Assemblymember and alumnus tours campus construction

Assemblymember and alumnus Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston) ’77 (Political Science) visited SUNY New Paltz on Feb. 17, to tour current construction at the College.

“Over the last 20 years we have watched the rebirth of the SUNY New Paltz physical plant,” said Cahill of the changes to campus. “Each one of these steps is gratifying as an alum, but also as a person who’s advocated for every one of these projects.”

Among the sites visited, Cahill observed significant changes made to the new residence hall. He had last seen the prospective space while attending the groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 19, 2013.

Cahill’s advocacy in the state legislature was instrumental in the College moving forward with the new structure, which will meet significant demand for on-campus housing. Ridgeview, located on the southwest end of campus between the Athletic and Wellness Center and Lenape and Esopus Halls, is expected to open its doors to 225 student residents this August.

“When you get the bird’s eye view of campus you start to see the true impact of what’s occurred here,” he said. “The improvements are not just preparing for the future, they are also making up for what wasn’t done for many years, so it is really incredible to see.”

After touring Ridgeview, Cahill visited the College’s new science building site, Wooster Building renovation, and 3D printing spaces in Resnick Engineering Hall. Reflecting on his time as a student at New Paltz, he marveled at the numerous changes to campus.

“It looks remarkably different,” he said. “But there is nothing that has changed that doesn’t make me happy.”

As the representative of the 103rd Assembly District, Cahill is a lifelong resident of Kingston, N.Y., and has a vested interest in education. During his tenure, he has been a continuous supporter of SUNY New Paltz and Ulster Community College, helping to secure more than $100 million in funding dedicated to the rejuvenation of the campuses.