WHO SHE IS
Assistant Director of Enrollment Operations, Office of Enrollment Services
TIME AT FORDHAM
20 years
WHAT SHE DOES
Ana’s office supports the units in Fordham’s Enrollment Group at the Lincoln Center campus, including Academic Records, Financial Services, Student Accounts and Admissions.
BACKGROUND
She worked in a nursing home before coming to Fordham. Ana started her University career as a receptionist in the registrar’s office. She moved up to data entry clerk, then office manager and now assistant director.
BEHIND THE SCENES
During the course of a day, she may be called on by students, alumni, faculty and staff to handle transcript matters, graduation clearance, diploma orders and registration, as well as Banner questions. Due to her knowledge from years of dedication to Fordham, she is often sought out for advice. Her efforts, and the efforts of her staff, ensure a smooth student experience.
FIRST DAY
“Everyone else went downstairs to handle registration, which at that time, had to be done in person. Students were calling and asking me questions and I didn’t know what to tell them, so I took all of their phone numbers. I found the answers and then called them all back after I got home. It could have been more than 100 students I called that day.”
FOCUS ON STUDENTS
“Helping students and making yourself accessible—that’s what we are all about. I work with students from the day they arrive until the day I clear them for graduation. Seeing them at Commencement at the end of the year—that’s my biggest accomplishment. Many times after they leave Fordham, students will call me with questions or just to say hello.”
THE EXTRA MILE
“There have been a lot of stories over 20 years. One student never submitted a candidate for degree card, so he never officially graduated. I helped him collect his records and petition his dean, and the University issued him a diploma. With it, he was able to get the job he wanted.”
BUSY SEASON
“Father McShane is well-known for giving diplomas at Commencement, so we make sure all of the students are processed and cleared in time for graduation. Those are the days when I work late hours, and when I’m not here, I’m working from home. Sometimes I’ll take the diplomas to the Rose Hill campus myself to make sure they get there in time.”
BIG YEAR
After two decades of making sure students can graduate from Fordham, Ana will receive a bachelor’s degree in human development this May. Graduation is one of several milestones for her this year. Others include receiving the Archbishop Hughes award in recognition for 20 years at Fordham, and buying her first home.
GOOD ADVICE
“It’s never too late. If you want to accomplish something, you can do it.”
