40 Under Forty event celebrates alumni achievements

SUNY New Paltz celebrated the 40 Under Forty awards recognition program on Friday, June 9, at Novella’s in New Paltz.

The event honored 40 alumni under the age of 40 who earned a SUNY New Paltz undergraduate, graduate or certificate of advanced study degree. The finalists were chosen from a group of 139 nominees who found success in various career fields including education, the arts, science, technology, medicine, media and government.

[Follow this link to view the 40 Under Forty event photo gallery and purchase photos]

“This event helped show our alumni that we are interested in what they are doing beyond graduation and to recognize the difference they are making in the world,” said alumna and Director of Alumni Relations Shana Circe ’02 ’08g. “While we hope our honorees find fulfillment in their ongoing relationship with the College, we know that our students are the ones who will benefit most as they look to our alumni for inspiration, mentorship and support for their work and college experiences.”

Rounding out the day’s celebration, a number of alumni honorees took advantage of an afternoon reception and campus tour. The evening’s program featured Alumni Council President Anthony Winn ’92 (Business Administration) and included remarks from Circe, President Donald P. Christian and student speaker Reem Ahmed ’17.

George J. Ramos Jr. ’06 (Psychology), a mental health counselor originally from Yonkers, N.Y. was among the 40 finalists. His recent achievements include being named a 2017 National Board of Certified Counselors Minority Doctoral Fellow.

“Not only is it an honor to be in the same class as my fellow finalists, but it’s always a priority to reconnect with New Paltz,” said Ramos. “I know, without a doubt, that I am where I am today because of the College and my former professors who taught me so much.”

Honorees were nominated by their peers and faculty members and were selected for achievements in their careers and communities. Finalists were determined by the College’s 40 Under Forty Awards Committee, composed of representatives from the College’s senior administration, alumni leadership and faculty.

For more information on the program and to see the list of all 40 alumni honorees, visit www.newpaltz.edu/alumni/40underforty/#honorees.