SUNY New Paltz alumni across the nation have taken time out of their demanding schedules to not only return to campus for events, forums and discussions but also to invite fellow alumni into their homes for smaller, intimate gatherings.
Martin Johnson ’72 (Political Science) and his wife Jeanette ’73 (Elementary Education) are among this group of generous hosts. This April, they welcomed a small crowd of their former classmates into their home in Westchester County, N.Y.
“Life pulls you in many directions and this was a unique opportunity for us to reconnect with the College,” said Marty. “We also hoped that this might generate an interest among other alumni to host events in their hometowns to keep the momentum going.”
The Office of Alumni Relations sponsors SUNY New Paltz Alumni Association events on and off campus throughout the year and assists campus departments with planning and promoting events of interest to alumni. It also works with individuals and families, like the Johnsons, to create unique celebrations in their homes.
“There are many reasons alumni give back to their college,” said Director of Alumni Relations Shana Circe ’02 (Art Education) ’08g (Visual Arts). “This gift of a small, hometown reunion offers alumni a unique way to reconnect with New Paltz.”
The Johnsons were just one of many families who have hosted or plan to host hometown events in 2016. Fellow alumnus, Robert Kyncl ’95 (International Relations), chief business officer for YouTube, welcomed alumni to his home on the west coast on April 28 and an upcoming event is planned for the home of Aaron ’72 (Political Science) and Carol ’72 Grober (Elementary Education) in Long Island, this July.
“I would encourage other alums to host events like this,” said Johnson. “It was very rewarding, marvelous really. We rekindled a sense of camaraderie among New Paltz graduates and we can now continue to develop these relationships.”
