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Finding solutions to the challenges facing higher education  

Michael Acquilano elected president of New York State Association for College Admission Counseling

August 7, 2007 (Staten Island, NY)-- Michael Acquilano, director of college guidance at Staten Island Academy, has been elected president of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC), whose mission is to be the leader in shaping professional standards, ethical and social responsibility and exemplary practices for secondary and post-secondary counselors.

NYSACAC’s membership is composed of over 1,400 professionals from across the state. The organization is dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education. It is committed to ensuring the highest standards of service to students and families in the process of transitioning from high school to college.

“It is truly an honor to be elected President of this association representing high school counselors and admissions professionals from across New York State,” said Acquilano.

He went on to say, “The landscape of higher education today is filled with many challenges – questions of access and opportunity, financial burden, and equity in the process. It is the responsibility of the NYSACAC leadership to find solutions to these issues. The prospect of leading this conversation on both the state and national level with colleagues from around the country is an exciting one.”

In his role as the director of college guidance at Staten Island Academy, a position he has held since 1999, Acquilano has spearheaded a dynamic guidance program at the distinguished college preparatory school. He also teaches history.

Academy students have been accepted into the nation’s finest colleges and universities after completing what many consider to be Staten Island’s most selective and rigorous academic program. The school offers a comprehensive and innovative college guidance program that boasts an unequalled 8:1 student:advisor ratio, informative workshops, advisory sessions, special events, SAT preparation classes and college visits including a summer bus tour to select colleges.

Acquilano was elected for a three-year term cycle, during which time he will serve in the positions of president-elect, president and past president of the state affiliate of the National Association for College Admission Counseling. His role in the governance structure involves leadership at both the state and national levels.

He is a member of the state and regional Presidents’ Council, a body composed of presidents and presidents-elect for the twenty-four state and regional associations. Currently, as president-elect, Mr. Acquilano is responsible for the planning of the annual state conference and communicating the status of activities to the membership and executive board on a regular basis. In his role, he will also serve as a delegate to the National Assembly for three years and is prepared to assume the office of president in the current president’s absence. Learn more about NYSACAC.

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Press Contact: Rena Jordan, 718-303-7805, communication@statenislandacademy.org