More than 1,200 will be graduated in May 18 commencement ceremonies at SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — More than 1,200 State University of New York at New Paltz students will become alumni of the university during spring commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 18. The ceremony will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Old Main Quadrangle on the SUNY New Paltz campus.

Steven Poskanzer, Interim President at SUNY New Paltz, will offer brief remarks and introduce New Paltz alumni and Emmy Award-winning actor Michael Badalucco, who will receive the conferral of the State University of New York’s degree of Doctor of Fine Arts.

In addition, the 2003 class Valedictorian, Sean M. Endress, who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, will present a speech that seeks to address the potential for social change through collective actions in a democratic society. Endress, originally from Staten Island, is a resident of New Paltz.

The graduating class’ Salutatorian, Pamela Lorraine Myhren, will be receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Biology concentration, and a Master of Science in Special Education in the Inclusion Program. Myrhen is a resident of New Hampton, NY.

Note to media: The commencement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Media planning to cover the ceremony should arrive by 10:30 and proceed to the media registration table near the back of the stage. Registered media will be provided a “press pass” that will provide access to the candidate and stage areas.

Note to editors: A photograph of Michael Badalucco can be downloaded from the SUNY New Paltz Web site at www.newpaltz.edu/news/images/badalucco.html.