Hawks Student Union Building Ribbon Cutting

NEW PALTZ – SUNY New Paltz community members gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to celebrate the major renovation and reconfiguration of the Student Union Building with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and guided tour.

Students are already taking advantage of a variety of major improvements throughout the building. The star of the show is the all-new, fully renovated Student Union Ballroom (formerly the Multipurpose Room), now equipped with improved aesthetics, lighting, acoustics, stage, furnishing and flexibility of use. Together, these upgrades provide a modern and more accommodating indoor venue for students, faculty, staff and guests.

“In a very material way, this renovation contributes to our value-added proposition of being a transformative educational space,” said SUNY New Paltz President Darrell P. Wheeler. “I want to thank our architect, the consultant, the contractors, SUNY and the State University Construction Fund, the campus staff and departments who make this go, and particularly our colleagues in Student Engagement and Student Affairs who oversee this space on a regular basis.”

The third floor, long a home to student clubs and organizations, now provides revamped meeting spaces, a refurbished lounge, a modern eSports Center, a Multi-Cultural Center, and enhancements to the food pantry, faith offices and Student Services offices.

“These spaces aren’t just about the walls and the furniture, they’re about the energy, the opportunities and the memories our students will create here,” said Center for Student Engagement Director Ashley Walker.

These renovations came together through a multi-year effort with key external partners including the State University Construction Fund, consultants at architecture + and Lomonaco & Pitts Architects, P.C., general contractor Bast Hatfield Construction, and a host of contributing subconsultants and subcontractors. Also attending the ribbon cutting was Isabel Kroeger, representative from the Office of New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey.

“From the onset of this design, the Student Affairs team shared the various types of events in this space, and they included speaking events, celebrations, awards, recognitions, banquets, panel discussions, conferences, dance and performances, fashion shows, roller skating, movie nights, and the potential for eSport competition,” said Mary Kate Young, principal of architecture +. “We wanted to create a more dynamic, but formal and flexible space for the University to serve current and future student needs.”

Also contributing to the success of this project were multiple New Paltz campus offices. Facilities Design & Construction worked closely with the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of the President and other stakeholders to gain deep understanding of the needs for this space, and how it can serve SUNY New Paltz students and organizations for generations to come.

“Students will love this space, including myself, and it will be used daily to bring students together,” said Student Association President Kamlesh Baral ’26 (History).