Colgate University’s residential life program eases the transition into college by placing first and second-year students in four residential commons, which serve to make Colgate a more connected community. Area Director for Brown Commons Kim Cataldo-Murray is passionate about helping students in Andrews Hall, East Hall, Gate House and Burke Hall enjoy a rich residential experience, and works hard to make the students in her commons feel connected and supportive.
Cataldo-Murray is from north of Boston, Mass., and lived in Michigan before moving to Hamilton, N.Y. for her partner’s job. She has enjoyed the transition from the busy traffic and bustling city to the more peaceful and provincial Hamilton community.
“All of Central New York has this quaint charm that’s rather new to me […]. [Central New York] and Hamilton have shown me the beauty in slowing down, creating more meaningful relationships with smaller groups of people and having more of an appreciation for nature,” Cataldo-Murray said.
Cataldo-Murray decided to work at Colgate because she resonated with the school’s emphasis on student success, and appreciated the kindness and support provided to employees that she observed.
“Colgate has so much to offer students, and I knew I wanted to be part of a community that was as devoted to student success as I am. Employees are treated really well here, which was also a draw,” Cataldo-Murray said.
As an Area Director, Cataldo-Murray works closely with Community Leaders (CLs), which are older students who live with first-years and sophomores as resident advisors. She spoke highly of the CLs under her leadership and the experience she had learning and bonding with them.
“My favorite memory so far as an [Area Director] would have to be the CL training weeks: energy is high, motivation is strong and getting to know each other on a deeper level makes the weeks really enjoyable despite how long the days can be,” Cataldo-Murray said.
After three years working as Area Director, Cataldo-Murray appreciates how smoothly the residential program adapts and evolves to fit the needs of each new class.
“As Commons Leadership changes, so too do some of the focuses of our efforts, especially programmatically,” Cataldo-Murray said. “We’ve been able to adapt to the students we support, which has been really cool. Each class year brings on new adventures that we get to learn alongside, and I absolutely love being able to learn with everyone. No day is the same, and I really love that about my role.”
Cataldo-Murray cares deeply about the students under her care, and is truly invested in seeing them succeed and thrive at Colgate. She is supportive and caring, working hard to make Brown Commons a supportive space for everyone to be themselves and grow as individuals.
“I’d say my biggest hope for students is to embrace your humanity and show up authentically,” Cataldo-Murray said. “There’s something to be said for the freedom you feel when you’re able to fully enjoy your own company and surround yourself with others who feel the same. It’s hard work to show up authentically — it doesn’t always make you friends or feel easy. But it’s been the most rewarding lesson I’ve learned in life, so I hope students can begin to show up for themselves without a desire to fit a specific mold. We all have something different to offer, and that’s part of the beauty of diversity.”
Outside of supporting students and staff in residential life, Cataldo-Murray values spending time outdoors and with close family and friends.
“I enjoy being active outside — walking the trails has been my recent favorite! — reading and spending time with family and friends while we explore Central New York. I also love hanging out with my cat, Jax — Instagram: @adventuresofjaxthecat.” Cataldo-Murray said. “I’ve always loved being in nature, but now that it’s a daily thing I get to share that love with my family and friends. Recently, my mom was visiting and we drove out to Watkins Glen to see some amazing waterfalls — I highly recommend a trip out there!”
