History of Achieving the Dream at SUNY Schenectady

   

President Steady H. Moono, Ed.D., introduced SUNY Schenectady to the national Achieving the Dream (ATD) network and its mission to advance student success through data-informed decision-making. On May 24, 2016, the College held its first meeting to explore ATD’s foundational concepts, including the enrollment funnel, student onboarding, the Loss/Momentum Framework, and the power of using data to guide institutional change. 

Shortly after that initial meeting, the initiative was introduced to the broader college community under the name Student Success Initiative (SSI). 

SUNY Schenectady officially became an ATD member in 2016 and met its first two coaches on September 29, 2016. The inaugural co-chairs of SSI were Sabrina McGinty and Aaron Tolbert. One of the first priorities they tackled was a comprehensive redesign of the New Student Orientation. The goal was to make the experience more student-centered and welcoming, with added sessions for parents and key vision supporters. 

In Spring 2021, leadership of the initiative transitioned to tri-chairs Cayla Gaworecki, Pamela McCall, and Michael Stamets. The initiative was rebranded as ReaCh—Royal Champions. This marked a shift toward broader institutional alignment and deeper cross-functional collaboration. 

By 2024, the College’s ATD work became integrated into the responsibilities of the Dean of Learner Support, signifying the institutionalization of student success practices. With this transition, the College began to reframe its ATD focus toward Teaching and Learning, supported by ATD’s Teaching and Learning Toolkit. This shift reflected the belief that while a strong student success infrastructure is now embedded in campus culture, the next frontier for growth lies in the classroom—enhancing instruction, supporting faculty innovation, and improving outcomes directly tied to learning. 

What began as an initiative is now a foundational part of who we are. ATD principles are woven into SUNY Schenectady’s culture, guiding our decisions, shaping our vision, and helping us fulfill our mission of supporting every student’s success. 

Steering Committee Members 

• Jessica Gilbert, Dean of Learner Support 
• Dr. Mark Meachem, Vice President for Academic Affairs 
• David Clickner, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Planning  
• Matt Farron, Professor 
• Stephen Fragale, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs 
• Cayla Gaworecki, Assistant Professor 
• Dawn Jones, Director of Career and Transfer Services 
• Jacquie Keleher, Director of Library Services 
• Catia Laird de Polanco, Chief Diversity Officer 
• Jay Larkin, Associate Professor 
• Carol Maimone, Assistant Professor 
• Dale Miller, Director of Institutional Research 
• Student Representative 

Working Groups 

• Teaching and Learning
  Chair Cayla Gaworecki 
• Holistic Student Services
  Chair Michelle Ragucci 
• Equity*
  Chair Catia Laird de Polanco 
• Data Capacity
  Chairs Yvonne Goldman and Mary Silvestri 
• Student Support Data
  Chair Mark Bessette 
• K/12 Gateway to College
  Chair Melanie Uebele 
• Enrollment*
  Chair David Clickner 
• Adult Learner
  Chair Carol Maimone  

*These are previously established working groups that collaborate with and support ATD efforts.