Marie Policastro, Manager of Partnership Marketing

I’ve found that music can change your perspective on life—there is nothing like great songwriting and a tight jam band. On weekends, you can find me playing Guitar Hero and Rock Band with my family.

I started gymnastics at three years old and went on to compete for 18 years, receiving a scholarship to Rutgers. Growing up as an athlete, I developed a work ethic and those that know me well, know that I strive to be the best at whatever I’m doing.

In order to be successful at my job, I need to work using both sides of the brain—to be both operational and strategic. I’ve learned to be a global thinker at Barnes & Noble, which has contributed to my success and growth. I’m lucky to be surrounded by great leaders, and I’m proud of the company I work for. I think that shines through in my personality.

My most memorable college moment was post-college! On November 9^th, 2006 undefeated Rutgers beat No.3 Louisville for the biggest win in school history. During my senior year, Rutgers football went 1-10, so to see 44,000 fans charge the field after that win was incredible.

Alma Mater—Rutgers University, Psychology and Economics

TJ Nolan, Business Development and Partnership Marketing

I took an Entrepreneur class my junior year in college where we had to come up with a campaign to support a local charity. A panel of teachers judged our creative presentation; I won and gave my $2,500 check to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. This sealed the deal for my career as a marketer.

Here in the windy city of Chicago, I’ve spent 18 incredible years in sports and event marketing. I’ve worked for the Chicago Cubs (as a diehard White Sox fan), Edelman PR in the Sports Group, EA SPORTS Maui Invitational, and Marketing Werks. It’s been a fantastic and fun ride.

Along with ESPN The Magazine, I love to read Wired magazine as I love how it blends science, technology, social media and forward thinking. I’m also reading Daddy Needs a Drink.

I run, read, coach my kids’ teams, try to see at least one concert a month with my wife, travel, and cheer on the Chicago White Sox (as well as the Bears and Hawks).

Most memorable college moment? Too many to note.

Alma Mater—Bradley University, Marketing and Communications

Carol Pinto, Specialist of Partnership Marketing & Website Advertising

As a member of Gen-Y and recent college grad, I have a good idea of what college students are into. I love working here—our team is organized, stays in constant communication with each other, coordinates details and makes the most out of every moment. Every program I manage is unique and different which keeps my job fun and challenging.

Hobbies? Salsa dancing, football, celebrity gossip and movies. My favorite movie is The Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith. I am inspired by the main character and how he was able to achieve his dream and change his life regardless of the odds against him.

I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan living in New Jersey and very proud of it! This causes many debates with my co-workers Marie and Peter who are Giants season ticket holders.

Most rewarding college moment? Graduation day felt greater after a lot of sleepless nights!

Alma Mater—Rutgers University, Marketing

Jennifer Gordon, Specialist of Partnership Marketing & Website Advertising

Right now it’s all about magazines for me. I like the feeling of being in the know on the latest fashion trends, workouts and organization tips. My favorite online reading each day includes Perez Hilton, Yahoo and CNN.

As I am fascinated by trends in the 18–24 year old market, this is the perfect place for me to work! It’s a perfect day when I’m doing a million things at once and running around the building. I am in constant motion.

Being active means being happy—I workout, shop, wine, dine, dance, catch up on gossip, read—and not always in that order!

College is a time when you are free to learn and grow. With each day that goes by, you want more out of life and understand even less why things are the way they are. My greatest college memory is that I gave my education it all, even graduating magna cum laude. And, I’m not shy anymore!

Alma Mater—Fairleigh Dickinson University, Marketing

Steve Schubert, Business Development and Partnership Marketing

I’m a bit of a numbers geek, so I’ve enjoyed seeing the extra emphasis put on ROI today by clients and the benefits we receive from our scaled, efficient approach in an otherwise fragmented world of college marketing.

My life in Portland, Oregon? Exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest with my family, thoroughbred racing (attending my 18th Kentucky Derby this year), overseas travel, Sudoku, college sports…and changing diapers—we’ve had four children in less then three years, including twin girls in September 2009. Oh, and I can order a beer in eight languages.

I spent eight years in the USA & Europe with Procter & Gamble, then CRM consulting for Peppers & Rogers and Microsoft, then Director of Strategic Planning for American Standard.

My most memorable college moment was running a really important and personal philanthropy across campus on parents’ weekend with success, thanks to the support of fraternity brothers and the campus administration.

Alma Mater—Bradley University, Finance & MBA from Washington University in St. Louis

Tamara Vostok, Social Media Project Manager

Total. Animal. Lover. I am a bona fide pet fanatic. I’ll admit it—I throw full-blown birthday parties for my dogs and dress my cat in a tie for parties. Sadie, a classy Chocolate Lab, Bianca, a loveable Wheaten Terrier, and Ralph, a rambunctious Domestic Shorthair are my little fur kids.

When I’m not pampering my pets, you’ll find me on Facebook, Twitter, browsing digg, YouTube–you name the social site and I’m on it! I’m fascinated by the changing landscape of the Internet and am always looking for new ways to interact with brands online.

I truly believe whether you’re blogging or tweeting, it’s essential to humanize a brand in order to connect with your customers.

Greatest college moments? Singing the National Anthem at Rutgers University basketball games and cheering on the athletic teams as a member of the Rutgers University Dance Team.

Alma Mater—Rutgers University, B.A. Journalism and Anthropology, and M.L.A. from the University of Pennsylvania

Peter Kullman, Business Development and Partnership Marketing

I am a good listener. Creating compelling programs for clients means listening first. I very rarely use pens—I prefer pencils so when a better idea/thought comes along it can easily be erased.

My background is in sports and entertainment sponsorships—NY Giants, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, and WWE. There is nothing better than a cool fall afternoon of football at BC—spending time with family and friends there. I also enjoy golf, tennis and music.

An inspiration read—Confessions of a Street Addict by Jim Cramer. It shows that the right balance of work/life is needed to be happy, no matter how much money you have. I am a registered independent that believes adhering to one set of philosophies is antiquated for current times. Having an open mind leads to better ideas!

Greatest college moment? Being at the Boston College/ Notre Dame game in 1993 when David Gordon made a 41-yard field goal and upset No. 1 Notre Dame.

Alma Mater—Boston College, History & Robert Morris University—MBA, Sports Management

Kristin Gallagher, Business Development and Partnership Marketing

I graduated three years ago and am so lucky to still be experiencing the college energy through my work. I love my job because I’m living proof of good marketing! I buy what works, what looks good, what makes sense and if my friends rave, I’m hooked. I love that we have a really unique and powerful outlet to college students and that we can bring success to our clients.

My dad inspires me. He’s been starting and growing businesses for as long as I can remember, and he’s taught me a lot about building strong client relationships and being dedicated to what you do.

I’ve traveled the world to compete as an Irish Step Dancer, grew up on eastern Long Island, and now I’m just enjoying friends and family while living in Astoria, New York.

Most memorable college moment? There were so many. Winning the Gold in the Senior Olympics with my team Pancakes & Handshakes was hard to top!

Alma Mater—Marist College, Communication Marketing and Advertising