What is a Gryphon Guide?
Gryphon Guides are academic peer mentors, orientation leaders, and active members of the SLC community. They are among the most involved students on campus who love and live the SLC experience. Gryphon Guides suggest and link students to academic supports and resources and answer questions related to coursework, how to make sustained connections, what the best clubs and events are for respective interests, and dos and don'ts. Incoming students will be assigned to one of fifteen cohorts, each led by one Gryphon Guide, who they will work closely with during orientation and throughout the year. Gryphon Guides host office hours weekly in the Learning Commons, and can refer and connect students to resources across campus; if a student does not know which resource to go to, their Gryphon Guide is a great place to start!
How do Gryphon Guides connect with students?
Gryphon Guides are assigned First Year Studies cohorts, who they work with throughout their first year at SLC. During the summer, Gryphon Guides host online “Ask Me Anything” sessions, where students are encouraged to ask any and all questions about life at Sarah Lawrence. Over orientation, they lead programming and engage students, helping them adjust to the college experience. Gryphon Guides remain in contact with their cohort over the school year, answering questions and hosting events geared toward getting students involved. The main goal of Gryphon Guides is to foster a sense of belonging at Sarah Lawrence.
Through this role in its entirety, Gryphon Guides will be an informative peer and resource for students regarding orientation, the transition to college, involvement on campus, and more.
Toni Abbatiello (she/her/hers) Dec '23
Hi! I'm Toni, I'm a senior concentrating in History and Economics. I'm from Long Island, NY and I love thunderstorms, reading and my dogs. I have an anxious pug (Gizmo) on campus- who you can admire from a distance! Sarah Lawrence has really given me the opportunity to explore and grow, both academically and personally. Through our conference system, I've discovered my love of research and now want to pursue a Master's in Library and Information Science.
There is always so much going on and getting involved is a great way to make friends and take advantage of all the resources SLC has to offer. Here on campus, I am a Career Ambassador, on Student Senate and the Director of SLAC. SLAC is the Sarah Lawrence Activities Council and we have fun events every weekend like movie screenings, stuff-a-bears and open mic nights! Come stop by and say hi!
Genevieve Chiappetta (she/her), Class of 2024
Hello! I'm Genevieve, a senior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At home, I have three cats, two dogs, and five chickens (whom I am always willing to show off so please ask about them!). I love buying books I'll someday get around to reading and juice boxes. At school, I am concentrating in theatre arts and literature. I am captain of the Women's Swim team, a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Council, and student manager of the costume shop! When not in the pool or deep in the PAC, I can be found lurking in the library or stretched between two trees in my trusty hammock with a book.
Going into my second year as a Gryphon Guide, I could not be more excited to welcome the Class of 2027 onto campus!
Colleen Coughlin (she/her), Class of 2026
Hi! I’m Colleen Coughlin (she/her) from the mountains of Johnson City, Tennessee. I am studying political science & economics here at SLC. In the 2023-24 school year I will be a sophomore, and excited to explore more clubs/committees I can join here. I am currently part of the women’s basketball team, a member of the housing committee, and going to be the manager for the women’s soccer team for the 2023 season. Back home, I have a dog and three older brothers who have played a big role in who I am today. I love sports, music, and spending time outside. One of my favorite parts of going to school here is that I can go to NYC anytime I want; coming from a small town, being able to go to a place like Manhattan in a quick train ride is an advantage I am extremely grateful for. I am so excited to be a Gryphon Guide, and I can’t wait to meet the class of 2027!
ADVICE: Make sure to get out of your dorm every now and then, even if it’s just to eat or get coffee. I would advise new students to attend orientation and the events offered by the school in the first two weeks—even if optional—these are the primal events to make friends in your first year, and connect with the people in your class. Lastly, join clubs! Clubs help you form relationships not only with other students, but administrators/professors as well.
Lukas Gates
Hello! My name is Lukas. I'm a senior from Bethesda, Maryland. I am concentrating in sociology and philosophy, with a specific interest in gender studies. I have a cat named Oliver, and a red-eared slider named Squirtle (yes, like the Pokémon), and I will gladly show you photos of either one. I am greatly involved in athletics here at Sarah Lawrence. I am the captain of the men's volleyball team, as well as the current president of our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and a member of our Athletics DEI Board. I also work as a photographer for the athletics department, and I have a very cool film camera collection that I will happily answer questions about. When not in class, you can find me lurking in the Campbell Sports Center or chatting about astrology with my friends in the Barbara Walters Campus Center. I'm so excited to meet everyone this year!
Madelyn Heavens (she/her), Class of 2026
Hi! My name is Maddy (she/her), and I am a part of the class of 2026. I’m from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and I’m currently studying visual arts and film. I’ve been playing volleyball most of my life and am a part of the women’s team here at SLC!
I love reading, concerts, film photography, crossword puzzles, surfing, and taking pictures of my dog. So excited to be a part of this team and can’t wait to meet you all!
Bel de Jesus Forero, Class of 2026
I’m Bel and I’m a rising sophomore! I’m from Poughkeepsie, NY and I study art history. At SLC I’m a co-chair of the Society for Curatorial and Museum Practices and work as an intern at the Yonkers Public Library. Something I love about Sarah Lawrence is all of the connections you can make and all of the interesting disciplinary skills you accumulate through your work here.
Advice: Take advantage of Career Services, alumni talks, and networking events. Sarah Lawrence gives students every opportunity to do exactly what they want to do and meet all the right people who will help you achieve that and one of the best things you can do is take the resources!
Mira Franzen (they/them), Class of 2025
Hey! My name is Mira (they/them) and I'm in the class of 2025. I’m from Northbrook, Illinois and I’m studying Philosophy and Politics. I am a member of the cross country team at SLC. During my sophomore year, I was a SLAC Co-Chair and a member of Student Senate as a Curriculum Committee representative. I chose Sarah Lawrence because of the freedom it gives students to choose their course of study and the opportunities it provides to connect with professors.
Lily Jaipet, any pronouns, Class of 2026
Hi! I’m Lily and I’m in the Class of 2026. I use any pronouns. I’m from Connecticut and I’m studying writing and psychology. At school, I’m involved as a THRIVE mentee, a member of Asian American Culture Club (AACC), Drag Student Union, and The Scandal Revue! I love to dance, specifically Hip-Hop and tap, so let me know if you want to dance some time! I love how the school encourages you to nurture all your interests, even if they just feel like hobbies. I’m excited to meet everyone!
Advice: Remember it’s okay to take time off. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and work hard, but it’s okay if you can’t be present all the time and need some down time. Everyone needs a recharge!
Mia Kimball (she/her), Class of 2025(she/her), Class of 2026
I'm Mia Kimball (she/her), class of 2025. I study literature, writing, science, and whatever else interests me! I try to make the most of the interdisciplinary courses here at SLC. I'm from seacoast New Hampshire. I currently want to have a career in event planning, and have been involved with SLAC during my time at SLC, hosting kahoot nights, murder mystery parties, and more. I work remotely for a wedding planning company based in NH. Theatre, books, design, ren fairs, and theme parks make me happy. I'm looking forward to being a Gryphon Guide this year!
My advice: When you practice self care, fully relax and don't worry about the work you need to do. If you don't focus on yourself sometimes, you will burn out quickly. Give yourself true breaks!
Maura Pelczynski (she/her), Class of 2025
Hey hey hey! My name is Maura Pelczynski (she/her) and I hail from Northern Virginia. I'm a theatre third in the class of 2025. I'm a member of Shrew's Naked Shakespeare, a Melancholy Players producer, and frequent performer for SLC's burlesque club, The Scandal Revue! I'm a fan of frolicking and also tomfoolery, and can usually be found snoozing in a blooming flower.
Advice: Embrace your own curiosity! College is a great chance to learn and explore beyond classwork. Dive in deep, excite your passions, and don't be afraid to scamper down every new rabbit hole.
Emma McKibben (she/her) '25
I am concentrating in Refugee & Migration Studies alongside International Relations. I have been involved with Undergraduate Student Senate and the Sarah Lawrence Activities Council. Additionally, I work in the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership and am interning at the International Rescue Committee. This summer I will be doing fieldwork in Malaysia with our Consortium on Forced Migration, Displacement, and Education.
I am from a small town in Ohio, love to garden, read, and share photos of my adorable cat. I chose SLC because I wanted a college experience where I have control over my academic path and am immersed in an environment that empowers me to discover my passions.
Advice: Go to events, read your emails, craft a healthy sleep schedule, and make the most of the incredible resources on campus!
Madeline Thompson (she/her), Class of 2025
Hi, I’m Madeline Thompson (she/her) and I’m from Oregon. I’m a rising junior and I’m interested in Pre-Law, French, and Design. I have two dogs and I love building 3D models, making art, and spending time with my friends.
In this last school year, I was one of the Game Nights Co-chairs of the Sarah Lawrence Activity Council (SLAC). I was also a member of the Rocky Horror shadow cast last fall. One of the things I love about SLC is the freedom you have to explore all of your different interests and to make your educational experience here truly your own.
Zander Pryor, (he/him), Class of 2025
Hi! I'm Zander Pryor(he/him) and I am a rising junior at Sarah Lawrence, hailing from Dallas, Texas.
Although I've got many interests in true Sarah Lawrence fashion, my main focuses are on theater, writing, social sciences and literature. I'm almost always in rehearsal between being a theater third, helping stage manage the Musical Theater Ensemble shows and burlesque. When I do get free time, I love listening to queer podcasts and terrible music, and spending time with my ESA, Antigone. As a Gryphon Guide who’s on the spectrum, I hope to especially ease the process for fellow neurodivergent students.
Advice: One of the best things about Sarah Lawrence is how many things you're able to try; take advantage of that! Sometimes, something you were afraid to try becomes your newest passion!
Rachel Wade (she/her), Class of 2025
Hey there! My name is Rachel Wade (she/her). I am a rising junior from Houston, TX, studying writing and history! I am on the board of SLC Hillel, a Jewish religious and cultural organization on campus, and I am also a member of DND club! I love writing, Weird Al, and Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Advice: Being actively engaged in clubs on campus is a great way to make friends with people that share your hobbies and interests! Also, for anyone still on the fence, yes. You should bring a trashcan and a brita filter.
Allie Zapson (she/they) Class of 2025
Allie (she/they), a rising junior at SLC. I’m from Guilford, Connecticut and I’m studying psychology and creative writing. I’m involved in student organizations like the rock climbing club and the disability alliance. In my free time I love to crochet and climb trees around campus. I love Sarah Lawrence because of the community that I’ve found and because of the amazing professors who I have been able to work with
Advice: Social dynamics can be difficult to navigate, especially as a first year. Don’t let this discourage you! You will find your people, sometimes it just takes time. (Also go to events! And read your emails!)