NEW PALTZ, NY- SUNY New Paltz honored Mr. Douglas Sheppard Saturday November 1st in the Athletic Wellness Center with a bench in honor of his name. The bench is located by the wall of Pride, Tradition and Results in the main part of the Athletic Wellness Center.
Sheppard was named to The College of New Paltz Hawk Hall of Fame on October 12, 1996 for his contributions while at New Paltz and his continued support after he left.
Douglas Sheppard was a professor of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation during his time at New Paltz. His career started in 1961, when he was named cross country, tennis and men’s basketball head coach. Starting in 1962, he served as head coach for the golf team for 32 years and served as the Director of Athletics for ten years.
Sheppard was a mentor to many students during his time at New Paltz, which continued well after the students graduated. He was a friend to many in the community, he was involved with his church, he was a member of The Paltz Club, and he served on the Miron Scholarship Committee and the Ulster County Gold Championship Committee.
