Contact Meetings, Event, and Conference Services Staff
Contact Us
SMC Community
Internal Events
Work with us to plan to ensure your next SMC community event is a success. Whether it's a meeting, celebration, or academic event, our spaces are tailored for any Saint Mary's community occasion.
Email Scheduling@stmarys-ca.edu to submit Event Resource Requests
All Other Event
Inquiries
Contact Karen Cresci, Director Karen.Cresci@stmarys-ca.edu
Hours & Location
Location
Soda Center Lobby, Saint Mary’s College
Appointment Hours
Monday through Friday: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Meet the Team
The Office of Meetings, Events, & Conference Services (MECS) is dedicated to enhancing the campus community by providing exceptional event planning and support services. We aim to facilitate safe, engaging and inclusive experiences that foster collaboration, promote our institution’s values, and enrich the academic environment, all while maintaining a commitment to excellence and sustainability. We strive to provide exceptional client service for the 3,500+ events hosted at SMC each year while also maintaining our facilities and equipment for all clients throughout the year.
Karen Cresci
Director
With nearly thirty years in higher education at institutions like City College of San Francisco, College of Marin, and Dominican University, and serving as a nationwide graduation consultant, Karen brings to SMC her expertise in collegiate auxiliary operations, campus store management, marketing, policy development, and revenue generation. She specializes in interdepartmental collaboration and creating equitable, accessible access and opportunities while supporting Event Planners.
Here at SMC, Karen is your primary contact for:
- Planning and managing Commencement Weekend events and graduation-related activities
- Generating revenue through External Event Facility Rentals and Vendor partnerships
- Maintaining open and regular communication across campus departments to ensure that project timelines, goals, and deliverables are met while also sharing resources, integrating workflows, and collaborating to identify and resolve challenges that affect our community.
- Providing support by offering event management expertise, resources, or planning assistance.
- Ensuring that departmental activities and objectives align with the overall strategic goals of Facilities Services and Transformation 2028.
Jaime Scobel
Associate Director
As the Associate Director of Meetings, Events, and Conference Services (MECS), Jaime is the key point of contact for all internal events on our campus, overseeing the daily operations of our front office. She manages the recruitment, training, and supervision of our student staff, ensuring efficient scheduling and excellent service. With her team, Jaime coordinates event logistics and oversees the planning and booking of over 3,300 internal events at St. Mary’s each year. She plays a vital role in organizing significant events such as Grad Fair, Commencement Weekend, and the Grad Grounds receptions, which together host approximately 5,000 attendees. These responsibilities require meticulous planning and management to ensure the success of each event.
Jaime brings 18 years of experience in higher education to this role, along with a wealth of knowledge and a proactive approach. Her creative vision and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to our team.