Admissions Office
Matthew J. Malatesta grew up in Pittsfield, Mass., graduating from Union College in 1991 with a bachelor of arts in Managerial Economics. He worked at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. for eight years, including three as director of Financial Aid. He also served as associate dean of Admissions and director of Admissions Information Systems, and assistant dean of Admissions and director of WAVE Program, an alumni admissions program. Before that, he was director of admissions and a teacher at Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pa., and a teacher and alumni director at the Darrow School in New Lebanon, N.Y.
In 2008 he was appointed vice president for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment at Union College following a national search.
My experience as a student here (a few years back!) was transformative, and I want to introduce this experience to other students. Schenectady has changed a lot since my college days. There is a vibrant social and cultural scene, ranging from the Greenmarket on Sundays to sold-out shows at Proctors Theater. The beauty of Schenectady is that I can walk from my office onto the Hudson-Mohawk Bike Trail, pass the Mohawk River and keep walking for miles, all while enjoying great wildlife and scenery. I’m an avid outdoors person, and camping, canoeing and hiking are within close proximity.
Within two miles of campus there are also more than 30 restaurants and four corporate headquarters, including GE Power. I definitely feel the energy in this “Electric City” more than I ever have. Just along Jay Street, I can access Cornells (Italian), More Perreca's (unbelievable bread), Tara Kitchen (Moroccan) and Ambition (funky bistro).
When I’m at work in Grant Hall, I especially love talking with prospective students near the fireplace. I love spreading the word about Union, and sharing some of my personal favorites. For instance, I love our intramural broomball squads. Ice, sneakers, helmets, swatting a ball around – what’s not to love?
