Our Board

The Protestant Campus Ministry Board

Rev. Jeffrey S. M. Kroondyk, He/Him, Campus Pastor:

Pastor Jeff Kroondyk came to Cornerstone in August 2024 from Michigan where he was born, raised, and lived most of his adult life. Pastor Jeff studied youth ministry, Bible, and Theology in his undergrad and received his M. Div. From Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mi in 2012. After serving one congregation as a youth pastor and then lead pastor for 10 years, he spent a year and a half as a worship director. He is now a Pastor in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and worships with his wife, Pastor Katy Kroondyk of Lisha's Kill Reformed Church, and two daughters, LillyAnn (10), and Eliza (7). Pastor Jeff considers it an incredible gift to pastor the students and community at UAlbany and says he is eager to get to know students and supporting churches. N.T. Wright once said “Sometimes we need to slow down to catch up with God.” In a fast-paced world and academic environment, Pastor Jeff is eager to help students slow down together.

Sarah Gelfand, President:

Sarah works at UAlbany in the Advisement Office. She is a graduate of the University at Buffalo and has previously worked at Lehigh University and SUNY Brockport. She is an active member of Journey United Church of Christ.

Melissa Jerreld, Vice-President:

Melissa has been an active member at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scotia since 2002. She began serving as their Administrative Assistant in 2013. Melissa has an AAS and MS in Early Childhood Education and a BS in Elementary Education. She has worked in the childcare field and taught elementary school. Her son, Kyle, is studying Biomedical Engineering at RIT and her daughter, Allie, is a senior at Scotia-Glenville High School.

Rev. Jim Dorner, Secretary

Pastor Jim has served Unity Lutheran Church in Albany since July 2019. He received a Master’s of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO (2020). Prior to that he served as the Youth & Family Minister at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Dix Hills, NY. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2005 with a Certificate of Lay Ministry and specializations in Youth Ministry and Missions. He is married to Chelsea Dorner and have been gifted with three children. In his spare time, Pastor Jim enjoys watching football, hiking, and reading.

Rev. John Knarvik, Treasurer:

Rev. Knarvik grew up in the capital district and graduated from Shaker High School in Latham. He completed his undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he concentrated on social analysis and the sociology of religion. Hew was active in the Reformed Church in America while here in Albany, but was drawn into the Lutheran Church while in college. He completed his master of Divinity at Gettysburg Seminary and the Lutheran House of Studies in Washington, D.C. In addition to his ministry with the people of good Shepherd, he serves on a variety of local and international ministry groups including The Capital Region Theological Center and The International Village of Hope

Rev. Dr. Roxanne Jones Booth:

Rev. Dr. Jones-Booth serves as Adjunct Professor at the University in Africana Studies. She and her husband, also co-pastor Riverview Missionary Baptist Church in Ravena, NY. She studied at Howard University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She lives in Selkirk, NY

Andrew Cross:

Andrew Cross is a member of Our Savior’s Luther Church on Mountain View Ave in Colonie. He is a husband and father of three. He has a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and works in mechanical design for robotics and aerospace systems.

Josh Nagy:

Josh grew up in the Capital District, graduating from the University at Albany in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Atmospheric Science. He has attended Cornerstone Campus Ministry services and events since the fall semester of 2004. He met his wife, Aine, at Cornerstone and they became the second "Cornerstone Marriage," the wedding presided over by Rev. Sandy Damhof in September of 2009.

Pastor Sean Nolan:

Sean, a native to the Albany area, is the pastor of Engage Albany which he started with a handful of others in 2018. He met his wife, Hannah, while in high school and she introduced him to Jesus. Together they have four children. Prior to pastoring in Albany, he taught in a Christian school, and served as a youth pastor in the suburbs of Baltimore. His hobbies include writing and hiking with the kids.

Dawn Snay:

Dawn graduated from SUNY Albany with a BA in 1984. During her time on campus The Interfaith Center formally Chapel House was a very important part of her College experience. Dawn has served as director of Outreach for her Lutheran Church for many years. She sings with the Jubilate Choir under the direction of Professor Ralph Schultz and performed at Carnegie Hall in 2017 for the 500 year anniversary of the reformation. Currently she is back at SUNY Albany rehearsing with Albany Pro Musica. She looks forward to the new days ahead for the Interfaith Center and Campus Ministry