Alumni Day of Service on Jan. 19 demonstrates the power of the SUNY New Paltz network

Alumni volunteers, whether associated with SUNY New Paltz or with other communities across the world, will be celebrated during Alumni Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015.

Many New Paltz alumni gave back to the College and surrounding global community in 2014, and 2015 looks to build on these efforts. A number of successful alumni shared their time and experience with the College, paving the way for future philanthropy among current undergraduates.

Alumni took time out of their demanding schedules to return to campus and network directly with students. This service offered undergraduates the opportunity to gain professional insight, and in some instances internship experience with the organizations alumni have come to represent. Some traveled from as far away as London and Virginia to meet with students at forums set up to offer career advice.

Coordinated through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Career Resource Center, academic programs, or faculty and students themselves, alumni stressed the importance of finding both a motivating passion and a work-life balance. Alumni returning to campus represented majors as diverse as human services, communication, sociology, photography, and business, as well as the Education Opportunity Program.

New Paltz alumni served various academic alumni advisory boards. A notable example were the 15 representatives appointed to the College’s inaugural Alumni Advisory Council, who freely provided their time and talent to help plan activities and conduct outreach for Reunion, as well as regional alumni gatherings such as Global Orange & Blue Day. For some events, alumni opened their homes, provided venues, or covered costs to help connect alumni and friends to the College and to each other.

2014 marked an exciting year when students were connected with alumni in a variety of settings that fostered growth and a sense of community. For 2015, an all-volunteer steering committee has been at work for several months planning the five-year First World alumni weekend for May 1-3 in New Paltz.

Alumni volunteers are also assisting with regional plans for upcoming 2015 events across the country – including those in Washington DC, Florida and Atlanta.

All alumni are encouraged to share their 2014 volunteer experiences or 2015 plans during the worldwide Alumni Day of Service. Volunteer or service activities can be shared to demonstrate the power of the SUNY New Paltz network working toward a common goal. Alumni can participate through the College’s Alumni Day of Service Facebook page and by using #NPalumni hashtag on social media.