Admissions Office
Madalyn Brand
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Slingerlands, N.Y.
Major: Biology
Why did you choose Union?
As a local, Union was one of the first colleges I visited. Union stood out to me because of the emphasis on community, and it was clear I would be encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone. I was undecided on my major during my college search—so I liked the fact that, at Union, I could figure out what I wanted to focus on by trying different classes to see what fit. I didn’t have to worry about falling behind just because I wanted to take classes that I was curious about. Ultimately, I knew I wanted to apply Early Decision to one of two schools I was interested in. During my second tour at Union, the students I met on campus and the effort admissions staff put into presenting the school completely confirmed my belief that Union was the best fit for me. Now, I love working for admissions because I am able to help students become more excited about the college search process, knowing firsthand what a daunting experience it can be.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
I would tell them to step out of their comfort zone and say yes to things they are hesitant about. Trying new things, like joining clubs and organizations and playing sports I had never tried before, opened up a lot of opportunities for me and allowed me to make some of my closest friends.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class assignment at Union was a paper I titled The Narrative of Home Told Through Song for my First Year Inquiry class: “Music in Politics.” This assignment, explaining my definition of the word “home” through my favorite songs, was unlike any assignment I had been given before and expanded my horizons creatively.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
I always enjoy shopping at the farmers market by Jay Street, getting a refreshing iced tea or latte from Simone’s Kitchen, and exploring nature in the area. Being able to immerse myself in the nature preserves and hiking trails off campus is such a peaceful, grounding experience for me.
Marcus Brem
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Family and Educational Development
Why did you choose Union?
When I began my college search process, I was looking for a welcoming environment where I could thrive socially, academically and extracurricularly. When I explored other schools, I found that most of them filled a few of these hopes, but none stood out to me in the way Union did. When I toured the campus, I fell in love with the aura and atmosphere. I loved how tight-knit it was and enjoyed seeing my tour guide wave to their friends. I felt a sense of warmth in the social culture, which is not something I felt at other schools. Academically, I wanted an environment that was challenging while also supportive, which Union fulfills with flying colors. Finally, I wanted a school that was on the smaller side but still had many extracurricular opportunities. Union seemed like the land of opportunity, and it was. So I applied ED and never looked back.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
"Say yes!!" College is a time to explore and be open-minded to new experiences. Try new things, push yourself to connect with others and it will be the best decision you ever made (besides choosing Union)!
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class was the “Psychology of Investing.” I learned so many important life skills and many important lessons about one’s relationship with money.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
I love to go to the Kelly Adirondack Center. This spot is a hidden gem and is a wonderful place to study and get a mental reset. Whenever I need a study break I love to go on the trails and explore the fresh air and nature.
Dani Brown
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Majors: Economics and Africana Studies
Minor: Environmental Racism
Why did you choose Union?
From a young age, one thing was always certain: I would attend college. While I didn’t dwell much on the specifics of how it would happen, the dream of earning that piece of paper symbolizing triumph over generational shortcomings was always there. When the time came in high school to narrow down my college choices, my counselors introduced me to the idea of “fit factors.” Initially, I focused on campus life, housing, and academics, but I soon realized that factors like financial aid, location, and school size were even more critical. I began curating a list of liberal arts colleges that met my financial needs, offered the right distance from home, and aligned with my desire for a close knit academic environment. When I visited Union College, I immediately felt a connection. The moment I stepped onto campus, I was greeted with such enthusiasm that I felt genuinely welcomed. The campus itself was stunning in the fall and felt like more than just a school—it felt like a family where I could belong and thrive. Inspired by this sense of community, I applied early decision and am proud to now call myself a true member of the Union family.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Take full advantage of the many resources Union offers, from academic support like the Writing Center and faculty office hours, to cultural organizations and career services. These opportunities are there to help you grow, succeed, and make the most of your time at Union. Don’t hesitate to seek them out and use them to their fullest potential.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class assignment at Union was creating a presentation on the "pet to threat" phenomenon experienced by Black women in various workplaces. It was both powerful and eye-opening to analyze how Black women are often initially celebrated as tokens of diversity, only to later face stereotypes and biases that undermine their contributions and leadership.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite thing to do off campus in Schenectady is find opportunities to volunteer and give back. I have worked with various organizations here like the YWCA, Bethel Northside Church, Lucid Voices, and many more, whether creating events or providing hands to already existing infrastructures.
Daniel Buletza
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Ipswich, Mass.
Major: English
Minor: Spanish
Why did you choose Union?
I happened upon Union while I was visiting the area to tour another college. It was during the summer, so campus was very quiet, but we ended up running into a man who worked in the Psychology department walking his dog, and he offered to show us around. He was very kind and informative, and immediately gave me a sense of the welcoming Union community which I have now come to know. There were many things about Union that were attractive to me in addition to this chance experience, such as the small class sizes, the diverse student body, and the beautiful, walkable campus. I attended an admitted student’s day in February of 2022, where I specifically remember being very impressed by the student speakers in Memorial Chapel. They showed a diversity of disciplines, and generally were very well-spoken, representing their college well. I ultimately chose Union for all of these reasons.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
My advice would be to start taking classes that fulfill your general education requirements right away. Not only will this give you more flexibility later in your Union career, but it also is a great way to explore different disciplines and get a sense of what you really enjoy doing.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class assignment was one where I wrote a poetic imitation and response to a poem by John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. I love writing metered poetry, and this assignment was a genuine joy.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite thing to do off campus is to go hiking at the trails near the Plotter Kill in the spring.
Melanie De La Cruz
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Tampa, Fl.
Majors: Political Science and Theater
Minors: Dance and Seward Fellow in Education Policy
Fluent in Spanish
Why did you choose Union?
As a first generation college student, I wasn’t completely sure what to look for in a school. With the help of a college counselor provided by my school, I applied to a total of 19 schools, Union being among them. I never knew or heard of Union, much less Schenectady – but New York was an attractive location, especially when you’re from Florida (the weather change is its own discussion…) My college counselor told me that I would thrive in a smaller setting, being that I connected closely with my peers and mentors from high school. In addition to financial aid, success in humanities and STEM, and it long-standing history as an institution, I chose Union because of its uniqueness in comparison to other schools I was considering. It seemed like something I wouldn’t choose, therefore I chose it. It ended up being one of the best decisions I've ever made.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Take advantage of every opportunity. Four years fly by, and I have been surprised at how much even the smallest decisions have impacted my life in such a positive way. In addition to that, this is a very unique time in our lives. Union has so many resources to grow outside of the classroom—the library alone has so many fascinating texts, archives and sources that are at our disposal and I advise that everyone try to read or experience as much as these resources as possible for it is truly a beautiful experience in our academic journeys. And, if given the chance, study abroad!
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
A project called Portrait of Self in my First Year Inquiry course “Performance, Culture, and Nation” because here, I realized that we are all interdisciplinary individuals and where our intersections meet are the starting point for exciting things. We got to be crafty with this assignment, so I printed out some pictures that I felt described me and made a physical and interactive collage. This was one of my first ever courses at Union and set high standards for my next 4 years here. I am happy to say that those standards have been met and Union has gone above and beyond for my undergraduate experience.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
I adore Jay Street and the Greenmarket in the fall, along with catching a Proctor’s show every now and then. I also love to go thrifting on the weekends because who knew that fellow Schenectady residents had such good taste in clothes? Schenectady has a prevailing culture in the arts, and has many small businesses surrounding Union, which is always a joy to experience.
Miyak Falk
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Majors: Political Science and English
Why did you choose Union?
For my college search, I was looking for a place that would challenge me academically and creatively, while offering a strong sense of community. Growing up in a family where my older sister, Sarah, had already paved an inspiring path by going to Union College (as did both my parents), I felt motivated to attend a school that would give me the chance to create my own legacy. Union stood out for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, which perfectly aligns with my dual passion for Political Science and English. The tight-knit community and personalized learning environment made it clear that I would be more than just a number here. I also appreciated Union’s focus on critical thinking and social responsibility, values that resonate deeply with my aspirations of pursuing a career in law or journalism. Ultimately, it was the combination of academic rigor, community, and a feeling of belonging that solidified my choice. Union felt like a place where I could grow not only as a student but also as a person, preparing me for the challenges I hope to take on in the future.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
My advice to a Union first-year student would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. The people you meet and the experiences you have will shape your journey, so stay open-minded, take risks, and remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite assignment is a toss up between my first year creative fiction final portfolio and my sophomore year final poetry portfolio. Both of these assignments made me feel accomplished, proud of my work, and like a well-versed writer.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite thing to do off-campus in Schenectady is visiting the local coffee shops. It’s the perfect way to relax, get some work done, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the local vibe. There’s something about the cozy atmosphere and unique charm of the places that makes it feel like home.
Theo Goldman
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Jamaica Plain, Mass.
Majors: Environmental Science and Economics
Why did you choose Union?
I knew I wouldn’t be able to thrive academically at a big school, and most of all I wanted to be able to be involved and reinvent myself. I was talking to a coworker who was a current student at Union, and encouraged me to add it to my list. I toured Union on a beautiful spring day – seventy degrees with a cool breeze. I liked it alright, it didn’t jump to the top of my list immediately. The best marketing is word of mouth. Ultimately, I chose Union because the people I talked to who went there genuinely spoke highly of it. What stood out to me was all of the things students were able to do. An engineer, who was a student athlete, and served on the honor council, gave me my tour. Everyone I talked to was able to do so much, and to be involved in such a range of activities. As someone with a diverse range of interests, all of which I wanted to continue to pursue, this is what sold me.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Get involved. Do as much as you can. Go to club expo and write your name down on as many sign up sheets as possible.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class has been ENS 263 – “Environmentally Friendly Green Buildings.” In this class, I was able to learn from a LEED-accreted professional, who took us all around Schenectady on weekly field trips to look at the subsystems of buildings.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite off campus activity is going to dollar bowling on Thursday nights. I also enjoy eating at Morrettes [King Steakhouse] frequently.
Hannah Ingber
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Oak Park, Calif.
Majors: Psychology and Sociology
Why did you choose Union?
As someone from Southern California, I knew very little about all the small liberal arts schools on the East Coast. I knew I wanted to go to one, but I had no idea where to start. I toured Union without knowing anything about it beforehand and immediately fell in love. I toured in the fall and it was absolutely beautiful. The students felt very friendly. I saw groups of friends interacting and I saw professors interacting with students. Union was the school that felt most open and friendly. Days after the tour, Union still stood out to me, whereas other schools all blended together even more.
What really cemented my choice was when I reached out to the Union admissions team. No other school put the effort in to give me such a meaningful response. No other school put me in contact with a professor who was more than happy to answer any questions about the department she was in. These interactions showed me the type of school Union is. It's a school that really does foster open communication between professors and students and that puts full effort into its students' success.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Be open to everything and everyone. You have no idea where you'll end up four years from now – and while it can be scary, embrace the excitement and opportunity of that.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
For my “Community Psychology” class I was given the opportunity to write a mock grant for a research study I created.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
There are so many hiking trails right by here! I love exploring the various bio-diversity Schenectady has to offer.
Amelia Keese
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Major: English
Minors: Environmental Science & Policy and German & Comparative Literature
Why did you choose Union?
In high school, I knew I wanted to experience a small school, preferably on the East Coast. I spent a lot of time talking to my family and friends about what they wanted and valued in their schools, and I recognized Union checked all my boxes in terms of what I expected from my future school. Because I loved what I found, I applied early to demonstrate my interest. I had a good feeling about what my life could look like given the opportunities and environment Union curates for its students. I am confident Union was the right choice for me and my future.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Go to club meetings! I met some of my current friends at the many club meetings I attended as a first-year.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
I was assigned a final project for an Environmental Classics class where I got to write about my favorite band in conjunction with how music and language has always (from the Roman Empire to the present day) shaped our attitude to the environment.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
I love going to the Greenmarket on Sundays in the fall and spring. My favorite restaurant in the area is Unbeetable, which has vegan food and arcade games.
Ryan Mulderig
Pronouns: he/him
Hometown: Longmeadow, Mass.
Major: Economics
Why did you choose Union?
I chose Union for its well-renowned and highly respected academic programs, along with Union's strong alumni network, in addition to being able to continue my athletic career. Additionally, Union has a great campus community, culture, and sense of togetherness. Now, Union is my home and it has allowed me to find my passions and grow out of my shell.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Be social and break out of your comfort zone – academically, professionally, and socially.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
A research paper on gangs and youth violence in Central/South America allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and see a real world issue from a new perspective.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
Going for a spring hike in Plotter Kill.
Becky Perkins
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Deephaven, Minn.
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minors: Financial/Actuarial Mathematics and Music Technology
Why did you choose Union?
Coming from Minnesota, I was really excited to leave my community at home and meet new people and immerse myself in a new place. I always knew I wanted to go to college out east, so that narrowed down my search of colleges drastically. To be honest, when I applied, I didn’t know much about Union other than it was a good engineering school close to Albany. I applied early action and toured the campus later that spring. At all of the other colleges I toured, I had an uneasy feeling throughout the tour. However, when I toured Union, I was completely at peace and just took in the campus and the community around me. After my visit, my choice was clear and I committed to Union a few days after I got home.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
My biggest advice to any first year student is to try anything and everything that you might even be remotely interested in. Because I decided to randomly join groups and go to events, I always felt like I had a community at Union, which made being far from home a lot easier.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class assignment was a final project from one of my sophomore year electrical engineering core classes, ECE 218: “Microcontroller Projects.” This project allowed me to grow immensely in terms of interfacing components, but also in terms of communication and outreach as well.
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite thing to do off campus is go to the numerous festivals that happen in the Schenectady area. This past spring the Garnettes (one of the acapella groups I am a part of) performed at Pride Fest in Schenectady giving us the chance to engage with the community.
Sarah Zeidalkilani
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Nablus, Palestine
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Art & Philosophy of Radiohead
Fluent in Arabic
Why did you choose Union?
As an international student, I knew I wanted my college experience to be something completely different—a chance to step outside the environment I’d grown up in and explore opportunities I’d only dreamed of. My college search was broad, spanning multiple countries. What initially caught my eye about Union was its lack of an application fee. It might seem small, but to me, it felt incredibly welcoming, like Union was saying, “We want to hear from you, no strings attached.” It was such a refreshing contrast to the transactional feel of other applications.
Since I couldn’t visit any campuses in person, I started my Union journey online. From browsing pictures of the campus to reading about their top-notch biomedical engineering program, I was drawn deeper into what made Union special. I attended several virtual sessions, where the warmth and approachability of the Union community really came through. While I was fortunate to get into other renowned American schools, Union stood out for its genuine willingness to work with me on my financial situation and their constant, heartfelt communication. In the end, it wasn’t just the academics or campus that made my choice clear—it was the people and their commitment to making me feel like I belonged.
What’s one piece of advice you would give a Union first-year student?
Don’t be afraid to “embarrass yourself.” Whether it’s applying for a job, diving into research, or building relationships, some of the best opportunities at Union come when you step outside your comfort zone and let go of the fear of messing up.
Which class assignment has been your favorite at Union?
My favorite class assignment at Union was building my own electrocardiogram (ECG) in Professor Buma’s biomedical instrumentation class. It was incredible to see something I created in action, especially when I got to test it out on all my friends!
What is your favorite thing to do in Schenectady?
My favorite thing to do off campus in Schenectady is dog-watching at the Greenmarket with my friends!
