About Us
Professional Staff
Crystal Cusimano-Figueroa
Senior Director of Orientation, and Summer and Winter Initiatives
Crystal has been working in higher education administration since 2004. She is a Rochester native and an alumna of both the School of Arts and Sciences ('05) and the Simon Business School ('09) at the University of Rochester. She holds a bachelors in economics, a masters in marketing, and a masters in instructional design and technology. She has served in many roles throughout the University including corporate relations coordinator, director of faculty affairs, and director of summer and continuing studies. Crystal is also the director of the Summer Start Program, an early arrival program for incoming first-year students. When she’s not helping students make the most of their college experience, you can find her taking photographs, reading from her never-ending pile of books (#hufflepuffpride), or whipping up a gourmet meal.
Justin Bruce
Assistant Director of Orientation and First Year Programs
- Email: justin.bruce@rochester.edu
Justin graduated from Lafayette College with a bachelors in neuroscience in 2009, and from the College of William and Mary with a masters in higher education administration in 2012. After working in student affairs at both the College of William and Mary and Lasell College, he joined the University of Rochester as the assistant director of orientation and first-year programs. When Justin isn’t rhapsodizing about his daughters, he spontaneously bursts into song and weaves the word “Meliora” into everyday conversation. He looks forward to welcoming you and can’t wait to help you start your new journey at the University of Rochester. Meliora!
Amy Gallo
Program Coordinator for Orientation, Summer and Winter Initiatives
Amy joined the orientation team in 2019 after working as a marketing coordinator in the University's Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement for four years. Prior to that role, she worked in the Office of Alumni Relations at her alma mater, Nazareth College, where she earned a bachelors in sociology in 2013. She is excited to welcome you and your family to the University of Rochester community!
Shandra Kieffer
Program Manager for Orientation
Shandra joined the College Center for Advising Services in 2014 and now manages the front staff, assists with the Take Five program, and serves as program manager for orientation. Previously, Shandra worked at EFP Rotenberg as an administrative assistant in general administration, billing, accounts receivables, and human resources. She has more than 15 years of administrative experience in several different fields including public accounting, construction, and retail. Shandra loves working at the University of Rochester and looks forward to welcoming you to our community.