For more than 20 years, SUNY New Paltz’s all-faculty rock band Questionable Authorities - featuring Maureen ‘Mo Betta’ Morrow (Biology), Raj ‘Dark Energy’ Pandya (Physics & Astronomy), Glenn ‘the Caveman’ Geher (Psychology), Anne ‘Roach’ Roschelle (Sociology) and Brian ‘the Reverand’ Obach (Sociology)- has entertained campus and local communities alike in downtown New Paltz with fun covers of songs throughout the decades.
On Oct. 18, 2024, they rung in Alumni Reunion with a benefit concert at New Paltz’s Bacchus, joined by 13 colleagues and alumni who showcased their own musical skills for the “New Paltz Got Talent” show. The free event raised money for the Student Crisis Fund, which provides direct financial support to students who are facing sudden hardship as a result of an accident, illness, natural disaster or other unforeseen event. In total, the concert raised $1,000 for the Fund through a combination of cash and Venmo donations.
Concert attendees included Questionable Authorities superfans like recent alumna Kelcie Lemaire ’23 (Geology) ’24g (Adolescent Education: Earth Science), a teacher at Marlboro Middle School who has seen nine of their performances after learning about the band from her former professor Pandya.
“I like how they don't take themselves seriously,” said Lemaire. “Their music is pretty good, and they get into it. I can appreciate that, especially because it's people that you usually see in a professional setting, then you go and see them at the bar, and it's really a great time.”
The return to campus for this concert at a beloved New Paltz watering hole allowed for attendees to reflect on University memories.
“It’s nice to see the first-year students walking around campus, much like I was years ago,” said Lemaire. “It takes me back. Nostalgia feels good.”
“Being on campus is why I chose to raise my kids here,” said comic book illustrator Charlie Fetherolf ’91 (Painting), who also performed the Clash’s “Brand New Cadillac” with Questionable Authorities as part of “New Paltz Got Talent.”
Questionable Authorities will next take the stage at another New Paltz staple for their traditional end-of-semester rock show celebrating new graduates at Snugs on Dec. 6.
For more coverage of Alumni Reunion 2024, including photos and videos, click here.
