This March, more than 100 alumni and former and current faculty members gathered to meet with President Darrell P. Wheeler at events held in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 11 and Washington D.C. on March 13.
These events were hosted by the Office of Development & Alumni Relations, with a focus on continuing connections with alumni and sharing information about SUNY New Paltz today.
“The events allowed members of the Development & Alumni Relations Office to directly interact with alumni from different regions of the country and provided attendees with the opportunity to meet and hear from President Wheeler” said Director of Alumni Relations Chris Brown ’85 (Business Administration). “Gatherings like these bring a sense of belongingness to members of the New Paltz community across different generations, creating a family reunion atmosphere where we can share memories but also look to the future success of the University.”
The Atlanta event welcomed more than 25 alumni, including three 2022 40 Under Forty recipients Wilalberto De Los Santos ’05 (Black Studies, Communication Media), Michael De Jesus ‘05 (Black Studies) and Christopher Jones ’05 (Black Studies), along with Alumni Council Member Candice Dixon ’73 (Elementary Ed Pre K-6).
“The Atlanta event was just not an opportunity to connect with lifelong friends, but to reconnect to a place I called home,” said De Jesus. “My experience at New Paltz was life-changing, to say the least, and to be able to stay connected allows me to give back to a place that has given me so much. It was great meeting President Wheeler and hearing all the fabulous plans he has for the university. I appreciate the personal outreach and that is what makes New Paltz a special place.”
The event in Washington D.C., was held in collaboration with Professor Nancy Kassop of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, and the Political Science and International Relations Club. The spring break trip has happened annually since 1997 and provides students with an immersive experience in political culture and an opportunity to connect with successful alumni.
This year, 19 Political Science and International Relations students traveled with Professors Nancy Kassop and Kathleen Dowley to the Capital where Amber Greene ‘03 (Journalism – Public Relations) hosted the group at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House where she works as Special Assistant to the President for Racial and Economic Justice in the Domestic Policy Council.
“As a current senior at New Paltz, meeting with alumni helped to give me perspective on how many paths are available to us after graduation,” said Molly Racsko ’23 (Poltical Science). “It can be very encouraging to speak with former New Paltz students who understand your position and the challenges you’re facing because they were once in your shoes and overcame those same obstacles.”
Both regional events included remarks from President Wheeler, who shared news and updates outlining University progress during recent years and how it serves to remind alumni, and other members of the community, of the many strengths that position SUNY New Paltz for a successful future.
He also discussed the opportunities and challenges faced in the higher education landscape, including competition for students and the importance of philanthropy to support program growth and scholarship opportunities for students.
“Alumni, parents, and friends who give really do matter,” he said. “In addition to financial support, alumni are helping students secure internships, jobs, and serving as valued advocates for the University.”
