New Paltz honors alumni and faculty with Heritage Awards during Reunion Weekend

From left to right: SUNY New Paltz President Donald Christian, Jane Thorn and Robert Thorn.

NEW PALTZ—The State University of New York at New Paltz recognized the dedication of alumni and faculty during Reunion Weekend, Sept. 20-22, on the New Paltz campus. Heritage Awards were presented to alumni and faculty who have distinguished themselves in their careers and communities and embody the ideals of the College. The honored alumni and faculty are:

Robert Thorn earned a bachelor’s degree in art education (1966) and a master’s degree in art education (1970) at New Paltz. Thorn taught elementary, junior high, and high school art for 30-plus years, and is a sculptor with works in many collections around the country. He has been instrumental in helping to bring together students and alumni through various college activities, including reunions in both New York and Florida. Over the years, he’s remained connected to alumni and friends as a member and social chairman of Delphic Fraternity from 1962 to the present.

From left to right: SUNY New Paltz President Donald Christian, Doug Baker and Linda Baker.

Jane Hausz Thorn graduated from New Paltz in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in art education. She went on to do two years of graduate work at New Paltz before earning a master’s degree in education at Long Island University. She taught in Poughkeepsie and Marlboro schools before finishing her career at Rocky Point Middle School. She was a member and historian of the Arethusa Sorority and was instrumental in organizing their first reunion. Since retiring, Jane has devoted time to various organizations including the North Shore Youth Council, AAUW, and the South County Hospital Auxillary in Rhode Island.

Douglas E. Baker, Ph.D., biology emeritus faculty, joined New Paltz in 1962 as assistant professor and served as a demonstration science teacher. Four years later, he transferred to the Biology Department as an associate professor. In 1970 Baker was appointed dean of students, and from 1972 to 1974 he served as chair of the statewide Chief SUNY Student Affairs Officers. In 1997, he retired as emeritus professor of biology. Baker is the recipient of the Mentor Award for outstanding service and the First World Alumni Chapter of SUNY New Paltz Founders Award for service in the recruitment and retention of students of color.

Linda C. Delgado, Ph.D., graduated from New Paltz in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and social studies, and in 1986 she earned a master of professional studies degree in multicultural education administration. After her undergraduate work, she joined the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at New Paltz. Delgado went on to serve as an advisor to the SUNY Prison Program and teach in the Women’s Studies Department at New Paltz. She designed two courses, including Latinas in the U.S. From that course a student association, Latinas Unidas, emerged as did the interest to develop a Latin American Studies Program. Delgado is the recipient of the First Annual Conference of Latinas Unidas Award “For Outstanding Contributions to Our Latina Generation.” She has chaired the Annual Gala Fundraising event to raise funds for student scholarships, served on the Board of the National Association of Ethnic Studies, and created, with her husband, Doug, the Selina R. Delgado Memorial Scholarship at New Paltz in honor of her late mother.