There’s one thing that will always be central to the University: its commitment to lifelong learning for its students and alumni.
It’s a core part of our annual Alumni Reunion, where hundreds of alumni visit campus again and have the opportunity to sit in the same seats that students do today as they partake in their own educational journeys.
Some alumni might sit in those seats and think back on their own studies, whether it was last year, 10 years ago or 30 years ago. But after the flood of nostalgia hits, these alumni are within our lecture halls again for another reason. They are continuing to engage in educational lectures.
And all weekend long, there were several opportunities to do just that. In fact, Alumni Reunion kicked off on Thursday, Oct. 17 with a book talk from John Jay College professor Richard E. Ocejo, who spoke about his book “Sixty Miles Upriver: Gentrification and Race in a Small American City,” which is focused on nearby Newburgh, New York.
But Saturday was dedicated to multiple book talks, discussions and lectures, three of which were led by alumni themselves.
Alumnus Denis Simon ’74 (Asian Studies, Political Science) returned to campus celebrating not only his 50th anniversary of graduating, but to lead a discussion about the rise of China and the rapid development of Asia. Simon has over four decades of experience studying business, competition, innovation and technology strategy in China.
"Being back gives me a chance to ask what did I achieve, and what do I still want to achieve?,” said Simon, who traveled from North Carolina to be there. “I think the discussion about reconfiguring how students can use Asian studies as a way to build a career, is an area we can use more involvement from alumni. We constantly have to be on the lookout for new ways to promote these kinds of things.”
He is currently a Visiting Professor at the Asian Pacific Studies Institute at Duke University, a non-resident fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Aircraft and has been a senior advisor on China and global affairs at several U.S. universities.
Later in the day, Arthur Pfister ’87 (English), a renowned poet, fiction writer, and spoken word artist better known as Professor Arturo, led an event titled: “From the Crescent City to the Hudson Valley: A Literary Journey with Arthur Pfister ’87.” During his time at New Paltz, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the FAHARI newspaper, showcasing his passion for writing and social justice, and was in the EOP program. The event was augmented with vibrant New Orleans beads, immersing attendees in the city's festive spirit.
"I haven’t been here in quite a while and I am seeing so many wondrous things that’s been happening to the campus with so much innovation,” said Pfister.
And alumni were glad to hear their fellow peers share their expertise.
“I just want to encourage him to continue to do his research and to tell his story,” said Dr. Vilicia Cade ’88 (Black Studies), who went to school at the same time as Pfister and is now a SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board member. “His story is an intricate part of the New Paltz story, about how all of these diverse people come together and find common ground and enrich each other's lives. He enriched my life with his stories. His legacy that he brought in terms of power of words helped me find confidence.”
That immersive experience wasn’t the only one this weekend. Also on Saturday, a lecture titled “Dressing Like a God(dess): Clothing and Identity in Ancient Greece,” included current students modeling various typed of ancient garments, with an opportunity for alumni to try on replicas and have their photos taken in them.
"I was an art major back in the mid-1960s,” said Arthur Jones ’67 (Art History), who participated in the lecture. “I had a career in the arts and heard from the chair of the department about this event.”
And in perfect timing, a 50th anniversary grad, Eric Gray ’74 (Political Science), led a book talk about his series “Backyards to Ballparks,” as folks across the state tuned in to watch the New York Mets and New York Yankees fight for a spot in the World Series. Gray's books are collections of personal memories from around the world that relate to baseball in some way.
"These are stories from people all over the world, and I was just the lucky guy who people trusted with their stories,” said Gray, who traveled from San Francisco, California for Alumni Reunion for the first time since 2000. “I’m glad for the opportunity to share it with alumni and have an excuse to come back to campus.”
For more coverage of Alumni Reunion 2024, including photos and videos, click here.
