Suffolk Reporter

Dawn Villacci, director of Engagement and Guest Experience, is on a mission to connect with students and staff at Stony Brook University and enhance their campus experience through the Auxiliary Services Association (ASA). Her goal is clear: to make every interaction with ASA extraordinary.

With the launch of ASA’s new Engagement and Guest Experience department, ASA has transformed how the campus community engages with services provided on campus. “Through events and focus groups, we actively listen to our guests to tailor our services to their needs. We want the community to be part of the conversation and collaborate with ASA to showcase the talents and contributions that our students, faculty, and staff bring to our campus,” explained Villacci.

ASA’s new initiative for enhancing engagement through interactive events helps gather valuable feedback to better understand the needs and preferences of the campus community. “Your voice matters,” Villacci emphasized. “We’re here to listen and make it count. Together, we can create unforgettable moments that elevate your campus life experience.”

During Welcome Week, the ASA Engagement office hosted various programs including Paint Night, Bingo, Hydroponic Gardening, Commuting Confidently, and Getting to Know the SBU Eats dining program. Many of these programs were hosted in newly developed reservable spaces such as J-Club at Jasmine in the Charles B. Wang Center and the Lounge at East Side Dining.

Villacci, a graduate of Stony Brook University who completed degrees in 1991 and 2014, shows her passion for interacting with the campus community in every aspect of her work. She believes that creating a platform where everyone can freely share their ideas will continually improve essential services.

One recent program featured a lecture by Stony Brook University alum Heather Wickham ’24 on environmental design. Students participating in this workshop painted flower pots for their new spider plants while learning about stress reduction benefits from indoor plants.

The programs provided by ASA aim to foster a closer connection between students and their campus environment so that their time at Stony Brook feels like home. The annual Cooking from Home program pairs students with SBU Eats chefs to cook authentic family recipes shared with the campus community.

By offering diverse programs, workshops, and events, ASA seeks to foster a sense of belonging by creating an environment where everyone can connect, learn, and thrive in a supportive community. Upcoming programs include an Artisan Market for student entrepreneurs, a Shop Red Fashion Show, an Open Mic Night, and an Open House Celebration at the new ASA Hub.

For more information or collaboration inquiries on programming contact dawn.villacci@stonybrook.edu.