More than 450 graduate candidates to become alumni at December Commencement

NEW PALTZ — The State University of New York at New Paltz will hold December Commencement exercises from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie on Saturday, Dec. 20. This December’s ceremony includes both students who have completed their studies in August and the December candidates.

The class valedictorian, Karen Hooper, will address the graduates and guests, which she said will give her the opportunity to thank all those who have inspired and supported her throughout her undergraduate years.

“My family has been a constant source of support throughout this experience,” said Hooper. “I want to ask my fellow graduates to remember those who may have inspired them, and request that they now take the time to inspire others — to help others realize their dreams.”

Hooper, a resident of Walden, is a mother of four (ages 15-23) and has been married 24 years. She returned to college when her eldest son began studies at Orange County Community College (OCCC) — where they attended two classes together. She is graduating from New Paltz with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and English. Her cumulative GPA is 3.98.

In addition to Hooper’s speech, Steven G. Poskanzer, New Paltz’s seventh president, will offer brief remarks.

Ericka Fritch is the graduating class’ salutatorian. She will receive her bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in geology.

There are 1,250 graduate candidates for December, of which 450 have chosen to participate in the ceremony.

For more information about the 2003 SUNY New Paltz December Commencement ceremony, visit www.newpaltz.edu/commencement.

To view the interior of the Civic Center, for directions, and to become more familiar with the surrounding area, access the Web site at www.midhudsonciviccenter.com. The SUNY New Paltz University Police office may also be called (845-257-2222) for weather conditions in our area or, if necessary, commencement cancellation information.

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 in the center of the lobby. Registered media will be issued a press pass that will provide access to the candidate and stage areas.