Faculty rockers & special guests raise $3,000 for Student Retention Fund

Peter Kaufman, Sociology, Anne Roschelle, Sociology,
Glenn Geher, Psychology, and Lew Brownstein, Political Science

SUNY New Paltz’s favorite all-faculty punk rock band, Questionable Authorities, hosted a benefit concert at Bacchus Restaurant in downtown New Paltz on April 14, to support the College Council Student Retention Fund, which helps students facing unexpected financial hardship.

The band raised $1,080 in online contributions prior to the event, and President Donald P. Christian and wife Sandy Christian provided a generous matching donation in the same amount. Cash donations from the day of the concert brought in an additional $774, and Questionable Authorities tacked on the final $66 to bring the grand total to an even $3,000.

[Follow this link to view and download photos from the show]

Questionable Authorities’ “New Paltz Got Talent” concert has become an institution at New Paltz, as each spring core members Glenn “The Caveman” Geher (Psychology), Peter “Sticks” Kaufman (Sociology), Maureen “Mo Betta” Morrow (Biology), Brian “The Reverend” Obach (Sociology) and Anne “Roach” Roschelle (Sociology) invite other faculty and staff to step behind the mic and help them move the crowd.

Theresa Monroe, Residence Life and Wayne Brumfield, Student Affairs

This year QA brought the house down with a rendition of “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” featuring Interim Vice President of Student Affairs W. Wayne Brumfield and “The Backup.”

Guest performances included members of the academic and professional faculty, the Classified staff and administrators:

  • Anne Balant (Communication Disorders)
  • Mike Boms (Biology)
  • Lew Brownstein (Political Science)
  • Greg Bynum (Educational Studies)
  • Barbara Caldwell (Development)
  • Mark Colvson (Library)
  • David Eaton (Enrollment Management)
  • Ben Junge (Anthropology)
  • Richard Kelder (Teaching and Learning Center)
  • Deanna Knapp (Disability Resource Center)
  • Joel Lefkowitz (Political Science)
  • Dan Lipson (Political Science)
  • Larry McGlinn (Geography)
  • Lauren Meeker (Anthropology)
  • Theresa Monroe (Residence Life)
  • Joel Oppenheimer (Student Counseling)
  • Raj Pandya (Astronomy)
  • Donna Provenzano (University Police Department)
  • Regina Sewell (Sociology)

The College Council Student Retention Fund was created to give community members a new way to contribute directly to current SUNY New Paltz students in need. The fund goes to help students who encounter sudden financial emergencies, which make it difficult for them to complete their degrees. In the 2015-16 academic year, eight New Paltz students received approximately $7,000 to stay enrolled and graduate as planned.

Maureen Morrow, Biology, and Brian Obach, Sociology

If you missed the Questionable Authorities show at Bacchus, follow the band on Facebook and make sure you’re at the next one.

And it’s not too late to contribute to the College Council Student Retention Fund! Follow this link to donate