WELCOME AND MEET OUR STAFF
The Office of Student Activities and Union Services is responsible for the campus programming, fraternity and sorority life, leadership programming, campus involvement opportunities and education, and the overall operation of the Student Union. To learn more about our staff, please keep reading. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact any of us. Our departmental contact information is:
OFFICE LOCATION: Student Union 211
E-MAIL: sub@newpaltz.edu
PHONE: 845-257-3025
FAX: 845-257-3695
MAILING ADDRESS: Student Union 211, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561
INFORMATION DESK TEMPORARY LOCATION: Student Union 2nd Floor Lobby
INFORMATION DESK PHONE: 845-257-3000
MEET OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM
MICHAEL PATTERSON
Director
E-MAIL: pattersm@newpaltz.edu
PHONE: 257-3025
DUTIES: Approve all student club activities and events; student event policies and procedures; overall management of the Student Union; advise the Student Association; Adjudication of fraternities and sororities; Make a Difference Day; Getting to Know New Paltz Merchant Fair; Student Club and Leader Awards; Oversee departmental budgets, management, planning, assessments, and supervision.
ABOUT MIKE: Michael is originally from Tully, NY. He went to college at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) and received his B.S. in Business Admininstration with a concentration in Human Resources (2000). He was actively involved as a student serving as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, Tour Guide, President of the University Student Alumni Board and worked in the Student Union. His favorite college moment is chairing the 96-team mud-volleyball tournament, Oozfest. After receiving his B.S., he went to The Ohio State University to obtain his M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs (2002). While at Ohio State, Michael was the graduate assistant in the Student Activities & Orientation office at Capital University working primarily with club management, leadership, and advisement of the freshman class. Michael them moved to New Jersey where he worked for 6 & 1/2 years in the Office of Student Activities and Student Center Operations at Monmouth University, the last 4 as the Associate Director. In his role at Monmouth, he oversaw the advisement of the student activities board and yearbook; managed student center operations, set-ups, student staff supervision & club office space; and supervised fraternity & sorority life and multicultural & diversity initiatives. Michael started at SUNY New Paltz in September 2008 in his current position. Michael is happy to be back in New York State closer to family and friends. He secretly (not really a secret) loves NASCAR, is an avid watcher of The Amazing Race, and is a proud brother of a national fraternity. Michael recently purchased his first home with his partner Jeff in Hudson, NY where is enjoying the projects that comes with home ownership.
EMILY SPILMAN
Assistant Director
E-MAIL: spilmane@newpaltz.edu
PHONE: 257-3025
DUTIES: Fraternity and Sorority Life management; advise the United Greek Association; supervise the Student Activities Managers; Emerging Leaders Program; Leadership Conferences and training; Student Employee Training; Departmental Professional Development.
ABOUT EMILY: Emily is originally from Oswego, NY. She went to college at SUNY Geneseo, where she received her B.A. in History with a minor in Mathematics in May 2002. While at Geneseo, Emily was a Resident Assistant, an Orientation Leader, a Peer Health Educator, a member of the College Senate, a Student Ambassador and a member of the Judicial Hearing Committee. Emily came to SUNY New Paltz in August 2004 as part of the Residence Life Staff team. During that time, she was the Complex Director for Bevier Hall, the Area Coordinator for Esopus Hall, Coordinator of the First Year Initiative Program, RHSA Advisor, and Program Coordinator for Student Orientation and Registration. In June 2008, Emily joined the Student Activities & Union Services Staff as the Assistant Director, and enjoys working with the Student Activities Managers, the Emerging Leaders and the Fraternities & Sororities. Most recently, Emily completed her MPS in Humanistic/Multicultural Education here at New Paltz. Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, biking, traveling, and everything Autumn (especially Pumpkin Spice Lattes).
BRENDAN O'BRIEN
Program Assistant
E-MAIL: obrienb@newpaltz.edu
PHONE: 257-3025
DUTIES: Department programming and activities; event promotion and marketing; Student Union event management (set-ups and technology); student employee supervision; Trailways operation; Information Desk services; departmental website.
ABOUT BRENDAN: Brendan is originally from Albany, N.Y. He went to college at The College of Saint Rose and graduated with his B.A. in English with a Minor in Public Communication. While at The College of Saint Rose, Brendan was a Vice-President for Student Government, a Family-Weekend Coordinator, a member of the Campus Appeal board and worked for the Office of Event Management. Brendan also worked for The Liberty Partnerships Rising Stars program at The State University of New York at Albany where he coordinated an after-school program for at-risk students in the Albany public school system. Brendan joined The Office of Student Activities and Union Services in January of 2007. Brendan enjoys watching action films and has seen every James Bond film ever released. Brendan is also a big fan of the New York Giants and the New York Yankees.
NAOMI VOGT
Keyboard Specialist
E-MAIL: vogtn@newpaltz.edu
PHONE: 257-3025
DUTIES: Student Union scheduling and reservations (FUSE); departmental reception and common area management; support to professional staff; vending tables and display case reservations; student office assistants.
ABOUT NAOMI: Naomi has been an important part of our office for the past three years. Naomi enjoys working in our office because she loves interacting with our students and is always available to assist them. Recently, Naomi won the CSEA Presidential Award for outstanding service. Naomi enjoys spending time with her family and loves outdoor activities. Naomi has two dogs, Kaydo and Dude. She loves them both!
JOSHUA GORFEIN
Graduate Assistant
E-MAIL: gorfei82@newpaltz.edu
PHONE: 257-3025
DUTIES: Off-campus and commuter student support; advise the Off-Campus Student Union; Involvement Fairs and involvement resources; Emerging Leader Mentors program; departmental newsletters; some departmental programming.
ABOUT JOSH: Josh was born and raised on Long Island originally hailing from Kings Park, but now he considers New Paltz to be his home. Josh graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.A. in English and Sociology. Josh is currently a graduate student in the Humanistic/Multicultural Education program. Throughout his tenure at New Paltz, Josh has been a member and President of the Rugby Team, a Student Senator, a Resident Assistant, an Orientation Leader, a Welcome Center Greeter and a Chief Justice of the Student Association. Josh joined the Student Activities staff in August of 2008. He enjoys hiking in the New Paltz area, watching movies, MMA and the New York Football Giants.
MEET OUR STUDENT TEAM
STUDENT ACTIVITIES MANAGERS: A key staff member for you to utilize is the Student Activity Manager (SAM). The primary role of the Student Activities Manager is managing the Student Activities and Union Services office in the absense of professional staff. They oversee the operations of the student union, are the lead staff member for events held in the student union, supervise all other student employees working during their shift, and can provide basic guidance to student group about programming. While on duty, they are located in Student Union 211. Our 2009-2010 Student Activities Managers are:
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Mike Barootjian Major: Undeclared Hometown: Newburgh, NY Random Fact About You: I hate coming up with random facts Favorite thing about SAUS/Being a SAM/The SU: My favorite thing |
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Year: Junior Major: International Business Hometown: The Bronx Random Fact About You: I am the sassy SAM Favorite thing about SAUS/Being a SAM/The SU: My SAM-ily is the best!
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Year: Junior Major: French and Anthropology Hometown: Geneseo, New York Random Fact About You: I know the Finnish word for reindeer! |
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Alison Ficurilli Year: Junior Major: Secondary Education, English Hometown: Lindenhurst, NY Random Fact About You: "Smiling's my favorite!" Favorite Thing About SAUS/Being a SAM/The SU: Putting on programs |
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Eric Holzapple Year: Junior Major: Secondary Education, Math Hometown: Hicksville, NY Random Fact About You: Eric doesn't like extra mayo on his sandwhich Favorite Thing About SAUS/Being a SAM/The SU: Open and happy |
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Diana Ortiz Year: Senior Major: Marketing Hometown: Brooklyn Random Fact About You: I am addicted to Sunkist Favorite Thing About SAUS/Being a SAM/The SU: Working at the heart of |
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Kristin Sitek Year: Senior Major: Business Management, Black Studies Hometown: Ellington, Ct. Random Fact About You: I played basketball against Ray Allen Favorite Thing About SAUS/Being a SAM/The SU: Working with an eclectic |
INFORMATION DESK TEAM: For students seeking answers or guidance, this is the student team they work with. Not only is the information desk staff prepared to answer a variety of campus life and activities questions, but they also can direct students about events and how to find there way around the Student Union. Don't hesitate to ask these staff members a question about campus. Meet the team:
COMING SOON!
EVENT SET-UP CREW: This crew is the often behind the scenes. They work before and after events held in the student union. They are the ones that set-up every chair perfectly and push around tables, set-up stages, and coordinate other physical elements to events. The crew is:
COMING SOON!
OFFICE ASSISTANTS/TRAILWAYS TEAM: These students assist with the daily office management during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM). They assist with office reception, greeting visitors, and oversee the sales of the Trailways Bus Service. The team is:
COMING SOON!
