Reunion registration now open: College to honor Antonio Bonilla ’87 ‘05g, Emeritus Professor Ronald Knapp

SUNY New Paltz alumni will be welcomed back to campus for the Re●Connect | Re●New | Re●Union weekend, with a variety of activities planned for Oct. 17-19, 2014.

As part of the festivities, the College will present its alumni and faculty Heritage Awards on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at 11:45 a.m. to Antonio “Tony” Bonilla ’87 ’05g (Educational Opportunity Program) and Emeritus Professor Ronald Knapp (Geography/Asian Studies) during the All-Class Heritage Luncheon.

The College’s Heritage Awards, presented annually during Reunion, recognize SUNY New Paltz alumni and faculty/staff whose devotion to the ideals of the College serve as extraordinary examples to the entire New Paltz community.

Bonilla, director of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and assistant men’s volleyball coach, has mentored students and kept alumni connected with students and each other for decades. Part of a SUNY New Paltz family, his wife is Raquel (Lopez) Bonilla ‘90 ‘97g, and their son and daughter both attend the College.

Knapp, who taught from 1968 through 2001, has remained active at SUNY New Paltz, helping to raise funds and keeping alumni connected with the College, with students, and with each other. He has authored, edited, and/or contributed to more than 20 books and holds the rank of SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus, SUNY’s highest faculty honor.

Registration is now open for the All-Class Heritage Luncheon and the Lantern Ceremony & All-Anniversaries Dinner, the two main events of the weekend, as well as other activities. Reunion offerings also include a SUNY New Paltz Alumni Association welcome event; a New Paltz sweethearts vow renewal; a young alumni program; the EOP reception; a planetarium show; a veteran and military services discussion for service members and their dependents; a 3D printing workshop; and a college radio station tour. Campus tours, “The Philadelphia Story” theatre production, Dorsky Museum exhibitions, academic activities, and Sunday brunch are additional options.

New for 2014, alumni registering to attend the All-Class Heritage Luncheon can request to be seated with specific faculty from a particular department or major, including this year’s honorees.

“Alumni enjoy connecting with former professors and mentors or current faculty from their programs, so we’ll provide preferred luncheon seating where possible to facilitate those connections and conversations,” said SUNY New Paltz Director of Alumni Relations Brenda Dow.

Visit the Reunion website for the complete schedule and registration information.