Malachai Marzolf

My journey into the world of higher education first began during my time at SUNY Purchase College. While majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Philosophy, I started to develop an interest in how visual design impacts communities as well as individuals. While there, I put this interest to the test as I was a Senior Residential Assistant, a Student Orientation Coordinator, the designer for our student government, and an Admissions Ambassador. Working in these fields and starting to see how offices within my institution worked together to support incoming and current students, is where my love for higher education started to flourish. 

Having graduated during COVID, I did not immediately jump back into higher education as things became uncertain, and that is where I worked in the floral industry for several years. Although, I felt my calling again and began my professional higher education experience at Trinity College in Connecticut, where I started as a Residential Learning Coordinator and eventually became the Assistant Director of Residence Life. There, I worked closely with the Resident Advisor staff and built up their program while also strengthening their network of care through streamlining our reporting software.

When my time at Trinity College came to a close, St. Lawrence University called my name. Here, I work closely with the Community Assistants, developing their role, enhancing trainings, and lead their recruitment process. My philosophy from college carried me into the work I do now. I believe that visual design has a strong impact on how students interact with their environment as well as the individuals in it, to develop community. What we see every day changes the way that we think and the way we grow, and so to build our residents into the future leaders, it starts with their residential community and the student leadership that help it thrive.