Meet the Freshman Admission Staff
Dean of Undergraduate Admission
skidmoas@lewisu.edu
Degrees:
B.S. in Marketing, Quincy University
M.A. in Organizational Leadership, Lewis University
As a child, what did you want to grow up to be?
I wanted to work for a professional sports team, but then fell in love with higher education in college when I worked as a student worker for the Office of Admission.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The Welcome Center! It’s great to see so many smiling faces from prospective students and parents as they head out for campus tours.
If you could be any animal for a day, what would you be?
English Bulldog. I just love their smooshed faces!
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be?
I wish I could be a genie to blink my eyes and make things change instantly.
Director of Admission
cockerry@lewisu.edu
Degrees:
B.S. in Speech Communication, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
M.S. in Communication Studies, Northern Illinois University
What is your favorite food?
Donuts and cheesecake. Or, if available, donut-flavored cheesecake.
What is your favorite quote?
“Enjoy every sandwich.” – Warren Zevon
How would you spend your last day on earth?
Eating donuts and cheesecake!
Director of International Recruitment
kingty@lewisu.edu
Degree:
2010 M.A., Northern Illinois University
2006 B.A., Bradley University
What is/are your favorite hobby(ies)?
I really enjoy being outdoors – kayaking, camping, rock climbing, skiing
What is your favorite food?
A Korean dish called deolsot bibimbap, it’s a rice, veggie, and beef mix that is spicy and served in a hot stone bowl.
What was your first concert?
Pearl Jam, at Alpine Valley.
If you could watch only one TV show for the rest of your life, which would it be?
LOST, but only seasons 1 through 4 without the “flash-sideways” mess.
What is the strangest pet you have ever owned?
When I was a kid, I had a small tortoise named Buster.
Regional Admission Representative (Wisconsin)
jmurphy9@lewisu.edu
Degree:
B.S. Psychology, Loyola University Chicago
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere in nature with no cell reception.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do yourself a favor and work hard now.”
If you could watch only one TV show for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Frasier.
Freshman Admission Counselor
tolsen2@lewisu.edu
Degree:
B.A. in Psychology (minor in Neuroscience), North Central College
What is the next goal on your bucket list?
Explore Croatia.
What is your favorite holiday?
The 4th of July because who doesn’t like fireworks?
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be?
Super speed so I can travel the world in a day.
Freshman Admission Counselor
jparry@lewisu.edu
Degree:
B.A., Aurora University
What is your favorite quote?
Not all those who wander are lost – Gandalf
What is your favorite sports team?
Chicago Cubs til’ the day I die.
What is/are your favorite hobby(ies)?
Going to the gym, Playing baseball/softball, Fortnite, Fortnite, and more Fortnite.
As a child, what did you want to grow up to be?
Starting Shortstop for the Chicago Cubs.
Freshman Admission Counselor
srenovato@lewisu.edu
Degree:
B.A. in Human Resource Management and Psychology, Lewis University
What are your favorite hobbies?
Reading, eating, and napping.
What is your favorite place to eat in Romeoville/Southwest Suburbs? Chicago?
In Chicago: Ramen-San, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, and Sapori Trattoria. In the Suburbs: My mom’s house.
If you could read only one book series for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Harry Potter.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
The Courtyard Café!
Freshman Admission Counselor
criordan@lewisu.edu
Degree:
B.A., Lewis University
What is the next goal on your bucket list?
To vacation to Croatia.
What is your favorite quote?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” –Neale Donald Walsch
What is your favorite sports team?
Cubbies!
What skill would you love to learn?
I would love to become better at skiing.
Freshman Admission Counselor
mrodriguez17@lewisu.edu
Degree:
B.A. in Social Work, Lewis University ('18)
M.S.W. Lewis University ('19)
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Barcelona, Spain.
What is your favorite quote?
“ Don’t cry because it’s over, SMILE because it happened” -Dr. Seuss
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas Eve! I enjoy spending the day with my family preparing Christmas Eve dinner and waiting for it to be midnight to open the presents.
What is the next goal on your bucket list?
To travel the world.
