SUNY New Paltz names new director of alumni relations

The State University of New York at New Paltz announces the appointment of Shana Circe ’02 ’08g as the College’s director of alumni relations. She assumes her new role Feb. 22, after a competitive national search.

A proud alumna, Circe has served SUNY New Paltz in the Office of Undergraduate Admission for 12 years as director of on-campus recruitment and director of the Welcome Center. In these roles, she implemented several new programs and managed a campus visit volume of more than 20,000 visitors each year while cultivating a staff of 22 highly trained student ambassadors as top campus leaders. In 2013, she was invited to serve on the Alumni Task Force, focused on creating a strategic plan for the Office of Alumni Relations, ultimately resulting in the creation of the official SUNY New Paltz Alumni Association and the Alumni Advisory Council. She was then appointed to serve as a member of the Council from its inception to present, working on issues important to the diverse body of more than 64,000 New Paltz alumni.

“Shana brings to her work a desire for excellence and determination,” said Erica Marks, vice president for development and alumni relations, and executive director for the SUNY New Paltz Foundation. “Her understanding of customer relations excellence, deep knowledge of institutional programs and policies, and ability to cultivate and motivate a staff, make her an excellent fit for this position.”

In her new role as director of alumni relations, Circe is charged with strategically engaging alumni, securing commitments from them to provide professional expertise and volunteer service. As director, she will plan and implement a comprehensive program of activities that establishes and maintains relationships with alumni and the College and provides tangible benefits to alumni and current students. The director also chairs the Alumni Advisory Council, plans class reunions, implements special events to recognize outstanding alumni, and coordinates the alumni network that spans the United States and abroad.

Circe received both her Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education and her Master of Science in Education in Visual Arts Education from SUNY New Paltz. She and her husband, Michael Circe ’05 ’09g, met at SUNY New Paltz and now live with their two children in Kingston, N.Y.