![new student orientation 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/20210820-2_New Student Convocation_0046 (1)-2000x1335.jpg)
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of SUNY New Paltz and to have had such a long and rewarding tenure in this role. The quintessential SUNY New Paltz community spirit I have come to respect and cherish has been especially apparent this past year. I wish for my successor the same warmth and acceptance that Sandy and I received from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters of this top-tier public university.”
–Donald P. Christian, President
January
![Jeff Gant](/media/year-in-review-2021/4QBlSqk73Mxqg0Cz51NjXkOLYFNTZ6kI.jpg)
The College welcomes Jeff Gant, new vice president for enrollment management
Gant assumes senior leadership role as chief enrollment officer, responsible for all aspects of the enrollment process from recruitment to degree conferral.
Read More![alumni profile](/media/alumni/Shanay Bradley Basketball.jpg)
Alumni Spotlight: Shanay Bradley '12 (Sociology)
The story of Bradley's journey: Learning the game of basketball, joining a rising New Paltz team as a transfer student, getting into coaching following her playing career, and the leap of faith that led her to serve as director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Read More![Ottaway Visiting Professor 2021](/media/journalism/Tammy Kim.jpg)
2021 Ottaway Visiting Professor of Journalism: Reporter and essayist Tammy Kim
As the 20th Ottaway Visiting Professor, Kim taught an upper-level journalism seminar on “Writing Globalized Labor" for New Paltz students.
Read More![Dorsky Museum](/media/samuel-dorsky-museum/Anna Conlan.jpg)
Anna Conlan appointed new Director of The Dorsky Museum
As Neil C. Trager Director of the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, Conlan oversees all collection, exhibition, education and related artistic programs and activities.
Read More![](/media/20201006-1_UPD_654.jpg)
SUNY announces 2020 Police Chiefs Association Award recipients
Honorees included New Paltz UPD Lieutenants Williams and Shaw, and Officers Nelson, Shadick, Mattison and Candela.
Read More![Hispanic Leadership Institute](/media/year-in-review-2021/Claudia-Hernandez Tarquino.jpg)
New Paltz alumna Claudia Hernandez Tarquino '04 becomes first director-in-residence of SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute
Helping build professional development and networking opportunities for Hispanic and LatinX leaders across New York State.
Read MoreFebruary
![year in review placeholder](/media/covid/covid.png)
Virtual global learning programs blossom as COVID-19 forces cancellation of in-person study abroad
Collaborative Online International Learning, SUNY Global Commons and other opportunities for students enable global education from afar.
Read More![Department of Theate Arts](/media/year-in-review-2021/killingfields-INSTA-01-300x300.png)
Department of Theatre Arts virtual performances return for spring 2021
Performers and crew members continued to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic with livestreamed and pre-recorded theatrical events.
Read More![Coach of the Decade](/media/year-in-review-2021/Jamie Seward.jpg)
Women's Basketball's Jamie Seward named SUNYAC Coach of the Decade
Seward led the Hawks to five conference championships over a 10-year span, and coached three Hawks who made the All-Decade team: 2019 alumnae Lindsay Bettke and Rachel Simon and 2017 alumna Kit Small.
Read More![Coach of the Decade](/media/year-in-review-2021/Shanna Szablinski.jpg)
Field Hockey Coach Shanna Szablinski named SUNYAC Coach of the Decade
Szablinski has coached 35 All-SUNYAC players, two SUNYAC Players of the Year honorees, 13 NFHCA All-North Atlantic Region selections, two NFHCA All-Americans, one Synapse Sports All-America, and three NFHCA Senior All-Star game selections.
Read More![Sojourner Truth Library](/media/year-in-review-2021/Antiracist Campus Read.png)
Sojourner Truth Library hosts Antiracist Campus Read
One example of our community's response to the renewed international engagement with the movement for Black lives.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/international-care-package-360x270.jpg)
Care packages and quarantine: Center for International Programs helps students from abroad overcome new hurdles
Campus staff worked ‘round the clock to make it possible for students from around the world to make their New Paltz dreams a reality, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Research Symposium.jpg)
Seventeen undergraduates earn grants for faculty-mentored research
Every year, the Research, Scholarship & Creative Activities program provides funds for applied scholarship in a broad array of academic disciplines.
Read More![committee members](/media/year-in-review-2021/upd-committee-headshots-1024x219.jpg)
College forms new University Police Department Advisory Committee
Membership includes students, faculty and alumni; Committee is charged with making recommendations to the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Chief of Police concerning police services to the campus community.
Read More![Composer and Performer](/media/year-in-review-2021/sarah hennies.jpg)
Department of Music welcomes composer and performer Sarah Hennies
The groundbreaking audio-visual artist mentored and performed with students as the spring 2021 Kenneth Davenport Resident for New American Music.
Read More![Virtual Academy](/media/year-in-review-2021/SAIL-leadership-academy-virtual-banner.jpg)
Two New Paltz students among first-ever SUNY Leadership Academy grads
Student Leadership Academy was designed to provide talented and committed SUNY students throughout the system with the leadership mindset and skills that are necessary to solve today’s complex global challenges and be successful beyond graduation.
Read More![Thank you message](/media/year-in-review-2021/mind body spirit.jpg)
SUNY New Paltz enjoys its first ever Mind, Body, Spirit Days
Mind, Body, Spirit days were a well-deserved time for reflection and relaxation in place of spring break, which SUNY cancelled at all campuses due to COVID-19.
Read More![Top 10 School](/media/year-in-review-2021/military friendly.png)
New Paltz rises to No. 8 on Military Friendly® small public schools list
It was the College’s second consecutive appearance in the Top 10 and the seventh year in a row on the Military Friendly® list, a leading evaluator of colleges and universities serving veterans, dependents and active military students.
Read More![Campus pivots to aluminum](/media/year-in-review-2021/plastics.jpg)
Beyond Plastics: Campus pivots to aluminum for beverage sales
Student Sustainability Ambassadors helped lead the effort to bring about this change. Cans are easier to recycle and less harmful to produce than bottles.
Read More![](/media/20180501-2_Sojourner Truth Library_348.jpg)
SUNY announces comprehensive 25-Point Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Plan
Students, faculty and staff from campuses across the system made recommendations to close racial equity gaps and eliminate institutional racial discrimination.
Read MoreMarch
![](/media/20180306-1_SoB-Business-Analytics_382.jpg)
Hudson Valley Mentors launches as a new resource for local entrepreneurs
New School of Business program pairs successful mentors with regional small businesses to help them overcome challenges and achieve growth.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/summit-grid.jpg)
The Seventh Annual Women's Leadership Summit: The tradition continues, virtually
A Women's History Month celebration that connects accomplished alumnae with current New Paltz students.
Read More![UPD certification](/media/year-in-review-2021/police.jpg)
UPD earns Department of Justice “Safe Policing for Safe Communities” certification
The certification is for helping to ensure transparent, safe and accountable delivery of law enforcement services.
Read More![](/media/20190502-1_Pacheco Dunn Tanhena_063.jpg)
Journey of a Year: A message from Chief Diversity Officer Tanhena Pacheco Dunn
"As the country and our campus wrestled with the development of the first global health pandemic since 1918, the country and SUNY New Paltz also came to a moment of reckoning with our racialized history."
Read More![year in review placeholder](/media/covid/covid.png)
#KnowYourVax: SUNY campaign to combat misinformation and encourage vaccination
Experts from across the state university system contribute short, multilingual videos to help students, faculty and staff stay informed about COVID-19 and vaccines.
Read More![Year in review placeholder](/media/covid/atrium.jpg)
Statement on Atlanta shootings and anti-Asian American discrimination
"We condemn this and other acts of hate against the Asian and Asian American Communities and within our mission pledge to continue to name, confront, and dismantle racism and the hierarchy of human value in all its forms."
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/shanacirce-1.jpg)
The College bids farewell to Shana Circe ’02 ’08g, longtime director of alumni relations
Circe helped transform the Office of Alumni Relations and created a robust calendar of events and opportunities for alumni to find their own way to connect.
Read More![](/media/20210323-1_PRODiG Announcement_388.jpg)
Eight New Paltz faculty members join 2020-21 SUNY PRODiG cohort
"PRODiG has created a framework and offered funding for intentional and sustained change and helped us take bigger and bolder steps in our journey to be a more inclusive campus.”
Read More![year in review placeholder](/media/covid/covid.png)
New York creates Excelsior Pass for secure presentation of testing and vaccination info
Millions of free Excelsior Passes have been issued since the state launched this voluntary, first-in-the-nation platform.
Read More![Former UPD Chief](/media/year-in-review-2021/UPD Chief Mary Ritayik.jpg)
UPD Chief Mary Ritayik defines leadership in challenging times
How the first female police chief in campus history, later appointed first SUNY UPD Commissioner, navigated the pandemic year.
Read MoreApril
![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/best_value_colleges_univ_06-300x300.jpg)
New Paltz named a Top 25 Best Value in new national rankings
College Consensus pulls from national media outlets and online reviews by real students to get a full picture of return on investment.
Read More![](/media/bosticr-664x930.jpg)
Renee Bostic appointed Director of Athletics, Wellness & Recreation
Bostic has dedicated her career to the advancement and success of student-athletes.
Read More![2021 Student Chancellor's Award Recipients](/media/2021-chancellors recipients.jpg)
Two New Paltz students earn 2021 SUNY Chancellor's Awards
Ashleigh Arrington ’21 (Chemistry; Mathematics) and Isma Rajpura ’21 (Biology) were recognized for outstanding academic performance, leadership and service.
Read More![](/media/20180122-1_EOP New Space_002.jpg)
SUNY announces 20% increase in EOP funding
The new state budget invests in the Educational Opportunity Program, helping more students access college and succeed in graduating.
Read More![Year in review placeholder](/media/covid/atrium.jpg)
Reflections on the Derek Chauvin verdict, and what remains to be done
"The work of confronting and dismantling racism remains and takes on greater urgency."
Read More![Earth Day 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/carbon-neutral-1024x683.jpg)
SUNY New Paltz announces formation of Carbon Neutrality Task Force
As the world celebrated Earth Day, the College took another step toward becoming a zero-net-carbon campus.
Read More![Dorsky Board Member](/media/year-in-review-2021/West Strand Gallery.jpg)
Dorsky Museum Advisory Board member opens West Strand Gallery in Kingston, New York
Isabel Alvarez, renowned artist and longtime supporter of The Dorsky, and Julio Nazario opened a new storefront gallery spotlighting emerging and mid-career artists of diverse backgrounds.
Read More![year in review placeholder](/media/covid/covid.png)
Without Limits retrospective: Looking back on faculty-led conversations about unseen and understudied aspects of the pandemic
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences’ annual series explored a host of pandemic-related topics, featuring panelists and guests from Latin American & Caribbean studies, art, creative writing, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, black studies and languages, literatures and cultures, discussing how the pandemic has affected life both at home and abroad.
Read More![](/media/SRS 2021.jpg)
Virtual Student Research Symposium: Our annual celebration of undergraduate research and faculty mentored scholarship
The Spring 2021 edition featured 50 presentations by 105 students and 28 faculty mentors.
Read MoreMay
![education](/media/year-in-review-2021/stewart-air-force-1024x705.jpg)
New Paltz will help Air National Guard members fulfill education requirements
The Office of Veteran & Military Services launched a new effort to help service members earn credits and complete their degrees.
Read More![2021 Director of Center for Student Engagement](/media/year-in-review-2021/emily-bazinet.jpg)
Emily Bazinet ’08g appointed Director of the Center for Student Engagement
This alumna has been a valued member of the campus community since 2004 and has served as the Center's senior staff member assuming director-level duties since January 2021.
Read More![2021 Faculty and Staff Chancellor's Award Recipients](/media/20210927-1_Chancellors Awards_059.jpg)
Eight New Paltz faculty and staff named SUNY Chancellor’s Awardees
Well-deserved recognition for community members who have gone above and beyond as educators, scholars and colleagues.
Read More![SUNYAC title](/media/year-in-review-2021/tennis.jpg)
Three-peat! Women's tennis defeats Oneonta for third straight SUNYAC title
A dominant run continues as the Hawks stay atop the conference.
Read More![](/media/20170228-1_MBA_123.jpg)
SUNY launches new Graduate Student Advocate Fellowship Program
The program is a new strategic effort to identify key barriers affecting SUNY graduate student success and recommend changes to the Chancellor’s leadership team.
Read More![2021 ceremonies](/media/year-in-review-2021/commencement 2021.jpg)
What a weekend! Full coverage of 14 Commencement ceremonies
Relive the ceremonies, watch video, check out other end-of-year celebrations and more.
Read More![](/media/20150218-1_Biochemistry_0046.jpg)
Two New Paltz students among inaugural class of SUNY Pre-Med Opportunity Program
Julio Aguilar '22 (Biology) and Guillermo Granados '23 (Biology; Black Studies) were among 25 SUNY students selected to receive academic support in their pursuit of careers in medicine.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/commencement 3.jpg)
2019-20 grads get long-awaited in-person Commencement celebration
At long last, we celebrated together! Hundreds of alumni returned to campus one year later to reunite with friends and walk the stage.
Read More![retirement announced](/media/year-in-review-2021/President Christian.jpg)
President Donald P. Christian announces 2022 retirement after 12 years of leadership
During the remainder of his tenure, Christian’s focus will be to position SUNY New Paltz for continuing success in a dramatically changing higher education world and to set the stage for the next president’s entry and success.
Read More![Barbara Lyman](/media/year-in-review-2021/barbara-lyman-resized.png)
Barbara Lyman to remain at New Paltz as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs during the first year of the new president's tenure
Provost Lyman has provided outstanding leadership for the Division of Academic Affairs since 2019, and will contribute welcome stability during the presidential transition.
Read More![grad programs](/media/year-in-review-2021/CACREP-300x300.png)
Graduate programs in Counselor Education earn CACREP accreditation
Accreditation signifies that the programs meet national quality standards and best practices developed by established experts in the counseling field.
Read MoreJune
![chair of Black Studies](/media/year-in-review-2021/Weldon McWilliams Ph.D..jpg)
Weldon McWilliams, Ph.D., appointed chair of the Department of Black Studies
A specialist in history and literatures of liberation theology, Black nationalism, masculinity, and Afro-centric Theory, McWilliams came to New Paltz after teaching for nearly a decade at Dutchess Community College.
Read More![](/media/old main aerial 2021.jpg)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education formally reaccredits SUNY New Paltz
The culmination of a 10-year cycle: Many members of our community worked extensively and often behind the scenes on our successful self-study and site visit.
Read More![art exhibition grant](/media/year-in-review-2021/Kate Millett art.jpg)
Dorsky Museum receives NEA grant for Kate Millett exhibition
"Life After the Revolution” tells the story of the Art Colony at Millett Farm, which offered women the space to create community and art together.
Read More![Year in review placeholder](/media/covid/atrium.jpg)
Gambling, gay marriage and the Excelsior Scholarship: Journalism alumni make good as reporters
Three recent Digital Media & Journalism graduates published extensive, investigative pieces on high-profile issues in New York State in summer 2021.
Read More![grant 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/face shields.png)
3D-printed face shields project awarded IBM Volunteer Excellence grant
The Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center worked to produce thousands of face shields for front-line workers in 2020 and 2021.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/pride-banner-1024x724.jpg)
College ranked No. 2 most affordable LGBTQ-friendly school in New York
New Paltz received high marks in a new higher education report that cross references tuition prices and LGBTQ+ support on campus.
Read More![](/media/juneteenth.jpg)
Juneteenth in New Paltz: A Village-wide day of celebration and reflection
Elting Memorial Library and Historic Huguenot Street host a day-long series including music, pot luck, and an evening screening of "Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre," with introductory remarks by SUNY New Paltz Professor Emeritus Zelbert Moore.
Read More![](/media/DEPARTMENT_AWARDS_mainstoryimage.jpeg)
The 2020-21 Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Awards
The Hawks honored 18 students, staff and alumni for athletic and academic excellence and leadership.
Read More![](/media/pcc staff 2021.jpg)
SUNY Board of Trustees approves new plan to expand mental health services
New funding and recommendations to build a culture of early intervention where students, faculty, and staff are armed with the knowledge and training to help those in crisis connect with the services they need.
Read More![honor roll](/media/year-in-review-2021/SUNYAC_comhonorroll_20_21_copy.jpg)
172 New Paltz student athletes selected to the SUNYAC Academic Honor Roll
The 2020-21 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll awarded student-athletes who sustained at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average.
Read MoreJuly
![Dorsky Museum](/media/year-in-review-2021/art.jpg)
“Hudson Valley Artists: Who Really Cares?” summer exhibition at The Dorsky Museum
Inspired by Marvin Gaye's legendary "What's Going On" album, these regional artists engaged with a year of reckoning, of questioning, and of emotional and physical turmoil.
Read More![2021 goal exceeded](/media/year-in-review-2021/soaring higher.jpg)
Soaring Higher: College exceeds goal for first-ever campaign, raising more than $24.7 million in philanthropic support
Our community's generosity helped raise significant funds to support new learning opportunities and programs to transform our students' experience at New Paltz and beyond.
Read More![Chief of Police](/media/year-in-review-2021/Michael Corbisiero.jpg)
College names Michael Corbisiero acting chief of police
Corbisiero previously served as deputy chief, assisting in the development and presentation of policing, safety and security programs for the campus community.
Read More![](/media/Ecology Class at Minnewaska-99-2.jpg)
“Not all species will be able to shift”: Biology professor collaborates on international climate study
David Richardson was part of an international collaborative team that produced the study “Climate change drives widespread shifts in lake thermal habitat,” published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
Read More![Hall of Fame](/media/year-in-review-2021/gene ventriglia.jpg)
For Gene Ventriglia '67, West Point Hall of Fame induction is a crowning achievement to a lifetime in soccer
A local legend, Ventriglia earned the moniker "the Godfather of Soccer" after becoming one of the most decorated athletes to ever play for SUNY New Paltz.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Spring_Postcard_v1.jpg)
College earns multiple awards for excellence in SUNY communications competition
2021 SUNY Council for University Advancement Awards for Excellence recognize the best of the best in creative communications, events, photography, writing, advertising and design from across the state university system.
Read More![year in review placeholder](/media/covid/covid.png)
College publishes overview of COVID-19 policies for in-person fall 2021 semester
While we continued to change and adapt with the pandemic, the broader plan for vaccination, masking, screening, testing, quarantine, events and more remained consistent during the fall 2021 semester.
Read More![A student receiving assistance crossing the stage at a Commencement ceremony.](/media/20190519-1_Sunday Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony_0738.jpg)
SUNY announces new Empowering Students with Disability Task Force
On the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, SUNY commissioned a new effort to address challenges faced by students with disabilities and provide additional educational opportunities.
Read MoreAugust
![sustainability](/media/year-in-review-2021/solar panels.jpg)
Can solar panels coexist with birds and bees? This team of SUNY New Paltz researchers is looking for answers
Building solar panels is key to New York’s renewable energy goals. But how does it affect the bird and insect species that already live at these development sites?
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/convocation.jpg)
Inaugurating the 2021-22 academic year at new student Convocation
"Convocations reaffirm the importance of learning, discovery and creation, and the special wonder of engaging in the collaborative work between teachers – our faculty – and learners."
Read More![State of College 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Donald Christian State of College.jpg)
President Christian delivers his 12th and final State of the College Address
Reflecting on more than a decade of progress and growth for the institution, and looking ahead to new challenges and new opportunities.
Read More![year in review placeholder](/media/covid/covid.png)
SUNY's vaccine mandate for students takes effect following full FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine
With the FDA’s move, all students who engage in-person at a SUNY campus or facility are now required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Read More![](/media/20160108-1_Lieutenant Governor Campus Visit_185.jpg)
Kathy Hochul sworn in as 57th Governor of New York State
"Throughout her career in public service, Kathy Hochul has been a strong and fierce advocate for higher education and how access and opportunity to quality public education can provide the pathway needed for success."
Read MoreSeptember
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SUNY New Paltz Foundation Board welcomes new directors
New directors Michele Di Palo-Williams ’77 (Sociology), Jo Ann Golden ’69 (Secondary Education: Mathematics) and Dennis McShane ’77 (Russian Studies) elected to serve three-year terms.
Read More![September 11](/media/year-in-review-2021/september 11.jpg)
Our community reflects on 20 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks
Chimes in the van den Berg clock tower rang five times each at 8:46, 9:03, 9:37 and 10:03, the times of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash of the diverted Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Read More![](/media/Harrington Stem Lecture Series.jpg)
Exploring Strange New Worlds: The Harrington STEM Lecture Series returns for fall 2021
The College welcomed William Walsh of San Diego State University, who spoke about "circumbinary planets" that orbit two stars (yes, just like Tatooine!)
Read More![grid photo](/media/year-in-review-2021/US-News-grid-1024x576.png)
SUNY New Paltz rises across the board in 2022 U.S. News & World Report college rankings
SUNY New Paltz was ranked No. 6 public university in the Northeast, and appears on lists of Best Colleges for Veterans, Most Innovative, Best Value and more.
Read More![](/media/20210913-1_Science Lab Initiative_087.jpg)
Assemblymember Kevin Cahill '77 and The Benjamin Center announce more funding for k-12 science and technology labs in the Hudson Valley
"Our shared goal is to create access to innovation and technology above and beyond the regular curriculum and to foster a continuum, from preschool to the workplace, of the brightest and most tech-savvy kids in our state.”
Read More![atrium](/media/year-in-review-2021/atrium-flowers-6.30-1024x683.jpg)
Student feedback propels New Paltz to top 350 nationwide in Wall Street Journal rankings
Unique among rankings systems, the WSJ model relies on a survey of more than 170,000 currently enrolled students.
Read More![Theatre Department](/media/year-in-review-2021/wolves.png)
Drama on the pitch: The Department of Theatre Arts opens 2021-22 production season with "The Wolves"
This award-winning play, "at times hilarious, poignant, sharp-tongued, and devastating," follows nine teenage girls on a high school soccer team.
Read More![with Augie](/media/year-in-review-2021/Mike Malloy.jpg)
Congratulating outgoing Director of Environmental Health & Safety Mike Malloy
Mike (along with his sidekick Augie, who is also retiring) has been instrumental in transforming campus safety culture over the past 13 years.
Read More![conference](/media/year-in-review-2021/IDMH_Conference_PressRelease-1024x429.jpg)
Lessons from Two Decades of Disaster Response: IDMH hosts 17th annual conference
The Institute for Disaster Mental Health reflected on 20 years of emergency management training, preparation and direct action; Guest speakers included former FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate.
Read More![](/media/Elsa-Batista-1.jpg)
EOP alumna Elsa Batista ’00 (Spanish) ’03g (Multicultural Education) in her Connecticut district
Batista credits her time as an Educational Opportunity Program student at New Paltz with helping her understand how compassionate support systems are necessary for students' success.
Read MoreOctober
![](/media/100-compliance.png)
New Paltz students achieve 100% compliance with SUNY vaccine requirement
More than 97% of our students were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in fall 2021, and all others had an approved exemption.
Read More![](/media/20211016-1_Alumni Reunion_323.jpg)
Announcing 2021 Heritage and Alumni Award recipients
Each year, the College recognizes alumni and friends of New Paltz at this reunion.
Read More![October 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/soaring higher october.jpg)
“For the greater good”: College celebrates successful conclusion of Soaring Higher - The Campaign for New Paltz
An on-campus gathering in honor of an incredible outpouring of generosity from our community.
Read More![cool school due to sustainability](/media/year-in-review-2021/sierra mag.jpg)
Sierra Magazine: New Paltz is a Cool School for sustainability
For the sixth straight year, we were on the list as one of the 200 most environmentally friendly colleges in the U.S.
Read More![](/media/EOP_2.jpg)
College celebrates Alumni Reunion Weekend 2021
Representatives of the worldwide Orange & Blue community return to their alma mater for events, awards and quality time with good friends.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/presidents-award-medal.jpg)
College announces creation of the President’s Award for Student Excellence
This new recognition for outstanding Hawks will be presented for the first time in spring 2022.
Read More![](/media/20160913_Wooster Hall_103.jpg)
New Counselor Education Department approved by Faculty Senate
The Counselor Education graduate program will become an autonomous academic department.
Read More![](/media/truth.jpg)
Sound Your Truth: A moment of community solidarity
A collaboration among students, faculty and staff to give a platform to underrepresented voices and join together for creative sharing and collective expression.
Read More![](/media/20211014-1_Bruce Sillner Retirement Ceremony_205.jpg)
A celebration for Bruce Sillner, longtime Dean of International Programs
Sillner had remarkable impact on international education, at New Paltz and around the world, over the course of a three-decade-plus career at the College.
Read More![National Ranking](/media/year-in-review-2021/mens soccer.jpg)
Men's Soccer ascends to first national ranking in decades
The Hawks came in at No. 21 in the U.S. Coaches Association poll after a thrilling, double-overtime win in Oneonta kept them undefeated in conference play.
Read More![](/media/Nathaly-Munoz.jpg)
SUNY announces inaugural class of 21 EOP Student Ambassadors
Congratulations to New Paltz representative Nathaly Munoz '23, who joined an EOP student support network spanning New York State.
Read More![International studies](/media/year-in-review-2021/map.jpg)
Top Gilman Producer: U.S. Dept. of State names New Paltz as one of the nation's best at helping students access international education
The Gilman Scholarship has provided funding for more than 100 New Paltz students to study abroad since 2001.
Read More![](/media/shupe.jpg)
A celebration for John Shupe, longtime Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management
Over more than two decades at SUNY New Paltz, Shupe led our largest department and has been instrumental in transforming the campus environment.
Read MoreNovember
![](/media/maxresdefault.jpg)
Black Solidarity Day 2021 is Monday, Nov. 1
This long-running campus tradition included a call for faculty across all disciplines to consider incorporating materials or discussions that explore African American and African contributions.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Dorsky Gala.jpg)
Scenes from The Dorsky Museum's 20th Anniversary Gala
“None of this would have been possible without our community of students, artists, local partners, professors, campus colleagues, staff members, supporters, volunteers and visitors. We want to thank everyone for being part of our story, and we look forward to the next 20 years together.”
Read More![Student Engagement](/media/year-in-review-2021/Dr. Edward Lawson.jpg)
Edward Lawson, J.D., MBA, appointed Assistant Director for Intercultural Relations in the Center for Student Engagement
In this newly created role, Lawson will draw on 25 years of experience in public affairs and advocacy to provide holistic and culturally responsive support to students.
Read More![stop violence 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/race and hate.jpg)
Student-led dialogue on Asian hate sparks productive conversation
A well-attended virtual event offered students a chance to share their experiences, while faculty, staff and campus leadership listened and learned.
Read More![Champs 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/field hockey champs.jpg)
Champs! Field Hockey caps magical season with sixth SUNYAC title
A goal by Hannah Ackerman '23 was the difference in a hard-fought shutout over Cortland.
Read More![](/media/IMG_9753.jpeg)
The Institute for Disaster Mental Health is at the heart of a new partnership in Puerto Rico
IDMH will work with Governor Hochul's office, SUNY, CUNY and the University of Puerto Rico to establish a new network of disaster mental health professionals.
Read More![Dintinguished Speaker 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Dr. Darnisa Amante-Jackson.jpg)
Fall 2021 Distinguished Speaker Series: "Creating and Manifesting Belonging" with Darnisa Amante-Jackson
More than 300 members of the extended campus community tuned in for a powerful lecture on racial equity and the meaning of allyship.
![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/gold campus.png)
New Paltz students had highest voting rate (more than 70%) in SUNY in 2020
Our students got out the vote and earned a Gold Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
Read More![Journalist](/media/year-in-review-2021/Eyal Press.jpg)
The Ottaway Journalism Program presents Eyal Press on inequality and “essential workers”
The 2016 Ottaway Visiting Professor returned to New Paltz to discuss new reporting on the "Dirty Work" that is often left to marginalized members of our society.
Read More![](/media/20180619-1_AC2 Summer Research Geology_177.jpg)
Announcing Sustainability Fellows for 2021-22
Fellows earn a stipend and collaborate to bring new content into courses and programs.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Hispanic Leadership.jpg)
Two from New Paltz selected as SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute fellows
Tanhena Pacheco Dunn and Dante Cantú joined a systemwide effort to support the next generation of Hispanic/Latinx leaders.
Read More![](/media/20201006-1_UPD_346.jpg)
University Police will adopt use of body cameras
The UPD Advisory Committee recommended adoption of this best practice.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/wind power.jpg)
Division of Engineering Programs unveils new opportunity for students interested in careers in wind power
The grant-funded collaboration with SUNY Polytechnic delivers fully online, one-credit modules, designed to encourage students to enter this vital, sustainable industry.
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College welcomes Brianna Titone '02 (Physics), the first openly transgender person elected to the Colorado House of Representatives
The alumna visited her alma mater just before the Thanksgiving holiday to tour campus and meet with students, faculty and staff, including many from our LGBTQ+ community.
Read More![2021 Hudson Valley Magazine](/media/year-in-review-2021/extraordinary women leaders.jpg)
Hudson Valley Magazine list of 10 extraordinary women leaders includes two with New Paltz ties
Congratulations to Vice President Erica Marks and alumna Kate Stoeckeler '10 (Childhood Education) for recognition as drivers of real change in our region.
Read More![2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Sojourner Truth Day.jpg)
Meet the New Paltz students who are working to create a statewide date of remembrance for Sojourner Truth
Briana Gary ’23, Anayathsyn Castillo ’24 and other youth leaders have secured resolutions in Ulster County, and state representatives have now introduced legislation to extend Sojourner Truth Day across New York.
Read MoreDecember
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Psychological Counseling Center welcomes two new Senior Counselors
Introducing Atalia Lyte and Brenden Garcia ’14 ‘17g, who will help expand the College's outreach and service to students.
Read More![](/media/20211209-1_BFA MFA Exhibition_209.jpg)
Students exhibit capstone artwork at fall 2021 BFA/MFA Thesis Exhibition
Graduate and undergraduate artists across media share final pieces at the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art during the final weeks of the semester.
Read More![Vice President for Enrollment Management](/media/year-in-review-2021/Jessica Binns-Dickinson.jpg)
Jessica Binns-Dickinson appointed new Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management
Jessica brings more than a decade of experience in enrollment management, student services and academic affairs. She will oversee Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions and Summer and Winter Session planning and recruitment, among other responsibilities.
Read More![Human Resources](/media/year-in-review-2021/Tanhena-Pacheco-Dunn-213x300.jpg)
Tanhena Pacheco Dunn will assume new position as Vice President for Human Resources, Diversity & Inclusion on Jan. 1
Pacheco Dunn will retain her title as Chief Diversity Officer through this change.
Read More![](/media/spa 12.10.jpg)
#NPStressBusters: Finals Week relief for students includes 20+ programs (including a pop-up spa!)
From relaxing yoga sessions to snuggle time with some SPCA puppies, departments around campus came up with innovative ways to help students decompress during the busy end of the fall semester.
Read More![journalist](/media/year-in-review-2021/Cindi Leive.jpg)
Acclaimed journalist Cindi Leive gives keynote at women's writing seminar
The "Still We Rise: Hudson Valley Writing Project" event on campus drew an enthusiastic audience of students, teachers and writers.
Read More![Happy Holidays from the Christian Family](/media/year-in-review-2021/President_Holiday Card 2021_2.jpg)
Happy Holidays from Don and Sandy Christian
Wishing you and yours a blessed holiday season and all the best for the New Year.
Read MoreIn Memoriam
![obituary photo 2021](/media/school-of-science-and-engineering/for-sse-faculty-/Palmer Kocher.jpg)
College mourns death of Palmer Kocher, adjunct lecturer in the Department of Mathematics
Kocher was a SUNY New Paltz alumnus who served as an adjunct lecturer of mathematics from 1997 - 2020.
Read More![Physics, 2021 obituary photo](/media/physics/Jozef Gembarovic.jpg)
College mourns passing of Jozef Gembarovic
Gembarovic taught physics courses at SUNY New Paltz as an adjunct professor until his retirement in 2019.
Read More![obituary photo](/media/athletics-digital-sign/Don Roper.jpg)
Remembering Don Roper, the Hawks' most avid supporter
Former history professor and Faculty Athletic Representative was one of the Hawks' biggest fans.
Read More![](/media/20160404-1_FPA Theatre Show Parade_110.jpg)
Campus community mourns death of Joe Paparone, former professor of theatre arts for more than four decades
Paparone helped build the Department of Theatre Arts into what it is today.
Read More![](/media/Patricia King.jpg)
Campus community mourns death of Patricia King '60, former Alumni Council and Alumni Association Board member
Patricia King, 82, of New Paltz, New York passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Woodland Pond at New Paltz.
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![Obituary](/media/year-in-review-2021/John Palencsar.jpg)
College mourns the death of John Palencsar, adjunct lecturer of history
Palencsar was a beloved lecturer in the Department of History.
Read More![obituary photo](/media/year-in-review-2021/Joseph Britto.jpg)
College mourns passing of former adjunct professor Joseph Britto
A lifelong lover of history and education, Britto taught as an adjunct at SUNY New Paltz for more than 25 years.
Read More![obituary photo](/media/year-in-review-2021/Leroy Carlson.jpg)
College mourns passing of Leroy Carlson, longtime AVP for Administration & Finance
Carlson was a valued member of the campus community for more than three decades, who was actively involved in the Employee Assistance Program and worked with colleagues across the state to help expand its services.
Read More![Obituary photo](/media/year-in-review-2021/Irving Weiss.jpg)
College mourns passing of Irving Weiss, professor emeritus of English
Weiss was a poet, writer, translator and educator who taught in the Department of English at SUNY New Paltz from 1964-1985.
Read More![Year in review placeholder](/media/covid/atrium.jpg)
College mourns passing of James Grant, longest-serving Vice President for Administration & Finance in campus history
Grant was the College’s first African American vice president and was a key figure on campus in years when the College raised admission standards, increased enrollment, transformed the campus landscape and preserved institutional commitments to diversity.
Read More![Year in review placeholder](/media/covid/atrium.jpg)
College mourns passing of Jeffrey Hlopek, longtime colleague in Custodial Services
Hlopek served in Custodial Services for more than two decades.
Read More![Black Studies](/media/year-in-review-2021/A.J. Williams-Myers.jpg)
College mourns passing of A.J. Williams-Myers, longtime Black Studies faculty member
Williams-Myers was a beloved professor emeritus of Black Studies and a longtime community leader based in Kingston, New York.
Read More![Year in review placeholder](/media/covid/atrium.jpg)
Center for International Programs remembers former office assistant Daisy Simmons
Simmons, who worked for many years in the Center for International Programs, supported hundreds of students from abroad in their adjustment to life at New Paltz.
Read More![](/media/Brian McShane.jpeg)
College mourns passing of Brian McShane ’74, who served on the Foundation Board of Directors for 10+ years
McShane ’74 (English), a former New Paltz Foundation Board Director, was a longtime friend and supporter of the College.
Read More![obituary photo](/media/year-in-review-2021/Jake Eherts.png)
Campus community mourns Jake Eherts, a student who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 14
Jake held an associate degree in history from Sullivan County Community College, and joined the New Paltz campus community for the fall 2021 term.
Read More![obituary](/media/year-in-review-2021/Dr. Spencer Mass.jpg)
College mourns passing of Dr. Spencer Mass
The Biology instructor was a beloved colleague and mentor who helped hundreds of New Paltz students prepare for careers in medicine.
Read More![obituary](/media/year-in-review-2021/Tony-Falco-700x467-1.jpg)
The Hudson Valley mourns a music industry legend: Tony Falco ’83, owner of The Falcon in Marlboro, New York, has died
"At its pre-pandemic peak, the Falcon featured music on two stages nightly, rotating art exhibits, the Avalon Archives Museum, two restaurants, and a network of trails and decks overlooking Marlboro Falls"
Read More![Photo by Michael Capurso 2021](/media/year-in-review-2021/Rosette Nebula by Michael Capurso.png)
College mourns death of undergraduate astronomy major Michael Capurso
Michael, an amateur astrophotographer and Eagle Scout, was expected to graduate in May.
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