It’s easy to remember your time at SUNY New Paltz not for just the major or minor that you chose, but for the groups that you decided to be a part of and spend time with.
Those affinity groups are one way that alumni continue to stay connected once they leave the nest, which is why it’s core to our Alumni Reunion programming. During the weekend, we had a total of seven affinity events, ranging from gatherings to a full-blown gala.
A centennial gala
The latter was one that drew 117 alumni back to campus, as the Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian sorority celebrated its 100th anniversary, the first of any Greek organization to do so at the University.
Its Centennial Gala, hosted at nearby Novella’s on Saturday night, had special appearances by President Darrell P. Wheeler and Rene Palmar, the University’s new Dean of the School of Education.
“The sorority, originally founded by a small group of women with a vision, has expanded to a diverse, lifelong sisterhood that spans multiple generations,” said recent alumna and member of the Alpha Kappa Phi Agonian Sorority, Julia Hennessy ’24 (Adolescence Education: English). “Reaching a century of friendship, dedication and leadership is something that not every organization has been able to do. Alpha Kappa Phi is a strong sisterhood anchored in tradition, but also changing with the tides.”
A First World Celebration
Happening at around the same time back on campus, First World New Paltz, which celebrates the achievements of underrepresented and marginalized college graduates, hosted its party fundraiser for the Dr. Margaret Wade Lewis Endowment, named in honor of Dr. Wade-Lewis, beloved former Department of Black Studies faculty member and department chair who joined the University in 1974.
The scholarship provides assistance to New Paltz undergraduate students who are accepted participants of the Scholars Mentorship Program and actively engage in leadership and community service on or off campus.
“New Paltz was transformative in my life,” said Andrea Taylor-Stainback ’89 (Black Studies) who was the president of First World in 1989 and was celebrating her 35th class reunion this past weekend. “Coming back means giving back. It’s important for current students to see alumni come back, to see that this was not just a place where we went to school, but we truly learned, grew and developed, and we want to make sure others are seeing that.”
Members of Omega Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated were also in attendance throughout the weekend, including at the First World Reunion.
“It was the best four years of my life and coming back is just amazing,” said Doly Lugo ’99 (Adolescence Education: Spanish). “Being with them, connecting with friends and sorority sisters, and just reminiscing. It’s remembering the good old times, but seeing that New Paltz is expanding and growing and looking forward to the next generation."
Charter member of Omega Phi Beta was also in attendance as her first time returning to campus for our official Alumni Reunion. Dawn Torres ’93 (Sociology) started the sorority on campus in 1991. She attended SUNY New Paltz on a scholarship and was a part of EOP.
“It’s been fantastic to come back, to be able to graduate from EOP,” she said. “Now my son is attending a SUNY, and he is not in EOP. I think that shows I was a success.”
Remembering a Delphic Fraternity brother
Brothers of the first fraternity at New Paltz, Delphic Fraternity (Sigma Tau Gamma), also reunited during the weekend. On Saturday, they gathered in the Science Hall for a special luncheon ahead of the Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Men's Soccer game.
Heinz Ahlmeyer Jr. ’66 (Bachelor of Arts) was a Delphic brother who was killed in Vietnam less than one year after graduating from the University. During the game, donations were collected to add to the Heinz Ahlmeyer, Jr. Emergency Scholarship for Veterans and Returning Military, which was first established in 2017 to provide support to those whose ability to continue at SUNY New Paltz is threated by changed financial circumstances.
"If it wasn’t for our fraternity, we wouldn’t be sitting here right now,” said Phillip Velez ’91 (Communication Media), a Delphic brother and member of the Alumni Council. “It’s another way for alumni to come back. We honor Heinz Ahlmeyer, one of our prominent alumni, by wearing our letters at the memorial game. We also honor the fact there is an award in his name.”
For more coverage of Alumni Reunion 2024, including photos and videos, click here.
