"Convocations reaffirm the importance of learning, discovery and creation – and the special wonder of engaging in the collaborative work between teachers and learners. Convocations ground academic communities in our basic values, uniting us in shared purpose even if during the year ahead we pursue diverse ideas and paths. Convocation also marks the end of summer, which always feels out of balance with so many students and faculty away. Today, things feel right again, with a sense of readiness to take on the challenges of a new year."

President Donald P. Christian

“You will all be very different people when you leave New Paltz than you are right now. You can choose to refine your goals, or redirect your interests; reinvent yourself; register to vote! You have options, you have influence; you can make change happen. You will grow, and your perspectives will change in ways you cannot completely calculate right now. And that is truly terrific!”

• Faculty Grand Marshal – Myra Mimlitsch-Gray (Professor of Art, Head of the Metal Program)

“When I was a first-year, sitting up there on the bleachers at my Convocation, I couldn’t have imagined all of the things I would end up accomplishing. Do not underestimate yourselves. You are capable of so much – you just have to put yourself out there. College is a time to discover who you are, explore new topics and ideas, and find your passions. If you embrace this experience fully, I think you will enjoy it.”

• Student Welcome – Isabelle Hayes ’19 (Political Science; Communication Studies)

“New Paltz alumni are everywhere – we are leaders in business, finance, law and government, we are actors, singers, writers and authors, we are engineers, scientists and doctors, and we are always willing to lend a supportive hand to our comrades in orange and blue! You only have to ask.”

• Alumna Welcome – Keisha Parker ’00 (Black Studies)

College welcomes new students on Move-in Day

Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018