We are saddened by the news that Rosemarie McBride ’60 (Biology) ’68g (Adolescence Education: Biology), a two-time New Paltz alumna who went on to enjoy a career at SUNY New Paltz spanning more than 30 years, died on Sept. 8, 2023. She was 84.

McBride made the University and the surrounding area her home for more than six decades after her arrival as a student. She joined the professional staff shortly after earning her undergraduate degree, and during her tenure held roles including coordinator of student teaching, associate dean of the School of Education, and assistant director of admissions, which was the title she held upon her retirement in 1992. She worked on numerous key initiatives to support students and enhance the University’s standing in the region, including efforts to establish our first articulation agreements with neighboring community colleges. In 1973, she earned a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

McBride remained highly active and engaged with New Paltz after retiring, serving for years on the Alumni Council, the Alumni Association Board, and the Lifetime Learning Institute Council, among other organizations and programs.

One of those longtime friends, the late Patricia King ’60 (Elementary Education: Political Science), joined McBride as a lead volunteer for Reunion 2010. Together they helped reinvigorate the Lantern Society Induction Ceremony, which celebrates alumni classes in the 50th anniversary year of their graduation. That tradition has continued to the present day.

King and McBride were also regular presences at Convocation ceremonies, welcoming new students on behalf of alumni from the 1960s. At Reunion 2018, they each received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, honoring those who have made exceptional contributions in support of activities of the Alumni Association. In 2020, McBride joined the Tower Society of alumni and friends who have supported the University through planned giving.

John Cogswell '79 '84g (Art), the esteemed silversmith, educator and SUNY New Paltz alumnus, died on Jan. 24, 2024, at the age of 75.

Cogswell was instrumental in the construction of SUNY New Paltz’s ceremonial mace and chain of office, among many other commissioned works.

“John Cogswell was a technical guru, a model of efficiency, and a fount of information on so many levels,” said Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, professor in the University’s Metal Program. “The metal and jewelry field has lost one of its premier craftsmen, whose lifelong commitment to the discipline has had a major impact on its many artists, students and teachers.”

In 1979, Cogswell became the Director of the Jewelry and Metalsmithing Program at the 92nd Street YM/YWHA in New York City. He maintained connections to higher education, teaching at Hofstra University, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute and at SUNY New Paltz, where he served as adjunct and instructional support technician from 2001-2010.

Today his work resides in many private and public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum (United Kingdom), The Jewish Museum (New York) and The Metal Museum (Tennessee), among others.

After retiring from academe, Cogswell remained in workshop and studio spaces, working with students at community centers and craft schools across the country and attracting a passionate following of students who studied and worked alongside him.

“A person of great integrity, Cogswell was a trusted caretaker of the studio and learning environment,” said Mimlitsch-Gray. “He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.”