Contact the Graduate Student-at-Large Program

Mary oversees all of the professional masters and noncredit programs at the Graham School. Mary was most recently the Associate Dean, Academic Programs at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies, where she oversaw all undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs. Mary had been with Northwestern since 2008 and also held posts as the Director and the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. Prior to Northwestern, Mary oversaw academic operations and student advising at Cardean Learning, an innovative online learning company.

Mary completed her PhD in English, Communication, and Media Studies at the University of Chicago and has taught communications and writing courses for the Humanities Division, Medical School, and Booth School of Business. Mary has spent her career working in the field of adult and continuing education, and she is excited to return to University of Chicago and to contribute to the continued success of the Graham School.

Esther Pandian-Riske is the Associate Director of the Graduate Student-at-Large Program. Originally from Singapore, Esther came to Chicago as a student, and has two master’s degrees from the University of Chicago: an MA from MAPSS and an MPP from the Harris School of Public Policy Studies. Esther was previously the Assistant Dean of Students at the Honors College at UIC, Dean of Multicultural Affairs at the Latin School of Chicago, and the Assistant Dean of Students for the Graduate Division of the Social Sciences at the University of Chicago. She has years of experience in student advising and her main objective at the GSAL program is to ensure an exemplary student experience, working towards successful graduate school and career placement. Esther oversees the special Bridge Scholarship Initiatives, the College Bridge Advising Program and supports international students attempting to bridge their academic efforts from GSAL to further Masters or PhD programs.

Mitchell Catalano is the Program Manager of the Graduate Student-at-Large Program. Originally from the Chicagoland area, he has also spent time working abroad in Rome, Italy and most recently spent two year obtaining his Masters of Education in Student Development Administration at Seattle University. He has worked closely with students both in study abroad and student government advising positions previously and is excited to bridge that experience into advising for the GSAL program. He hopes to provide prospective and current GSAL students with meaningful discernment in their professional lives, and help them build an academic background that fits both their interests and personal experience.

David Li is the part time Program Assistant of the Graduate Student-at-Large suite of programs. He is a graduate of the Masters program at the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago and has worked in various industry sectors including but not limited to public policy, insurance, disability care, and applied research. He has worked closely with program staff and students to promote a more holistic learning experience. David works to ensure that students have the resources they need to be successful in their academic and/or professional endeavors and serves as an initial contact for incoming cohorts. He aims to be a source of constant support in welcoming students to the UChicago community.