iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

What a fun way to close out College Week on Upstate Living, highlighting UAlbany and Thrive UAlbany! 💜💛 Great spending time with Theo Rhynie, our Saxbys Student CEO, and our cheer and dance teams! Thanks to Billy Floyd and Anne McCloy for being such terrific hosts! #UAlbany #GreatDanes

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Great to welcome Dr. Levi Shanks from APLU to UAlbany! His insights from the ten-year retrospective on Project Degree Completion reinforced that student success is a shared responsibility across the institution — exactly the way we’ve approached it at UAlbany! Grateful for the conversation!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

A great day to be a Great Dane! 💜💛 We kicked off Homecoming 2026 with “The Great Unveil” — revealing the new Damien and bench on the Podium. A new spot for generations of Great Danes to gather, connect and show their UAlbany pride! Thanks to the UAlbany Alumni Association for bringing it to life!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Great to gather with our UAlbany Student Affairs & Enrollment (Alumni) Advisory Board during Great Dane Family Weekend! Loved having members of our Student Advisory Board join us, too — incredible insights and perspectives! #UAlbany #GreatDanes

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Proud to welcome our newest members into the UAlbany Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa during Great Dane Family Weekend! 💜 Grateful to Provost Carol Kim for her inspiring words on leadership and seizing opportunities — and honored to induct her into ODK as an honoris causa member. #UAlbany #ODK

020

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Civic engagement in action at UAlbany! Great to see Great Dane Dialogue bring students together for thoughtful civic discourse — listening, engaging across differences, and exchanging ideas with respect. And voter registration efforts helped Great Danes turn dialogue into participation!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Loved kicking off today’s Student Organization Leader Summit! Our clubs and organizations bring UAlbany to life — helping students connect, lead, find their people and BELONG. That’s Thrive UAlbany’s Community & Belonging pillar in action! #UAlbany

021

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Loved the energy at UAlbany’s Block Party! Our student clubs & orgs make campus vibrant — and create the experiences, friendships & leadership opportunities Great Danes carry with them long after graduation.

001

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Great to celebrate the opening of Saxbys at UAlbany! Congrats to Student CEO Theo Rhynie and his team of Great Danes! 💜🐾 P.S. The cold brew is 🔥☕️

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

What does it mean to thrive at UAlbany? 💜💛 Hear directly from our Great Danes about what helps them feel connected, supported and prepared for what comes next. Find your path to thriving. #ThriveUAlbany #GreatDanes

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Excited to cut the ribbon on Great Dane Apartments — UAlbany’s newest student housing and a new place for our Great Danes to call home! 💜💛

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Welcome home, Class of 2030! 💜💛 Campus is alive again after an incredible few days of Welcome Week. Let’s go, Great Danes!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Great afternoon welcoming back our UAlbany Student Affairs & Enrollment team — including our newest colleagues! 💜💛 Ready to welcome a historic class of new Great Danes and help every student succeed. Let’s go! #UAlbany #GreatDanes

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Less than four weeks until we welcome the newest members of the Great Dane family! Can't wait to meet the UAlbany Class of 2030 and our new transfer students—and add this year's All-Class Photo to the Campus Center photo wall. #UAlbanyBound #UAlbany

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

One last Summer Connection Day with an incredible team! 💛💜 Over 12 sessions, we welcomed nearly 3,000 new Great Danes and their families to UAlbany. Huge thanks to our amazing Orientation Leaders for bringing the energy & Great Dane spirit all summer long. See you in August! #UAlbany #UAlbanyBound

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Great afternoon at UAlbany Day at the Races at Saratoga Race Course! Thanks to Joe Bonilla, Lee Serravillo, and the entire UAlbany Alumni Association team for another terrific event. Looking forward to next year!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Honored to receive the Brand Champion Award as part of the 2026 Purple Torch Awards. Congratulations to my outstanding Student Affairs & Enrollment colleagues who were also recognized for their collaboration & commitment to telling UAlbany's story by the Office of Communications & Marketing.

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

A great day with our Student Affairs & Enrollment leadership team exploring themes from “Unreasonable Hospitality” & how intentionality, care & culture shape the student experience at UAlbany. Thanks to United Way of the Capital Region for hosting us at the Blake Annex! #UnreasonableHospitality

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Proud to join President Havidán Rodríguez in recognizing UAlbany’s Campus Compact Newman Fellow, Amaya Neuwirth ‘26. A well-deserved honor for a student leader whose commitment to service and civic engagement is making a real difference. Congratulations, Amaya! #UAlbany

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Getting ready to welcome the UAlbany Class of 2030 and our new transfer students! 💜💛 Excited to kick off Orientation Leader training with an incredible group of student leaders who will help our newest Great Danes begin their UAlbany journey. Go Great Danes!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

A great day with the UAlbany Student Affairs & Enrollment team at #CONFAB2026. We celebrated Excellence Award recipients, recognized our Friends of Student Affairs & Enrollment honorees, and heard inspiring presentations from our New Professionals Institute cohort. #UAlbany #HigherEd

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

A highlight of the NASPA Region II Conference was moderating a conversation on building a culture of care with Distinguished Pillar Betty Simmons and Pillars Brian Mitra and Sofia Pertuz. Grateful for their insights, wisdom, and commitment to supporting students and colleagues alike. #NASPA

020

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Honored to be named to City & State's 2026 Trailblazers in Higher Education list. Grateful to work alongside incredible colleagues at UAlbany and across the student affairs profession. This recognition reflects the work of many people, and I'm thankful to be part of it.

cityandstateny.com

The 2026 Trailblazers in Higher Education

Leaders of postsecondary education in New York

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Another round of applause for the graduates of UAlbany’s Class of 2026. 👏💜💛 So proud of our Great Danes and grateful for the impact they’ve had on our campus community. Wishing our graduates success and happiness in all that comes next. Once a Great Dane, always a Great Dane.

010

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

On the eve of the University’s degree conferral ceremonies, we gathered with our graduates around UAlbany’s iconic main fountain one last time. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

A wonderful celebration honoring the undergraduate Class of 2026. 💜💛 Grateful to Mayor Dorcey Applyrs for serving as Commencement speaker and proud of student speaker Amaya Neuwirth for representing the class so well. Congratulations, graduates!

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Proud to kick off Commencement Week at UAlbany with this year’s Lavender Celebration — a meaningful tradition since 2009 honoring our LGBTQ+ and ally graduates, alumni, faculty, and staff. #UAlbany #GreatDanes

010

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Congratulations to this semester’s newest inductees into the UAlbany Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society. Proud to welcome these outstanding Great Danes into a long legacy of student leadership at UAlbany. #UAlbany #GreatDanes

010

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Grateful for the incredible students who served on the inaugural Vice President’s Student Advisory Board this spring. Their insight, honesty, and thoughtful engagement will help strengthen the student experience at UAlbany for years to come. Proud of these amazing Great Danes. #UAlbany

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Proud to celebrate our outstanding student employees across UAlbany Student Affairs & Enrollment! Their leadership, care, and connection with peers help shape the student experience every day. Special congratulations to Em VanWagoner, recipient of this year’s Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award!

010

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Great night celebrating UAlbany Athletics at the Great Dane Awards. Congrats to Grace Cincebox and Lucas Watt—this year’s Great Dane Leadership Award winners. Peer-selected, and leading in competition, the classroom, and the community. True Great Danes. 💜💛

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Honored to meet Ambassador Evangelos Savva ’93, MA ’95—UAlbany Alumni Association Excellence in Public Service honoree. A remarkable global leader and proud UAlbany alum making a real difference. 💜💛 #UAlbany #GreatDanes

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Huge congrats to our UAlbany students receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence—the system’s highest student honor. So well deserved. 💜💛 #UAlbany #GreatDanes

110

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Celebrating an incredible group of honorees at the 2026 UAlbany Alumni Awards—so well deserved. Always great to spend time with our Purple & Gold Ambassadors, too. They remind me what makes this place special. 💜💛 #UAlbany #GreatDanes

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Great having Claire Brady at UAlbany! Leaning into AI to better support students—and give our teams time back for what matters most. #UAlbany #AIinHigherEd

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Celebrating Middle Earth at UAlbany—50+ years of students supporting students. Grateful for our seniors & E-Board leadership. #UAlbany

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Grateful to be part of the LearningWell Coalition’s 2026 Presidents’ Convening at NYU—focused on the future of student wellbeing. Joined a panel grounded in new national research with Hanna Shaul Bar Nissim, Rob Franek, and Carrie Landa. Proud to represent UAlbany and advance this work.

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

It’s awards season! We honored 300 extraordinary UAlbany students at today’s Student Leadership Awards, including these amazing Outstanding Seniors! It really is a great day to be a Great Dane!

010

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Congrats to Kirk Leszczynski on receiving UAlbany’s President’s Award for Professional Service. A mentor from day one and a steady force for good for more than three decades. Well deserved, Kirky.

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Being named a Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs is about the people who make it real every day—their care for students, for each other, and the culture they create. Thanks to Havidán Rodríguez for lifting up this work. Grateful to be part of this team! #UAlbany #StudentAffairs

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

At ACPA – College Student Educators International this week, proud to accept UAlbany’s recognition as a Promising Place to Work in Student Affairs. Investing in our people is investing in our students—when our teams thrive, so do those we serve. #UAlbany #StudentAffairs #HigherEd

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Proud to join our UAlbany team at Capital Region Relay For Life. The Superhero Lap—led by our students and “UAlbany Man”—was a highlight. Grateful for the life-changing work of the American Cancer Society and proud of our students for leading with purpose. #UAlbany

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Great to kick off UAlbany’s Intercollegiate EMS Conference! Grateful for our student EMS leaders—their service has real impact on our campus and community, while shaping their own learning & career paths. And thanks to Ryan Greenberg for a high-energy, insightful keynote. #UAlbany #EMS #HigherEd

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Great to host the NEACUHO Drive-In at UAlbany—thoughtful conversations, strong regional partnership, and real idea-sharing around residential life and housing. #UAlbany #StudentAffairs #NEACUHO

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Even better: we opened a new on-site transfer & advisement hub to support students every step of the way. Grateful for the partnership—excited for what’s ahead.

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Great Dane road trip to Columbia-Greene Community College!! Proud to join Presidents Havidán Rodríguez & Victoria Walsh to sign a dual admission agreement—creating a seamless pathway for C-GCC students to continue at UAlbany. #UAlbany #SUNY #HigherEd

100

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Grateful to join colleagues at #NYSCAC to discuss supporting nontraditional students balancing college, work, and family. Appreciated the conversation with President Larry D. Johnson Jr. and Ava Dieden, moderated by Samuel Rowser. Important work ahead. #HigherEd #AdultLearners

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

Grateful as I wrap up my year as NASPA Board Chair. Thankful for my family, colleagues at UAlbany, our incredible NASPA staff, Executive Committee (serious work, never too serious), and the team behind an outstanding KC conference. Proud to be part of this community. #NASPA #StudentAffairs

000

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 21/03/2026

Honored to pass the gavel to Darryl Holloman as NASPA Board Chair—thoughtful, steady leadership ahead. Excited to continue the work alongside Chair-Elect Lamar Hylton. Grateful for this community. #NASPA #StudentAffairs

010

Michael Christakis @mikechristakis.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Standout moment at #NASPA26: Kevin McClure in conversation with Jose-Luis Riera. The Caring University reminds us to better support higher ed professionals—and that work deeply connects to centering the student affairs workforce. Room was buzzing. #HigherEd #StudentAffairs

010