More than 2,500 SUNY New Paltz Grads Celebrate

NEW PALTZ – SUNY New Paltz conferred more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate degrees over the course of a three-day Commencement weekend on May 19, 20 and 21.
This year’s graduates make up a diverse community of learners looking ahead to a variety of career, graduate school and life paths, but will forever have this place and this time in common.

“This ceremony is a centuries-old tradition to formally and joyfully acknowledge the close of one chapter in our graduates’ lives and the beginning of the next,” said President Donald P. Christian. “Graduates, we salute your success in meeting, and mastering, all of the challenges you have encountered on your way to this proud and happy day. Wherever you go and whatever you do from this time forward, you will always be part of New Paltz, and New Paltz will always be part of you.”

The festivities began on Friday, May 19, with the Graduate Commencement Ceremony at the Athletic and Wellness Center, where nearly 600 students received their graduate degrees and certificates of advanced study in the arts, sciences, humanities, education, engineering and business.

On Saturday, May 20, the College celebrated graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the largest of New Paltz’s five academic schools. The participants at the Saturday Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony spent their time at New Paltz developing expertise in a wide array of fields and subjects, including psychology, English, digital media and journalism, Black Studies, communication disorders and economics.

Among the students honored at Saturday’s Ceremony was Arianna Marika Williams, of Round Top, N.Y., who died in a car accident in March 2017. Her parents accepted on her behalf the degree in sociology that she was due to earn at this weekend’s celebration.

Saturday’s Commencement speaker was New Paltz alumna and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Latin America and the Caribbean Jessica Faieta ’85 (Economics/Business Administration).

“Some 30 years ago, I was standing in your shoes, on this same lawn, wearing the same cap and gown,” Faieta said. “When I look back, my life and career feels so unexpected – so full of turns and twists, victories, but also many mistakes. So, how can you find your way? Stand for something. Find out what your essence as a human being is, and what you are willing to fight for. By doing that you will embark on the amazing journey of finding yourself; the one and only journey that is worth taking.”

Saturday’s Student Speaker Jonathan Baez ’17 (Communication Disorders) of Monroe, N.Y., was the class Salutatorian.

Said Baez, “In all of your future endeavors, I wish you all the best of luck, but above all things, don’t forget to enjoy the ride.”

The Sunday Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony saw the awarding of degrees to the newest alumni from the Schools of Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts and Science & Engineering.

These graduates have spent years preparing for graduate study or careers as teachers, engineers, artists, musicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, accountants and a host of other rewarding occupations. Among the graduates are the first six New Paltz students to complete the College’s new program in mechanical engineering.

The Commencement Address at the Sunday Ceremony was given by Michael Keegan, a banking executive and current chair of the New Paltz Foundation Board.

“I have met New Paltz first-generation college students, community college transfers, students working multiple jobs and fighting against so many obstacles,” Keegan said. “You inspire me and all of us gathered here today. Each of you will do things that make a difference, large and small. You will change the world in your own way and on your own terms. We as a society are better off already as you move on to your next adventure.”
Student Speaker Jessica Weeks ’17 (Biology), of Danbury, Conn., who is preparing to attend medical school this fall, reflected on the value of a college education, and the responsibility that comes with it.

“We are empowered by the education we earned here,” Weeks said. “With higher education comes the opening of doors and opportunities not experienced by most. We have the potential to make an impact, but only if we choose to live for something greater than ourselves. Our doors have been opened. Now, let’s open doors for others.”

Between the Saturday and Sunday Ceremonies, nearly 2,000 undergraduate degrees were conferred.

In the moments before they walked across the stage, some new graduates took a moment to reflect on their experiences at New Paltz, and what comes next.

“What I’ll remember most is the spirit of New Paltz,” said Annelise Jensen ’17g (Adolescence Education: English). “There’s nowhere else that feels like this; everyone is welcoming, we’re a strong community that supports each other, and you can feel that support coming from everyone.”

“I take my profession seriously, and I’ve worked very hard to get here,” said Michal Ozeri ’17g (Painting – Drawing). “Commencement is very meaningful – it’s closing a chapter and moving on to the next. Today is an important day for my family, for my community.”
“I’m moving on to graduate school and I feel prepared,” said Shelby Platia ’17 (Communication Disorders). “The professors here want to see students succeed, which made it a great experience.”

“I’m very proud of myself, just being here,” said Danielle Finn ’17 (English). “I’m the first in my family to get to this point, and I already have a job lined up. I’m going to be a preschool teacher!”

“New Paltz is a unique school – very diverse, open and accepting no matter what you are,” said Nicholas Piccora ’17 (Communication Studies – Organizational). “You can go into any classroom and feel like you’re welcome there. I’m gonna miss it.”