Commemorative tree planting initiates year-long celebration of 175th anniversary

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz will hold a 175th Anniversary Opening Ceremony and commemorative tree planting at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25. The event marks the beginning of a year-long celebration to acknowledge the rich history of the institution since the founding of the Classical School in 1828.

At the ceremony, Steven G. Poskanzer, interim president of SUNY New Paltz, will make opening remarks, Tom Olsen of the Village of New Paltz Historic Preservation Commission will present a certificate of appreciation to Dave & Pamela Tate, present-day owners of the old Classical School building, and Fawn A. Tantillo of the Ulster County Legislature will present the proclamation of the year 2003 as the official 175th anniversary of the college. In addition, Village of New Paltz Mayor Tom Nyquist, and Town Supervisor Don Wilen will address the significance of the college’s 175th anniversary as it relates to the Town’s 325th anniversary.

“It’s very important for institutions to embrace and celebrate their history,” said Interim President Poskanzer, “and this 175th anniversary will afford the entire college community an opportunity to reflect on how New Paltz has grown in academic quality, breadth and distinction over its long life — and to envision how it will grow even stronger in the future.”

The opening ceremony and commemorative Kousa Dogwood tree-planting is open to the public and will take place on the newly renovated Plaza Deck and Stairs in front of the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art on the SUNY New Paltz campus. Refreshments will be served.

For more information about the 175th anniversary and events associated with it, visit www.newpaltz.edu/175.