Danny Wild developed an extensive collection of experiences in and outside of the classroom during his four years at New Paltz.

In his second semester, Danny took on the role of sports editor for the student newspaper, The Oracle. During his unprecedented seven semesters with the paper, the journalism student redesigned and transformed the sports page into a full section, complete with a prominent photograph on the back page. He also strived to cover campus athletics equally.

As a person who thrives on a busy schedule full of responsibilities, Danny took advantage of many opportunities at New Paltz. He mentored first-year students as part of the First Year Initiative (FYI) program for one year and was a resident assistant (RA) in Esopus Hall for two years. The avid sports fan also worked in the Athletic department’s Sports Information Office for three years.

During his last semester, Danny interned at the Poughkeepsie Journal, the second oldest newspaper in the country. Working in a newsroom provided Danny with real world experience and helped him develop a portfolio that includes 18 published articles.

"There was always this surreal feeling when I picked up the Poughkeepsie Journal and saw, 'by Danny Wild,'" he said.

Danny also interned with the Hudson Valley Renegades, a Class-A minor league baseball team based in Fishkill, N.Y., and now serves as the team photographer. His photograph of the Renegades at Dutchess Stadium appeared in the Baseball America’s 2006 Great Parks Calendar for the month of June.

“A good baseball month,” he said.

With access to all of these experiences, Danny transformed from a student who thought his dream of becoming a sports writer and photographer was too good to be true, to a person pursuing that dream.

 “I love writing and taking photos, so if I can find a way to get paid for doing what I love, I’m not sure there is a better goal,” he said.

Danny’s involvement with athletics has not been limited to photographs and articles. He also had a sports-talk radio show on the campus radio station WFNP for two years. On breaks from college, Danny could usually be seen driving a Zamboni – the machine that smoothes the ice at an ice skating rink – at home in Nanuet, N.Y.

After graduation, Danny began working with the Office of Public Affairs at SUNY New Paltz where he is taking photographs for various publications, as well as working on many multimedia projects to enhance the college’s Web site.

Why New Paltz?: “New Paltz seemed like a strong overall school where I would be able to explore my interests in communication and journalism while enjoying the diversity of the students that the college attracts.”

On fly-fishing: “It's nice to go out and stand in the river. You forget about college, the war, politics and gas prices.”

Favorite photography subject: “I’ve always appreciated living in Esopus and being able to walk out the back door and be surrounded by wildlife around the pond. I’ve taken so many photos of the ducks, geese and squirrels that live near the Gunk – it gives me a reason to go out and feed them and just relax. “Chuck the Duck” has always been a personal favorite.” 

Little-known fact: Danny played the baritone saxophone with the college’s Symphonic Band for seven semesters.