“Champagne for real friends”: Class of 2017 raises a glass at Senior Toast

The spring semester Senior Toast has become one of the most cherished traditions at SUNY New Paltz, as graduates-to-be spend some of their last hours on campus with friends and colleagues, paying happy tribute to the hard work and dedication that will be formally celebrated at the weekend’s Commencement festivities.

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President Donald P. Christian offered up the official toast to the Class of 2017.

“To all that you have brought to us during your time here; to the faculty and staff who have shown such dedication to your educations; and to your futures, with every wish for success and happiness. May your contributions make the world a better place. Congratulations!”

Hundreds of members of the Class of 2017 came out on May 18 to pass a beautiful afternoon, champagne in hand. Each received a commemorative glass flute and single orange rose from the Office of Student Affairs.

“Bright orange is a color of warmth, enthusiasm and unlimited energy,” said Dean of Students Robin Cohen-La Valle. “The orange rose celebrates all new beginnings. The orange rose also indicates pride – when a person is honored to be associated with another, and believes that person deserves to be lauded, the orange rose says, ‘I am so proud of you.’”

The Toast also includes the presentation of the Senior Class Gift, which supports student-oriented events on campus. Class of 2017 Senior Gift Committee members Dylan Ann Krakowski ’17 (Accounting) and Teresa Mandrin ’17 (Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies) gave a check totaling $6,429.59, making this year’s gift the largest in SUNY New Paltz history.

A few members of the Class of 2017 offered up their own toasts to their classmates and their soon-to-be alma mater.

“Love is understanding differences. Remember to love each other for our similarities rather than hating each other for our differences.” – Karl Eden ’17 (Communication Studies – Public Relations

“I wish best of luck to everybody’s endeavors in life, and hope that everyone gets to fulfill the goals they’ve been fighting for these last four years.” – Jordan Pappas ’17 (Psychology):

“Positive vibes only!” – Khadijah Byrd ’17 (Black Studies, Psychology)

“You can’t hit a home run if you don’t step up to the plate. It’s cheesy, but my sister told me that in eighth grade and I’m still living it to this day.” – Nick Barrett ’17 (Adolescence Education – Earth Science)

“Every ending is just a new beginning, so my toast is to humble beginnings.” – Molly Poniatowski ’17 (Childhood Education – STEM)

The Senior Toast is made possible by the sponsorship of Campus Auxiliary Services and the Division of Student Affairs.