Good vibes, new beginnings: Move-In Day 2024 welcomes incoming Hawks to campus

 

The SUNY New Paltz community came together to welcome new students and families to campus on Thursday, Aug. 22, as members of our 2024 incoming class settled into their residence halls and officially began their New Paltz journey on Move-In Day 2024. 

Each year, Move-In Day is truly an all-hands-on-deck effort, with student-athletes, faculty, staff and other volunteers helping the incoming class — and their families — get off to a great start on campus.  

“I love seeing the new faces here,” said Ryan Bochenski ’26 (Adolescent Education: Social Studies), a Move-In Day volunteer who plays for the New Paltz Hawks soccer team. “Everyone seems happy to be here, and it’s our pleasure to be helping them along the way.” 

 

The weather was perfect and the vibes were positive among new students, who came looking forward to getting started with Welcome Week, a robust series of activities and events kicking off their first semester. 

“I’m looking forward to everything the campus has to offer,” said Ava Dumont ’28 (Psychology) of Kings Park, New York. “There’s going to be a lot of opportunities to meet people, starting this week.”  

“I feel there will be a strong sense of community, and it will be good for me to meet peers throughout the week,” said Michael Gruiero ’28 (Art) of Monroe, New York. 

 

Move-In Day tends to be somewhat more bittersweet for parents, but many were focused on the upbeat energy as they helped their Hawks build new nests away from home.  

“I’m happy that he will be learning a lot and making new friends along the way.” said Teresa Ko, mother of Alex Kwak ’28 (Mechanical Engineering) of Queens, New York.  

“It’s much easier the second time around,” said Elizabeth Barraclough, mother of Joseph Barraclough ’28 (Computer Engineering) of Brooklyn, New York, whose son Matthew Barraclough ’26 (Electrical Engineering) is a current New Paltz student. “Now I’m excited to see my youngest experience this too.” 

Looking for more from Move-In Day 2024? Follow SUNY New Paltz on Instagram and TikTok for videos from the day, and click here for a full photo gallery.