College mourns passing of Steven Ziskind, student leader in mechanical engineering

It is with great sadness that the College shares news of the death of Steven Ziskind, an undergraduate student from Hopewell Junction, New York.

New York State Police reported that Steven, 22, died following a motor vehicle crash in Union Vale, New York, on May 27.

Steven was a mechanical engineering major who transferred from SUNY Polytechnic Institute in 2018 and lived off campus. He was involved in the student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the New Paltz Baja SAE club, and was a founding member of the new Atlas Motorsports club. He was also part of a multidisciplinary team of student entrepreneurs that placed in the spring 2020 School of Business App Competition.

His friends and fellow students in the New Paltz SAE Baja club shared the following:

“Throughout Steve’s tenure in SAE Baja, he proved himself to be caring, outgoing, exuded kindness and above all showed selflessness in all aspects of life, oftentimes putting others before himself. Steve was heavily involved in SAE Baja since its inception and his automotive expertise and knowledge were an invaluable asset to all engineers in the department. He quickly became a leader in the club, from his position of SA coordinator, on account of his ability to bring people together. Prior to news of his passing, it was anticipated that Steve would be notified of his future position of vice president of the SAE Baja club for the fall 2020 semester. While his skills and intellect will be a great loss to our team, the loss of his friendship is far greater.”

The New Paltz chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers also shared a tribute to Steven:

“On the morning of Thursday, May 28, 2020, devastating news had circulated throughout our community that one of our dear club members, Steven Ziskind, had tragically passed away. As part of a close-knit engineering department words cannot properly describe the emotions of losing one of our brothers. Steven was an involved member in our ASME events and was very active in the Baja SAE club. On a personal note, Steven always carried a big smile on his face and brought happiness and joy to everyone he encountered. Our condolences go out to Steven’s family and friends. Steven will be deeply missed but not forgotten.”

The College will share information about services as soon as it is available.

If you are a student who needs assistance in processing this sad loss, the Counseling Center is available at 257-2920. Employees are encouraged to contact the Employee Assistance Program at 257-2886.