking to students and their families about the college search process.
What is your favorite thing about working in admissions?
There is a plethora of institutions that students can choose to attend, and it’s important to recognize that this decision is likely one of the first major adult decisions many high school students must make. My favorite thing about working in admissions is meeting students where they are and encouraging them to integrate all aspects of their lives in their college search process. It’s important to affirm and encourage students in their journey of finding the institution that fits their academic, financial, and social needs.
What excites you most about working for your current institution?
The first time I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was where I wanted to work. The campus is beautiful and on the Hudson River. The students are active and involved inside and outside of the classroom. The faculty and staff cheer for one another. I love that Marist provides outstanding opportunities for students, faculty and staff to grow professionally and personally.
What is an amazing internship or other experience you offer?
We have a state-of-the-art Investment Center that replicates the Wall Street trading floor. The Center features 16 Bloomberg terminals providing real-time financial market data. Students can participate in our Greystone Funds program where they manage a portion of the Marist endowment. Participating in this program allows students to be money managers, responsible for identifying potential stocks for inclusion in the fund’s portfolio. It’s a cool educational experience for students.
What advice do you have for our MHS students?
The college search process is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You’re not going to have all the answers when you first start the process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s our job to be a resource for you and your family as you begin navigating the process. At the end of the day, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make a college decision. We want nothing but the best for you! Remember to take a deep breath and tell yourself “I got this!” Just be you!
If your campus was represented by a food, what would it be and why?
A New York bagel because our campus is full of resources available for students to feel supported on campus. A New York bagel is known for its dense interior and crust that supports all different types of toppings.
Connect with Maira!
Have questions about Marist? Reach out to Maira at maira.suerte@marist.edu!
