Alumni Reunion 2024
SUNY New Paltz is proud of the traditions it has created, and Alumni Reunion is one the entire campus looks forward to each year. 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.
October 17-20
Reminisce with photos from Alumni Reunion Weekend 2023 using the links below:
50th Anniversary Celebration & Lantern Society Induction CeremonyAll-Class Reunion Dinner and Awards CeremonyVarious Saturday Events
Hotel Accommodations
Click here for information on local hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and other lodging businesses.
Come back. Give back!
Join your classmates to compete in the Alumni Reunion Decades Challenge. The decade with the highest number of alumni donors (not dollars) during the giving period (August 15-October 18) will have a brick added to the Walk of Honor to commemorate its generosity. The winning decade will be announced at the Alumni Reunion Kickoff Dinner on Friday, October 18.
Alumni Award Winners
The Heritage and Alumni Awards are presented yearly at the Heritage and Alumni Awards Ceremony & Dinner during Alumni Reunion. They recognize alumni and friends of the Alumni Association who have achieved distinction and made exceptional contributions to the life of the University.
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
Dr. Kelly Cassano '86 (Communication Studies)
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
Christine DeBiase '90 (Communication Studies)
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
Michael Allen '98 (Black Studies)
Alumni Professional Achievement Award
LTC (Ret) Yolanda Mims-Johnson, FNP '90 (Psychology)
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Virginia Apuzzo '63 (Adolescence Education: Social Studies)
Distinguished Alumni Service Award
Niza Cardona '04g (Humanistic-Multicultural Education)
Heritage Award
Maureen Lohan-Bremer '86 '92g (Photography, Educational Administration)
Heritage Award
Dr. Laurel Garrick Duhaney
Heritage Award
Dr. Devon Duhaney
Schedule of Events
Below is a list of the scheduled activities.
We are continuously adding events and event details. Please check back periodically for updates.
Activities are subject to change without notice.
Thursday, October 17
4:00 - 5:30 pm
Richard E. Ocejo Book Talk: Sixty Miles Upriver: Gentrification and Race in a Small American City
Hosted by the Benjamin Center for Public Policy and Initiatives and the Department of Sociology at SUNY New Paltz, John Jay College professor Richard E. Ocejo will speak about his book on the gentrification of Newburgh, NY. It is free and open to the public.
Location: Coykendall Science Building Auditorium
Click here for more information.
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Heritage and Alumni Awards Ceremony & Dinner
The Heritage and Alumni Awards are presented yearly at the Heritage and Alumni Awards Ceremony & Dinner during Alumni Reunion.
Tickets: $125
Location: Novella's New Paltz
Friday, October 18
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
School of Business Alumni Luncheon
Calling all Business Alumni! Join us for lunch and connect with your past professors and staff members, meet some of our current students, and learn about what the School of Business has been up to.
Location: Van den Berg Hall Room 115
1:30 - 5:30 pm
Check-in
Tickets for all Alumni Relations hosted events can be picked up at check-in. Alumni are invited to stop by for general information, maps, free alumni giveaways, snacks and refreshments.
Location: Haggerty Administration Building
2:00 - 3:00 pm
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Join Beth King '95 '16g on a guided walk around campus. Alumni are welcome to share stories and fond memories as we reminisce about our own campus experiences in various buildings and outdoor spaces. The walk will be at a gentle pace. The tour will begin at the Atrium.
For more information, contact Beth King at kingb@newpaltz.edu
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Dorsky Museum Tour
Meet the Dorsky Museum's Director, Anna Conlan, and tour the current exhibitions with the Museum's Educator, Zachary Bowman.
For more information, visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/museum/
3:00 - 4:00 pm
50th Anniversary Toast
Join us for a celebratory toast before the 50th Anniversary Celebration and Lantern Society Induction Ceremony program. Members of the class of 1974 and their guests are welcome.
Location: Science Hall Lobby
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Liberal Arts & Sciences Alumni Panel & Reception
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences invites you to attend a panel discussion where alumni will share their career experiences and how their education at the University helped them in their professional lives. A reception will follow the discussion. Alumni from the Departments of Communication Disorders, History and Philosophy will be in attendance.
View the event flyers for Communication Disorders, History and Philosophy.
For information on the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, visit https://www.newpaltz.edu/collegelas/
Location: Lecture Center
4:00 - 5:00 pm
50th Anniversary Celebration
The Office of Alumni Relations invites members of the class of 1974 to celebrate their 50th Anniversary at the Lantern Society Induction Ceremony, a highlight of the Alumni Reunion Weekend 2024. This event is also open to alumni who graduated before 1974 and have not participated yet.
Location: Science Hall Room 181
5:00 - 7:30 pm
Alumni Reunion Kickoff Dinner
All alumni and guests are welcome to attend this kickoff dinner and party. Join us in celebrating the anniversary class years ending in 4 or 9.
Tickets: $35
Location: Science Hall
5:00 - 7:30 pm
Meet the Deans of the School of Science & Engineering
Please join us at the Alumni Reunion Kickoff Dinner to meet interim dean Tom Nolen and acting associate dean Stacie Nunes to hear what is happening in the School of Science & Engineering. We will have two tables reserved for our SSE alumni at the dinner.
You must register for the Alumni Reunion Kickoff Dinner.
5:00 - 7:30 pm
Meet with Center for Student Media
The Center for Student Media (formerly The Campus Media Center) looks forward to seeing you at the Alumni Kickoff Dinner, and sharing with you what’s been going on with The New Paltz Oracle, WFNP, The Fahari Libertad, and NPC-TV, now Hawk Studios. We also have two newer organizations that now fall under the media umbrella too!
You must register for the Alumni Reunion Kickoff Dinner.
7:00 pm
Alumni Dinner in the Sukkah
The Jewish Studies Department invites alumni to celebrate the Jewish Holiday of Sukkot and connect with current students.
Location: Chabad of New Paltz
For more information, contact Rabbi Plotkin at rabbi@newpaltz.edu
8:00 pm
Questionable Authorities: Faculty/Staff Musical Talent Show
Join the all-faculty rock band Questionable Authorities for a faculty/staff musical talent show.
Stick around after the event to enjoy the soulful tunes of the blues-rock band Good Time Honey.
Location: Bacchus
SATURday, October 19
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Check-in
Tickets for all Alumni Relations hosted events can be picked up at this time. Alumni are invited to stop by for general information, maps, free alumni giveaways, snacks and refreshments, and photos with Hugo the Hawk.
Location: Haggerty Administration Building Lobby
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Peregrine Hall Brunch Buffet
Enjoy a delicious buffet at your convenience in our student dining hall.
Meal tickets: $14 (purchase with your registration)
9:30 - 10:45 am
Discussion: The Rise of China and the Rapid Development of Asia
Led by alumnus Denis Simon' 74. Denis Simon has over four decades of experience studying business, competition, innovation, and technology strategy in China. He is a Visiting Professor at the Asian Pacific Studies Institute at Duke University, and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He also has been a senior adviser on China and global affairs at several U.S. universities.
Location: Science Hall 272
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hudson Valley Pottery Tour
The eighth annual Hudson Valley Pottery Tour is a rare opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind works and get an intimate look at the inner workings of multiple artist’s studios. Some faculty and alumni artists include Professor Bryan Czibesz, Professor Emerita Anat Shiftan, Doug Peltzman '05, Tim Rowan '91, Alexis Tellefsen '14, and Andrew Sartorius '19.
For more information, visit https://hudsonvalleypotterytour.com/
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
President’s Talk
Join President Darrell Wheeler for an engaging open forum where you'll gain valuable insights into the latest campus happenings. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay up-to-date and informed!
Location: Science Hall Room 181
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Division of Engineering Programs Alumni Gathering
The Division of Engineering Programs at SUNY New Paltz is holding a Reunion event for the engineering alumni during the university's Reunion weekend. This event is open to both alumni and current students. We invite you to attend the event to meet your old classmates, socialize with the engineering faculty and students, and network with others. Refreshments will be provided.
Location: Resnick Engineering Hall Room 109
12:00 - 2:00 pm
EOP Alumni Gathering
Alumni of the Educational Opportunity Program are invited to mingle and reconnect with EOP alumni, faculty, staff, and student leaders.
Location: Haggerty Administration Building 019, EOP Office
1:00 pm
Campus Tour
An exciting campus tour led by our amazing student ambassadors! The journey begins at the Atrium and continues to the Walk of Honor, Athletic and Wellness Center, Sojourner Truth Library, Lecture Center, Old Main Quad, Wooster Hall, and Smiley Art Building.
1:00 pm
Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Men's Soccer Game vs. Buffalo State
1:00 pm
Walk of Honor led by Jackie LaFalce
Meet at the Walk of Honor
Created by the SUNY New Paltz Foundation, the Walk of Honor consists of brick pavers engraved with a personal message surrounding the sculpture Large Hybrid, created by the late renowned artist Richard Hunt and given to New Paltz by The Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs in 2002.
To purchase a Walk of Honor brick, visit: https://www.newpaltz.edu/give/walkofhonor/
1:00 - 4:30 pm
3rd Annual Music Therapy Alumni Showcase
Join SUNY New Paltz Music Therapy Alumni for a presentation on music therapy practices.
For more information, contact Jingwen Zhang at zhangj@newpaltz.edu
Location: College Hall Room 114
1:30 - 3:00 pm
Dressing Like a God(dess): Clothing and Identity in Ancient Greece
In this interactive lecture, attendees will discover the importance of textiles and clothing that were worn in Ancient Greece, and how they have influenced modern fashion. The lecture will feature current students modeling various types of ancient garments, and attendees will have the opportunity to try on replica garments and have their pictures taken in them.
For more information, contact Keely Heuer at heuerk@newpaltz.edu
Location: Smiley Art Building 118A & McKenna Theatre Lobby
2:00 - 2:45 pm
Planetarium Show
Join Director Raj Pandya for a campus Planetarium presentation.
Location: Planetarium in Coykendall Science Building
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Tea & Conversation with Sustainable SUNY New Paltz
Join us for tea and conversation with student Sustainability Ambassadors, Sustainability Faculty Fellows, and Campus Sustainability Coordinator Lisa Mitten. Learn about our momentum and progress since 2013 to embed sustainability into how we live, learn, work, and play at SUNY New Paltz from individual choices to institutional decisions and capital investments. Come with your questions! Bring your sustainability-related stories from your time as a student at New Paltz! Let's have a sustainability discussion and dialogue together!
For more information, contact Lisa Mitten at mittenl@newpaltz.edu
Location: Jacobson Faculty Tower 1010
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Honors Program Alumni Gathering
Alumni and students of the Honors Program are invited to a gathering to connect and network. Participate in a variety of activities including a Haiku & Tree Walk, Vintage Clothing Walk, Zine Workshop, 36 Questions to Fall in Love, and an Art Show, all hosted by various faculty and Honors Students and Alumni.
For more information, contact Alicia Ivan at ivana@newpaltz.edu
Location: College Hall, Honors Center
2:00 pm
From the Crescent City to the Hudson Valley: A Literary Journey with Arthur Pfister '87
Arthur Pfister, a SUNY New Paltz alumnus, is a renowned poet, fiction writer, and spoken word artist. During his time at New Paltz, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the FAHARI newspaper, showcasing his passion for writing and social justice. Arthur Pfister, also celebrated as Professor ARTURO, is a trailblazer whose powerful literary voice has resonated since the revolutionary 1960s. As an original Broadside poet, his work has captivated audiences with its bold social commentary and unapologetic celebration of African American culture. The event will be augmented with vibrant New Orleans beads, immersing attendees in the city's festive spirit.
Location: Student Union Building Room 401
3:00 pm
Campus Tour
An exciting campus tour led by our amazing student ambassadors! The journey begins at the Atrium and continues to the Walk of Honor, Athletic and Wellness Center, Sojourner Truth Library, Lecture Center, Old Main Quad, Wooster Hall, and Smiley Art Building.
3:00 pm
Book Talk with Eric Gray '74
Backyards to Ballparks - Eric Gray's books are collections of personal memories from around the world that relate to baseball in some way. The stories focus more on human interest rather than the actual gameplay, but there are still elements of that. Whether or not you like baseball, these stories will make you laugh, bring you to tears, and possibly remind you of your memories.
Location: Student Union Building Room 408
3:00 - 4:30 pm
40 Under Forty Honoree Gathering
Attention to all 40 Under Forty honorees from 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2024! You and your guests are cordially invited to this exclusive and intimate gathering.
Location: Student Union Building Room 402
4:00 - 9:00 pm
Peregrine Hall Dinner Buffet
Enjoy a delicious buffet at your convenience in our student dining hall.
Meal tickets: $14 (purchase with your registration)
7:30 pm
Residence Life Alumni Mixer
Residence life alumni are invited to meet and greet with other alumni. Play trivia and win prizes!
For more information, contact Mandy Maldonado '16 '18g at maldonaa@newpaltz.edu
Location: Student Union Building 62/63
7:30 pm
Shea-Kim Duo
SUNY New Paltz Department of Music Presents Fall 2024 Concert Series, Music without Borders. Music empowers, creates connection, and strengthens empathy. This semester's Concert Series theme is "Music Without Borders," as we will highlight music from different countries and cultures in our concerts. The latter half of the Shea-Kim duo’s two-year exploration of touch: Touch as a feeling, emotion, sound, and technique—this time with the soundscapes of 20th and 21st-century composers. The award-winning Shea-Kim duo was formed in 2014 by husband and wife duo Brendan Shea and Yerin Kim. Since then, they have competed internationally and toured the world, performing in Belgium, Italy, Canada, South Korea, and the United States.
To purchase tickets in advance, visit here.
Location: Studley Theatre
8:00 - 9:00 pm
Sip 'N Stars
Join Director Raj Pandya for a campus Planetarium presentation followed by a reception featuring a cash bar and live DJ.
Location: Planetarium in Coykendall Science Building
9:00 - 11:00 pm
Drinks at P&Gs with the class of 1974
Alumni Affinity Events
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Gathering
For more information, contact Robert Nelson at chsnhs34@yahoo.com
Location: Student Union Building 62/63
12:00 pm
Delphic Fraternity (Sigma Tau Gamma) Gathering
For more information, contact Phil Velez '91 at delphicfraternity1871@gmail.com
Location: Science Hall 272
12:00 - 3:00 pm
Theta Phi Gamma Alumnae Luncheon
For more information, contact Laurie Spiegel '75 at theta.alum.new.paltz@gmail.com
Location: Garvan's Restaurant, New Paltz
12:00 - 3:00 pm
Clionian Sorority Alumnae Luncheon
For more information, contact Patty Champman Fuller '73 at sandpfuller@hotmail.com
Location: Cafe Hugo, Student Union Building
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Gathering
Location: Student Union Building 408
3:00 - 9:00 pm
First World New Paltz Day Party Fundraiser for Dr. Margaret Wade Lewis Endowment
To register, visit https://www.firstworldnewpaltz.org/
Location: College Terrace
5:00 - 10:00 pm
Agonian Centennial Gala
To register, visit https://www.kappaagoalumnae.com/centennialgala
For more information, contact Elaine Alden '99 at agonian.kappa@gmail.com
Location: Novella's New Paltz
Sunday, October 20
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Peregrine Hall Brunch Buffet
Enjoy a delicious buffet at your convenience in our student dining hall.
Meal tickets: $14 (purchase with your registration)
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Alumni Hike
This ticket includes transportation, snacks, and participation in one of two hikes at Mohonk Preserve: the Long House Hike (novice) and the Bonticou Scramble (intermediate). Hike leaders: Shana Circe ’02 '08g, James DeArce '00, and Dr. Glenn Geher.
Tickets: $25
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
27th Annual Rosendale International Pickle Festival
If you're looking for something else to do in the area on Sunday, visit the 27th Annual Rosendale Pickle Festival at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.
For more information, visit https://rosendalepicklefestival.org/
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Hudson Valley Pottery Tour
The eighth annual Hudson Valley Pottery Tour is a rare opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind works and get an intimate look at the inner workings of multiple artist’s studios. Some faculty and alumni artists include Professor Bryan Czibesz, Professor Emerita Anat Shiftan, Doug Peltzman '05, Tim Rowan '91, Alexis Tellefsen '14, and Andrew Sartorius '19.
For more information, visit https://hudsonvalleypotterytour.com/
Campus Bookstore Hours
Fri, Oct. 18, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat, Oct. 19, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sun, Oct 20, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Alumni receive a 10% Discount on Apparel and Gift Items
alumni@newpaltz.edu
(845) 257-3230
Continue Connecting Between Now and Reunion 2024
Join the Orange & Blue Network to connect, find resources, and engage with your alumni community!