New Paltz to partner with local businesses in “Hawk Haunts” initiative

NEW PALTZ – The Office of Alumni Relations at the State University of New York at New Paltz is launching “Hawk Haunts,” a new college/village partnership that will provide opportunities for New Paltz alumni to “shop local” and support neighboring small businesses during Reunion Weekend, Sept. 20-22.

According to Brenda Dow, director of alumni relations, “Many alumni go back and forth between the village and campus during Reunion. That prompted the idea for the alumni office to reach out to area establishments in a new way. And there’s no cost to businesses to participate.”

When New Paltz alumni arrive on campus to register for Reunion, they will receive a listing of designated “Hawk Haunts” participants. This list will be paired with an area map detailing store names and locations, as well as a wristband alumni must show the vendors to receive special offers or discounts.

Lisa Sandick, special events coordinator at New Paltz, is spearheading the initiative. She says the College is looking forward to having local businesses take part in this first-ever event. “Often our alumni say they return to New Paltz for the village establishments and natural attractions as much as they do to visit the campus,” says Sandick. “By partnering together, we hope to make this a successful and memorable experience for our returning alumni.”

For more information about the “Hawk Haunts” program, alumni and/or vendors are encouraged to visit www.newpaltz.edu/alumni/haunts.html or http://goo.gl/RcicKB.

The vendor deadline to sign-up for participation in this new initiative is Friday, Aug. 23.