John Faso, the newly elected United States Congressman representing the 19th congressional district of New York (which includes SUNY New Paltz), visited the College on Wednesday, April 19, for a campus tour and meeting with President Donald P. Christian.
Faso is himself a product of the SUNY system, having earned an undergraduate degree at SUNY Brockport. He later earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.
The congressman spoke with President Christian about all things New Paltz: the students, the programs, and the College’s efforts to enhance community and regional engagement and serve as the public university in the Hudson Valley. They also discussed the state of public higher education and its connection to the federal budget.
They then embarked on a tour of campus, passing through recently completed construction projects, including Science Hall and Wooster Hall, as well as the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC).
The congressman spoke at length with Assistant Director Kat Wilson about the nearly 200 partnerships the HVAMC has forged with businesses in the congressman’s district, the greater Hudson Valley and beyond; the array of services the Center is capable of providing to manufacturing entrepreneurs; and the educational opportunities the HVAMC creates for SUNY New Paltz students of all majors.
“I truly enjoyed the briefing by President Christian on the projects being undertaken here at New Paltz, and appreciated the tour of the facilities,” Congressman Faso said. “I was particularly impressed with the engineering programs and what they will mean for future students. I see SUNY New Paltz as a great academic center that is going to produce the leaders of tomorrow.”
Congressman Faso was elected to represent New York’s 19th congressional district in November 2016. He had previously served as a member of the New York State Assembly, including four years as minority leader, from 1987-2002.
As a first-term member of Congress, he has been appointed to the House Budget, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Agriculture committees. Learn more about Congressman Faso’s office online.
