“The work that we do, the conversations we have, the difficult dialogues that we undertake and the debates that we participate in, are not simply abstract exchanges. I commend you for being willing to engage in this process [Hasbrouck Dialogue], asking these questions and not flinching about where the path of history might lead you.”
–Jelani Cobb, award-winning historian and journalist, and 2019 Ottaway Visiting Professor of Journalism, from his March 11 public lecture at SUNY New Paltz
2019 at SUNY New Paltz was a year rich with student and alumni successes, outstanding professional attainment for members of the faculty and staff, and sustained excellence for our campus community. Please join us in looking back at some of the most noteworthy stories from the past year at SUNY New Paltz. Simply scroll down to view photos and stories in chronological order, or browse by month using the menu at the top of the page.
Thank you for another great year!
January
Walker Cacciatore ’18 (Finance) capped his career at SUNY New Paltz with a trip to the 2018 Beta Gamma Sigma Global Leadership Summit, a networking and professional development conference held in Chicago, Illinois, for members of the international honor society for business students.
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SUNY New Paltz announced the appointment of Mary Ritayik as Chief of the University Police Department (UPD), effective Jan. 1, 2019. She had served as Interim Police Chief since May 2018.
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The SUNY TeachNY program awarded grant funding to three SUNY New Paltz faculty members and the dean of the School of Education to pilot new ways of enhancing teacher preparation at New Paltz, in service of the broader effort to recruit and train the next generation of New York State educators.
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Jared Nelson, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, appeared on the Jan. 25 episode of WAMC's nationally-syndicated program, "The Academic Minute," to share research into the energy-saving potential of using natural fibers (such as flax, hemp and kenaf) instead of synthetic fibers in industrial processes and products.
Read MoreFebruary
The SUNY New Paltz College Council voted by a 4-3 margin to approve the resolution to rename six campus buildings (Bevier Hall, Crispell Hall, Deyo Hall, DuBois Hall, Hasbrouck Dining Hall and Lefevre Hall), named for original Huguenot patentees of the Village of New Paltz who also owned enslaved Africans.
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The SUNY New Paltz Women’s Basketball team overcame a 13-point fourth quarter deficit in a come-from-behind, overtime win over defending champion SUNY Geneseo in the 2019 State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Tournament Final, on Feb. 23.
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A collaborative effort to deliver a new professional credential to electrical engineering students at SUNY New Paltz came to fruition on Feb. 7, as the College honored the first class of engineers to complete the Keysight Radio Frequency and Microwave Industry-Ready Student Certification Program.
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Jue “Niki” Zhang ’19g (Music Therapy) knew that her passion for music therapy would likely lead her to leave her hometown in Luzhou, China, but it wasn’t until she started researching university graduate programs that she began considering New York as an option.
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VIQTORY has rated SUNY New Paltz one of the 100 best schools in the country for veterans and service members in its list of Military Friendly® Schools for the 2019-20 academic year.
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Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. has awarded the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center (HVAMC) at SUNY New Paltz a $200,000 Wired Innovation Centers grant to enhance the Center’s 3D metal printing capabilities, allowing HVAMC to perform high-resolution printing of wax components and direct metal printing, and acquire new post-processing equipment that makes it possible to create high-quality, final use parts.
Read MoreMarch
The SUNY New Paltz community came together on Friday, March 1, to celebrate and honor the life of the late Peter Kaufman, professor of sociology, writer, scholar, activist, athlete, musician, and dear friend to hundreds of students and colleagues at the College.
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The SUNY New Paltz College Council unanimously passed a resolution to assign new names to Hasbrouck Complex buildings.
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Tavern owners and employees in the Village of New Paltz got an opportunity to participate in free trainings focused on sexual assault prevention and responsible alcohol service.
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Ph.D-bound alumna Heather Wander ’18 (Biology) did research from day one at SUNY New Paltz.
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Award-winning historian and journalist Jelani Cobb’s March 11 lecture at SUNY New Paltz touched on a topic of immediate relevance to the campus community: our collective reevaluation of historical figures who do not live up to contemporary ethical standards, and how this process affects our social relationships and our democratic institutions.
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It was announced in March that SUNY New Paltz would present an honorary doctorate degree to Jane Delgado ’73 (Psychology), who is among the most accomplished alumni of the College.
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It was announced in March that the College would award the President’s Medal to Nina Smiley and, posthumously, her husband, Albert K. “Bert” Smiley, in honor of the Smiley family’s special place in the New Paltz community as the stewards of Mohonk Mountain House, the iconic Hudson Valley resort celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
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Louis Roper, professor of history at SUNY New Paltz, became the 15th New Paltz faculty member to earn the title of SUNY Distinguished Professor, the highest academic rank in the State University system.
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The SUNY Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday, March 20, in favor of a resolution to remove and replace the names of six SUNY New Paltz buildings named for original Huguenot patentees of the Village of New Paltz.
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SUNY New Paltz joined a nationwide collective of schools, community centers, universities and regional theatres that staged an all-women reading of “12 Angry Men,” as part of an effort to increase voter registration and empower women as participants in local, state and national politics.
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A select group of SUNY New Paltz students who travelled to Dominica over Winter Break reconvened on Feb. 25 to look back on their experiences aiding the island nation’s ongoing recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Maria.
Read MoreApril
Seventeen and graduating: Simone Evans, the youngest member of the Class of 2019, prepares for neuroscience Ph.D. program.
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It was announced in April that Nicholas Piaquadio ’19 (Electrical Engineering; Physics) of Wallkill, New York, would be named the Class of 2019 valedictorian, and would address his fellow graduates as the student speaker at the Sunday, May 19 Commencement Ceremony for the Schools of Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts and Science & Engineering.
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It was announced in April that Reuben Slater ’19 (History; Anthropology) of Brooklyn, New York, would be named the salutatorian of the SUNY New Paltz Class of 2019, and would give the student address at the Saturday, May 18 Commencement Ceremony for College of Liberal Arts & Sciences majors.
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Nearly 20 students in the School of Business traveled to New York this month for a career exploration site visit, which included a meeting with recruiters at Madison Square Garden and a visit to NASDAQ MarketSite for the exchange’s closing bell.
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During the fourth quarter of 2018 (October – December), the College’s water usage decreased by more than 1.5 million gallons compared to the same period in 2017, which equates to a 9.8 percent drop in overall water consumption.
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At the State University of New York Student Assembly Conference on April 5, SUNY announced the creation of a new award honoring the distinguished career of SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman H. Carl McCall. The SUNY Student Assembly presented the first annual H. Carl McCall Award for Promotion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to the SUNY New Paltz Student Association, in recognition of students’ contributions to the building name dialogue that led to the March 2019 approval of the name changes.
Read MoreThe Hawks brushed off a slow start and slowly turned the game into a dominant performance during sets two-through-four, winning the final match of the NCAA National Championship against the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs on April 27.
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American Psychological Association President Rosie Phillips Davis visited SUNY New Paltz on Monday, April 1, to make a case that one of the most important collective actions we can take in the fight against poverty is to change our attitudes about impoverished people.
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Professor Anne Roschelle appeared on the April 29 edition of WAMC's nationally-syndicated program, "The Academic Minute," to discuss the humanitarian crisis involving unaccompanied minors at the U.S.-Mexico border.
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The SUNY New Paltz Student Research Symposium marked its 25th anniversary on Friday, May 3, as undergraduate students gathered with friends and faculty mentors to share outcomes of a variety of experiential learning experiences.
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SUNY New Paltz students in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering showcased projects years in the making at the annual Engineering Design EXPO on May 3.
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SUNY New Paltz hosted its inaugural Lavender Celebration on Friday, May 10, in recognition of the successes and contributions of LGBTQ+ identified members of the Class of 2019.
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Members of the Class of 2019 packed onto the McKenna Theatre patio on Thursday, May 16, to spend a few of their final moments as undergraduates with champagne in hand and friends at their side.
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One of the longest-standing traditions at the College continued Saturday, May 18, at the 45th annual First World Graduation, as members of the Class of 2019 were inducted into First World New Paltz, an association of alumni of color with roots dating back to the campus diversity movement of the 1960s.
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The 2019 Commencement season at SUNY New Paltz began on Friday, May 17, with the Graduate Commencement Ceremony, a celebration of the hard work and dedication of students who attained mastery in their disciplines and professions.
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Hundreds of members of the SUNY New Paltz College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Classes of 2018 and 2019 gathered with faculty mentors, family and friends and celebrated the completion of their undergraduate careers at the Saturday Commencement Ceremony on May 18.
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The newest SUNY New Paltz graduates of the Schools of Business, Fine & Performing Arts, Education and Science & Engineering celebrated with family, friends, faculty and staff at the Sunday Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on May 19.
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Pauline Uchmanowicz, associate professor of English and beloved colleague and mentor, died on Saturday, June 1.
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SUNY New Paltz is one of 98 colleges and universities to win a 2019 Educational Fundraising Award, given annually by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) to exceptional collegiate fundraising programs in the United States.
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The SUNY New Paltz 40 Under Forty awards recognition program honored 40 alumni under the age of 40 who earned a SUNY New Paltz undergraduate, graduate or certificate of advanced study degree and who are innovative leaders in their fields.
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Assistant Professor Sun Hee Kil fulfilled a lifelong goal at the 2019 Tony Awards, when her work as part of the Broadway production of “Choir Boy” was honored with the Best Sound Design Award. Pictured from left: Sun Hee Kil, Fitz Patton, Brad Ward.
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David Eaton, vice president for enrollment management at SUNY New Paltz, announced his intention to retire at the end of June 2020. Eaton has served in his current role and as a member of the President’s Cabinet since 1998 and has made significant contributions to the Divisions of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and to the campus during what will be a 39-year career at the College.
Linda Eaton, associate vice president for Student Affairs at SUNY New Paltz, also announced her intention to retire at the end of June 2020. Eaton joined SUNY New Paltz as Associate Dean of Students in 1994 and served as Dean of Students from 1997 until 2014, when she was promoted to her current role at the College.
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Dozens of students and alumni of the SUNY New Paltz Master of Fine Arts program exhibited work in the artists' mecca of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from April 12 to May 4, drawing on the College's enduring spirit of impassioned artistry and longtime reputation as one of the best art schools in the Northeast.
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The Hudson Valley Writing Project at SUNY New Paltz announced a new suite of Young Writers Programs for summer 2019, designed to help children and teens use writing as a tool for making new discoveries about the region and about themselves.
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SUNY New Paltz alumnus Conor Quinn '12g (Adolescence Education: Social Studies) placed second in the championship round of the "Jeopardy!" Teacher Tournament this May. He walked away with a $50k second place prize and realized a lifelong dream of competing on the show.
Read MoreJuly
New Paltz, New York, was the #3 entry on Buzzfeed’s new, reader-sourced list of the best small towns in the United States.
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Associate Professor of Theatre Design Andrea Varga’s professional network delivers early career experiences for students and alumni.
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Assistant Professor Stephen DiDomenico appeared on the July 12 edition of WAMC's nationally-syndicated program, "The Academic Minute" to share fascinating new research into how people communicate when their mobile phone are also bidding for their attention.
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“Your dreams are what define your individuality. They have the power to give you wings and make you fly high.” – P.V. Sindhu.
We’re so excited about this new art on our campus! #ownyourwings is about expressing your self-identity, originality, and worth.
Special thanks to Delani Morgan ’19 for creating the hashtag concept for social media.
SUNY New Paltz jumped more than 65 places in the 2019 edition of the Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best College Values” list, coming in at number 35 among U.S. public colleges and number 173 among all U.S. colleges and universities.
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SUNY New Paltz became the newest affiliate of Bee Campus USA, an organization that works to make the world safer for the creatures that enable our natural landscapes to bloom, by promoting the creation of new, sustainable pollinator habitats.
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The College welcomed new full-time faculty and honored those recently promoted or granted continuing or permanent appointment, as well as recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, at the first fall 2019 semester faculty meeting and following reception.
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Nearly 1,200 first-year students and 850 transfer students joined the SUNY New Paltz community this fall, as the College welcomed one of the most diverse and academically qualified incoming classes in its history.
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More than 1,300 new students settled into their new campus homes on Thursday, Aug. 22, during SUNY New Paltz’s annual Move-In Day celebration.
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Generations of SUNY New Paltz students, alumni, faculty and staff joined together for the fall Convocation tradition, welcoming the more than 2,000 first-year and transfer students who are joining the campus community for the 2019-20 academic year.
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President Donald P. Christian delivered the 2019 State of the College Address on Aug. 23, 2019, before an audience of SUNY New Paltz faculty, staff, alumni, students, College Council members and Foundation Board members.
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SUNY New Paltz announced that Bruce Sillner, dean of the Center for International Programs, would enter a phased retirement after a 33-year distinguished career at New Paltz during which he had a remarkable impact on international education.
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SUNY New Paltz was named the No. 6 public university in the North region in the latest installment of U.S. News & World Report’s college rankings.
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Anne Goding, recently retired lecturer of communication and beloved member of the SUNY New Paltz community, died on Sept. 19.
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SUNY New Paltz rose to No. 337 among all U.S. colleges and universities in the latest edition of the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings, a new and innovative measure of college value and student satisfaction with a unique focus on what real students are actually saying.
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This week, a video! We’re switching formats to share behind-the-scenes footage from the April 2019 Student Art Exhibition at President Donald P. Christian’s residence. Click here to play. Pictured from left: Joseph Kattou ’19 (Sculpture), Maxine Leu ’19 (Sculpture) and President Christian.
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Education majors Liz Brennan ’19, Brianna Vaughan ’20 and Carissa Punkosdy ’20 lead movement to unlock the potential of new k-12 technology.
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There was plenty going on at the first annual SUNY New Paltz Blue Day: A hugo scavenger hunt, cornhole tournament, free candy and popcorn and, of course, the stuff-a-hawk party with student activities and union services.
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SUNY New Paltz celebrates the opening of the new Engineering Innovation Hub.
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College appoints Barbara G. Lyman as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
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SUNY New Paltz appointed Beth Vargas as the Executive Director of the Center for International Programs.
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The Office of Residence Life hosted its annual Custodian Appreciation Day on Thursday, Sept. 26, enjoying an opportunity to share breakfast and catch up with campus community members who do so much to make SUNY New Paltz a great place to live.
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The Department of Music at SUNY New Paltz presented "With Gongs, Drums and Pianos: Traditional Southeast Asian Music," a concert featuring Burmese master percussionist Kyaw Kyaw Naing, internationally-acclaimed percussionist Susie Ibarra, and SUNY New Paltz assistant professor and pianist Alex Peh, at 8 p.m. Saturday, October 5 in Studley Theatre.
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The SUNY New Paltz Distinguished Speaker Series welcomed Janus Adams ’67 (Theatre Arts) ’18 HON and Ilyasah Shabazz ’85 (Biology) to campus for an intergenerational “Fireside Chat” on Monday, Oct. 28. The two exceptional alumnae treated audience members to an in-depth exploration of how individuals can balance their responsibilities to society and to themselves, especially in times of challenge and change.
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SUNY New Paltz launched the first-ever comprehensive campaign in the College’s history on Oct. 3, 2019, inviting the greater campus community to support the spirit of excellence at New Paltz and sustain its distinctive collegiate experience in a way that is affordable and accessible to all.
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Graduate student intern Shweta Sawant ’19g (Electrical Engineering) helps Village of New Paltz go green.
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Nearly 300 SUNY New Paltz students fanned out across the Hudson Valley on the college’s 15th annual Make a Difference Day, Oct. 19, 2019. The yearly tradition delivers hundreds of hours of service to a variety of community organizations, and creates opportunities for students to deepen their connections to the region and to one another. This year’s program also saw the collection of about 175 food items and $70 for the campus food pantry.
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Hundreds of alumni return to the College to celebrate Reunion 2019.
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College joins community-wide “labor of love” to build new playground at Hasbrouck Park.
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A large and growing community of SUNY New Paltz students, alumni, current and former faculty and staff, and regional military and veteran leaders came together on Friday, Nov. 15, to share a meal and a moment of gratitude at the sixth annual Veterans Day Dining In Ceremony.
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SUNY New Paltz welcomed regional leaders for the fourth annual Hudson Valley Future Summit on Nov. 18. The event demonstrates the College’s role as a cultural hub in the Hudson Valley, generating conversation and new ideas for promoting sustainable growth and prosperity in the region. Local executives, entrepreneurs and artists were invited to lead discussions with SUNY New Paltz students, faculty, staff and alumni, in hopes of creating opportunities for new collaborations.
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SUNY New Paltz had the highest student voter participation rate in the SUNY system in the 2018 midterm elections, and was the only SUNY institution to receive a Gold Seal award from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge at their award ceremony on Nov. 12 in Washington, D.C.
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AC2 program propels biochemistry major Yohely Espiritusanto ’20 to international medical research.
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SUNY New Paltz claimed a place at the heart of the regional start-up ecosystem as the host site of the first-ever Hudson Valley Venture Fest, a meeting of entrepreneurs, investors, students and educators representing a broad array of businesses and organizations.
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Lieutenants, officers and staff serving in SUNY New Paltz’s University Police Department (UPD) were recognized for life-saving actions and outstanding professionalism at the 2019 Police Awards, hosted by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association in Saratoga Springs, New York, on Nov. 12.
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SUNY New Paltz is pleased to announce the appointment of René Antrop-González of Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, as dean of the School of Education, effective June 15, 2020.
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The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences continued its Without Limits exploration of "the Anthropocene," the geological era defined by humanity's impact on the planet, with a look at how the human race might shift to more communal, multi-species ways of living.
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The fall 2019 BFA Thesis Exhibition featured work by 13 visual artists, and was on view at the Dorsky through Dec. 15. These photos were taken at the opening reception on Dec. 6. Use this link to view the full photo gallery.
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The Department of Digital Media & Journalism at SUNY New Paltz was pleased to announce that noted photographer, filmmaker and educator Matt Moyer will join the campus community for the spring 2020 semester as the James H. Ottaway Sr. Visiting Professor in Journalism.
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One happy item on the agenda at the Dec. 11 meeting of the College Faculty: a moment of recognition for faculty who received continuing appointment or were promoted to full professor. Among those who reached career milestones in 2019 were Anne Deutsch (Sojourner Truth Library), Nathen Clerici (Languages, Literatures & Cultures), Kevin Shanley (Engineering), Christopher Albi (History), Kiersten Greene (Teaching & Learning) and Scott Minkoff (Political Science).
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SUNY New Paltz welcomed the friends, family and faculty of graduating students for the Outstanding Graduates Ceremony on Thursday, December 12. This celebration of student excellence, in and out of the classroom, is a biannual tradition at New Paltz, providing a valuable opportunity at the end of each semester for the campus community to recognize the hard work, talent and dedication of graduating students as they prepare to advance to the next phase of their lives and careers.
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Faculty, friends and family members of SUNY New Paltz business students gathered on Friday, Dec. 6, to honor students' hard work and exceptional achievement at the fall 2019 School of Business Award & Graduation Ceremony.
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Season's Greetings from Don and Sandy Christian at the State University of New York at New Paltz
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