As 50th Reunion approaches, alumnus looks to engage classmates

Bruce Orenstein ’68 (Secondary Education) has a profound affinity for the College and is preparing to share that connection with his fellow alumni when he returns for his reunion in 2018.

“Fifty years,” he said. “It gives me goose bumps every time I hear that number.”

Currently Vice President – Wealth Management for UBS Financial Services Inc. in Paramus, N.J., Orenstein takes on leadership roles when the opportunity arises and continues to give back to New Paltz. In the last five decades he has shared his success with the College, where he previously served on the Foundation Board and generously volunteered his time for Reunion during the 1980s and 1990s.

“I consider this upcoming anniversary a call to action for my fellow alumni,” said Orenstein. “We have nearly three years to get ready and I think it’s important for us to reengage with New Paltz. Those were the four most important years of my life.”

Orenstein met his wife, Sandi L. Orenstein (Schwartz) ’67 (Education) at the College and many other lifelong friends. He hopes to leave a trace of that legacy, and that of the class of 1968, to future generations of alumni in the form of a new “Walk of Honor.”

The project stems from Orenstein’s idea for a brick path, named to honor alumni who have navigated the campus grounds, as well as faculty, staff and others who have inspired them. It would be a passageway for students to follow, a metaphor for opportunity and the things that keep us grounded.

“The College was a huge part of my life,” Orenstein said, “It’s important to create a legacy to honor our class. Giving away scholarships is part of that legacy, but I want to see us do more.”

Interested in learning more about the SUNY New Paltz Walk of Honor? Visit us online!