This October, the recently renovated Student Union Ballroom will slowly fill with alumni and friends of the Alumni Association as a part of Alumni Reunion 2025. As people trickle in, a few special guests will be preparing for a night of recognition – the 2025 SUNY New Paltz Honorees. Glasses will be clinked, memories will be shared, and the future of New Paltz will continue to be imagined. 

A group of ten remarkable alumni and friends of the Alumni Association are our special guests on this night. They are the 2025 SUNY New Paltz honorees of the Heritage and Alumni Awards. Their unwavering commitment to the University’s ideals sets an inspiring example for our entire New Paltz community.  

Awards include:  

• The Alumni Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have achieved distinction in a chosen profession or outstanding lifetime achievement. 

• The Distinguished Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni volunteers who have made exceptional contributions in support of the activities of the SUNY New Paltz Alumni Association.  

• The Friends of the Alumni Association Award recognizes individuals (non-alumni) who have made exceptional contributions to alumni engagement in the University's life. 

Our 2025 honorees are: 

• Dr. Gregory Bray '00 (Communication Media)  

• Raj Pandya 

• Colin McDonald '91 (Black Studies) 

• Felix Muzza '75 (Adolescent Ed: Social Studies) 

• Michele Halstead '91 (Accounting) 

• Zina Burton-Myrick '85 (Political Science) 

• Dr. Keely Heuer 

• Dina LaPolt '90 (Music) 

• Jean Akers '99 (History) 

• Corinna Caracci  

View past award recipients here. 

On Saturday, Oct. 18, the night kicks off with a pre-awards gathering featuring drinks and hors d'oeuvres. In addition to celebrating our honorees, we will toast the class of 1975, 1985 and 2000 – all here for their milestone anniversaries. Guests celebrating their 50th, 40th and 25th years are encouraged to stay for the Heritage & Alumni Awards Ceremony and Dinner from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

“It really is an honor and a surprise to be recognized as an alumnus,” said Bray. “One of my favorite parts of my job is keeping up with so many alumni from our department and programs.” 

Bray was taught by professors including Dr. Lynn Spangler, Dr. Thomas Herling, and Dr. Jim Smith, all of whom taught media. He says during Alumni Reunion he hopes to meet with other alumni who studied with these professors to share memories and reflect on what they gave to all of them 25 years later.   

“For many of us, college was living without our parents or caregivers for the first time, and quickly learning how to manage our own schedules, create new memories in and out of class and through student organizations,” said Bray.  “I think it's great to reflect on what that means to us now and be around people who remember us when we were younger.” 

Alumni Reunion is also a time to celebrate the impact New Paltz has on the rest of our lives after leaving the University. For example, LaPolt says that the lessons she learned here inspired her to write her upcoming book and launch her podcast to help the next generation succeed in tough industries. 

“Being recognized by SUNY New Paltz is deeply meaningful to me because this is where my story really began,” she said. 

Similarly, Muzza touts that his 50-year career in education all started right here at New Paltz. “I never would be in the position I am today without SUNY,” said Muzza. “I never thought I'd still be in education 50 plus years, and it's just so great.” 

The recognition puts a bow on his time giving back to SUNY New Paltz, particularly as an alumni council member from 2018 to 2024. "I'm just going to be sitting there smiling all the way through the cocktail hour and through the dinner, meeting people and re-equating with my old friends,” he said. 

In addition to the Awards Ceremony, we have organized a weekend filled with exciting and interactive activities.  This year's festivities will include a blend of cherished traditions and exciting new additions, catering to our diverse generations of alumni. All are invited to celebrate, reminisce, and reflect on their time and experiences at the University.   

On Friday, Oct. 17, there are special panels, like the Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Panel and “Network to Net Worth: Fast-Track Career Connections,” networking opportunities and campus tours. Hear the President’s Talk on Saturday, Oct. 18, swing by the All-Alumni Luncheon or try something new with the Letterpress Workshop. Before leaving town on Sunday, Oct. 19, consider joining in on our annual alumni hike at Mohonk Preserve.  

For more information on Alumni Reunion and to RSVP, visit here.