More Than 2,400 New SUNY New Paltz Alumni

NEW PALTZ – SUNY New Paltz welcomed thousands of guests to campus across a three-day Commencement weekend on May 16, 17 and 18, 2025, for a high-energy celebration of more than 2,400 new graduates who have earned their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The festivities kicked off with a Friday evening ceremony for graduate students inside the Athletic & Wellness Center. Saturday and Sunday ceremonies for undergraduates were held on the Old Main Quad. President Darrell P. Wheeler presided over all Commencement exercises.

“Our graduates have come to this moment through diverse paths, achieving outstanding outcomes while overcoming significant challenges to cross the stage today,” said New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler. “Today, as you become alumni of our institution, we hope you will wear this distinction with pride and honor.”

On Saturday, Professor Emeritus James Halpern and Class of 2025 Salutatorian Brinda Bhalla ’25 (Biology) addressed new graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the largest academic school at SUNY New Paltz.

Sunday’s ceremony honored graduates of the Schools of Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts and Science & Engineering. Guest speakers included distinguished alumna Christine DeBiase ’90 (Communications) and Class of 2025 Valedictorian Angelina Somma ’24 (Adolescence Education: Social Studies) ’26g (Literacy Education).

Both Halpern, who served as founding director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz until his 2016 retirement, and DeBiase, the Allstate Corporation’s executive vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel, were awarded honorary doctorate of humane letters degrees, the highest form of recognition offered by the State University of New York.

“There are few better feelings than watching a student achieve milestones they once doubted they would reach. Just like our bachelor’s degrees, nothing worth having ever comes easy,” said Angelina Somma ’24 ’26g. “So, take those feelings as opportunities for reflection and growth, and hold onto the moments of intense gratification.”

“I have truly loved my time at New Paltz, and as I stand here today, I am overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude – for this moment, for the last three years I have spent here, and for the people who have made this journey unforgettable,” said Brinda Bhalla ’25. “Many of us came to college with one worldview, and we’re leaving here today with many. And that, I believe, is success: evolving into someone who is even a little bit closer to the person you want to be tomorrow.”

“There are many ways to serve and be of use to others, even when our world feels disrupted,” said Professor Emeritus James Halpern. “Your education and experience here at New Paltz will allow each of you to discover your own unique way to make small but powerful changes in our community and the world. Congratulations, and we look forward to what you will accomplish in the years ahead!”

“Whether you’re on the soccer or softball field, in a law office, or leading a Fortune 100 company, you’re only as strong as the team around you,” said Christine DeBiase ’90. “Find people you trust. Pass them the ball. Celebrate their wins. And always, always show up for each other. No matter what your job title ends up being, remember: your real legacy is how you use your power to open doors for others.”

Commencement 2025 recognizes New Paltz Hawks who completed, or will complete, their degrees in the August 2024, December 2024, January 2025, May 2025 and August 2025 terms.

We caught up with many graduates-to-be in the moments before they crossed the stage and officially joined the ranks of New Paltz alumni.

“My heart’s pounding knowing that just beyond those doors I’m going to get exactly what I worked so hard to earn,” said Steven Popovic ’25g (Adolescence Education: Social Studies) of Lagrangeville, New York.

“This has been like a journey for me, a lot of ups and downs, but we’re here right now, and finally, we’re about to walk the stage. It’s just so big for my family – It feels like I’m about to carry all of us across the stage,” said Assimabah Kutu ’25 (Philosophy) of Bronx, New York, who is the first in her family to earn a university degree.

“I am so glad for the friends I made. I met people from all over the world, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this experience,” – Sonakshi Bansal ’25g (Psychological Science) of Delhi, India.

“For the first time ever, I was able to connect with people that are like me in a real and meaningful way. New Paltz has given me that opportunity,” said Jade Goodman ’25 (Philosophy; Communication Studies) of Airmont, New York.

“This is the most important day of my life. My father, when I was born, he was in right at the tail end of his master’s degree and he wasn’t able to finish because of my birth, so I’m dedicating this degree to him,” said Giovanna Paratore ’25g (Literacy Education) of Mount Vernon, New York.

“The biggest thing I learned is that failing creates opportunity for growth. If you’re just constantly winning, taking the easy route, you’re never going to learn the hardest lessons,” – Giani Arias ’25 (Computer Engineering) of Hopewell Junction, New York.