Kristen Smith
Campus Minister and Program Director
Kristen has 9 years of professional ministry experience. She has been the youth minister and/or religious education coordinator for three parishes in the Rochester area and involved as a diocesan volunteer. She is newly married to her husband, Don, and loves her time with students and the RIT community. In her free time, you might find her kayaking or walking the zoo.
Rev. Brian C. Cool, EdD
Director
Fr. Cool has served as Director at RIT since 2015. He is a lifelong fan of Syracuse University Athletics (basketball, football and lacrosse); and added the Buffalo Bills and Boston Red Sox to the sports portfolio later in life. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities of Rochester and previously chair of the Diocese of Rochester’s Public Policy Committee, and as a member of the New York State Bishop’s Public Policy Committee. Fr. Cool has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Nazareth College of Rochester; a Pontifical Bachelor’s of Sacred Theology and Masters of Divinity degree from St. Mary’s Seminary & University; and both a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Doctorate degree in Human Development from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In his free time, Fr. Cool enjoys working as a high school and collegiate lacrosse referee.
Father Bob is a seasoned pastor and scholar with over five decades of dedicated ministry. He most recently served as pastor of the Southeast Catholic Community in Rochester, which includes Blessed Sacrament, St. Boniface, and St. Mary parishes. Father Bob began his ministry journey immediately after eighth grade by entering junior seminary. His educational path continued at St. Andrew’s Seminary, St. John Fisher College, St. Bernard’s Seminary and culminated in his doctoral studies in liturgy at the University of Notre Dame. Father Bob's passion for education led him to teach liturgy and preaching for 12 years at St. Bernard’s Institute (now St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry). Throughout his career, he has held several significant roles, including diocesan director of liturgy and diocesan director of continuing education. Currently, he serves as a sacramental minister and chaplain at RIT and the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse while also assisting at various Monroe County parishes as a highly sought after retreat director and speaker. Fr. Bob has ministered to the students at RIT since 2021.
Mike Vernarelli
Campus Minister
Mike holds a Masters in Pastoral Studies from St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry. He has 20 years experience in youth catechesis at the parish level including 8 years as Youth Minister at Our Lady of Lourdes/St. Anne Cluster in the Diocese of Rochester. He just retired as a Professor of Economics at RIT with over 40 years experience. Mike is the RIT Newman student Eboard adviser, and he eagerly helps plan and implement various Newman events and programs.
Darlene Giardina
Business Manager
Retired controller of our own professional baseball club, the Rochester Red Wings, Darlene comes with 25 years of knowledge working in accounting where she oversaw the club finances and day to day operations. In 2012, Darlene was awarded the Rawlings Women Executive of the Year Award in Minor League Baseball for her dedication to her work. We are pleased Darlene has joined our team and are confident she will bring further success in helping us navigate our future growth through added compliance with University and Diocesan policies and good business practices. Darlene and her husband, Michael, have three sons and seven grandchildren and enjoy family time, boating, and travel.
