Welcome new Hawks! Scenes from an enthusiastic, uplifting Convocation 2024

The annual New Student Convocation is a cherished fall semester tradition at SUNY New Paltz, where students, faculty and staff come together to celebrate the University’s newest first-year and transfer students. 

On Tuesday, Aug. 27, hundreds of students from the incoming class processed down Excelsior Concourse – led by the Saints of Swing brass marching band, and cheered on by faculty and staff – for a ceremony on Old Main Quad and a get-to-know-you BBQ on a beautiful late-summer day.

“It’s exciting to see all my peers out here,” said Genevieve Gentile ’28 (Undecided) of Saugerties, New York. “I’m hoping to have my first official welcome to New Paltz today.”

Student Association President Xavier Morell ’25 (Finance) kicked off the ceremonial portion of the program with a few remarks to inspire his new peers.

“Follow whatever path falls to you, and trust in yourself that you will become the person you are destined to be,” said Morell. “Your path led you here, and now it’s time to see where it will lead you next.” 

SUNY New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler followed Morell with his own welcoming remarks at the ceremony’s culmination. 

“I encourage you to embrace one another’s journey and to celebrate each and every day that you’re here,” said President Wheeler.  

The event quickly shifted to a more familiar tone at the campus BBQ, giving new students a chance to get to know their fellow students, professors and future mentors over picnic-style food. 

“I’m happy I chose to go here,” said Grace Koehlar ’28 (Environmental Studies; Political Science) of Highland, New York, who plays for the New Paltz basketball team. “I’m looking forward to bonding with my teammates and thriving in my classes.” 

“Everywhere you go, you feel welcomed,” said Nina Zar ’28 (Childhood Education) of Great Neck, New York. “It’ll be exciting to get more involved in communities who share my interests.”  

Find more coverage of Convocation 2024 on Instagram @sunynewpaltz and click here for a full photo gallery.