SUNY New Paltz has a network of more than 75,000 alumni worldwide in fields ranging from business to law to education, hundreds of whom gathered one beautiful fall weekend to reflect on their fondest memories of campus at the annual Alumni Reunion gathering.
While each of the mixers and events brought something unique to the four-day homecoming celebration, one common thread rang true throughout: SUNY New Paltz will always be a home away from home.
“Being here is like coming back home for the holidays and seeing family you haven’t seen in a long time,” said Educational Opportunity Program alumnus Rosemary Salcedo '12 (Accounting), owner of Trust Your Books, LLC in New York City.
“Nostalgia is great. You get to see people,” said Larry Rubin ’74 (Sociology), a Lantern Society inductee this year who went on to be a lawyer with Kavinoky Cook LLP in Buffalo, New York. “It makes you feel younger, if not young again.”
No matter their major, New Paltz alumni credit their education for their professional success.
“I know that I'm a better researcher and better writer from studying here,” said Shannon Butler '13 (History), historian for the Poughkeepsie Public Library District. “I don't know where I'd be without all the work I did as a student.”
“I found early on that my philosophy degree would be valuable in teaching me how to communicate in an effective way,” said Diana Regal '13 (Philosophy), director of brand marketing for manufacturing collaboration website Xometry.
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Alumni attendees cherished their time so much at the University that, in several instances, they have paid it back to their alma mater by returning as employees and starting businesses that fueled its local economy.
“As a two-time alum of this awesome university, I think it's a way for me to give back,” said Nsikak Udoh '08 (Finance) '13g (Business Administration), credentials specialist with SUNY New Paltz’s Office of Records & Registration. “This is where I grew not just as a student, but as a professional and as an individual.”
“Everything I have, I credit to New Paltz,” said Ed Burke '90 (Finance), a senior financial advisor and managing principal for the Hudson Valley Financial Group of Sullivan & Associates Wealth Management in Highland, New York, who founded the beloved University hotspot Gourmet Pizza shortly after graduating. “I came here as a transfer student, made a great connection to the community after graduation, and I'm still here.”
One special alumnus returned to the program that helped him succeed as a student and that he led to success.
“It’s surreal to be here, but I’m grateful for all EOP has done for me,” said Antonio Bonilla ’87 (Spanish) ’05g (Humanistic-Multicultural Education), who recently retired as director of the program after decades of service.
For more coverage of Alumni Reunion 2024, including photos and videos, click here.
