SUNY New Paltz Alumni

08/31/2026

MOVIE NIGHT: The SUNY New Paltz Art Education Program invites you to a special screening of “Engaging the Imagination: Wally’s Way” on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 5:30pm, in Lecture Center 100 on campus.

“Wally’s Way” is a documentary follows artist and art educator Wally McGuire, a SUNY New Paltz Art Education alumnus, and his unique approach to helping people experience works of art through imagination, perception, movement, and personal connection. The filmmaker, Dr. Sandra Kay, is also a SUNY New Paltz Art Education alumna.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the film begins at 6:00 p.m. A Q&A will follow the screening. The event is free, and light refreshments will be provided.

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

What began with a love of the natural world is now opening doors for a new generation of conservationists.

The Giuseppe Traverso Citizen Naturalist Internship at Mohonk Preserve was created in memory of Giuseppe Traverso, whose passion for birds, animals, flowers and forests was discovered through the observations he left behind. (Swipe to the last two pics to see Giuseppe enjoying the outdoors).

His brother, longtime SUNY New Paltz professor Giancarlo Traverso, has helped carry that legacy forward, creating opportunities for students to explore that same natural world.

Now, students like Biology major Grayson Osborne-Coy ’27 can take advantage of those opportunities, spending a summer immersed in conservation science at Mohonk Preserve.

Read the full story: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/giuseppe-traverso-citizen-naturalist-internship/

08/26/2026

This is what the first week of classes looked like back in the day 📸🎞️📽️ Now we’re welcoming the Class of 2030! What year did you graduate?

08/25/2026

What happens when mathematics, science and art collide? For Enock Placide ’72 (Mathematics), the answer is an immersive exploration of four-dimensional geometry and human perception.

Now on display at the 2026 Venice Biennale Arte, Placide’s “Yelena’s Garden: Illusions of 4D Riemannian Sunset” invites viewers to become part of the artwork itself. Swipe to see some of Placide's work.

Discover how his SUNY New Paltz math education helped shape a lifelong artistic practice spanning science, technology and imagination. Read the story and see the video at https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/enock-placide/

08/20/2026

Help us give a very warm welcome to the incoming class. Any pieces of advice for them?!

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

Helen Kolikow Garber ’76 and Stuart Garber ’77 met at SUNY New Paltz in the 1970s, became friends, fell in love and eventually built a life together shaped by art, healing, horses and a shared openness to wherever life might lead.

Today, Helen is an accomplished mixed-media artist working with photography and encaustic wax, while Stuart develops integrative health formulas for people and animals. From California to New Mexico, their paths have taken them far from campus, but New Paltz has remained a constant thread.

“We got deep into the whole meaning of what horses offer to humanity,” Stuart says. “I wanted to give them something back for what they were giving me.”

Read their story of love, creativity and the unexpected paths that began at New Paltz: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/the-garbers/

08/12/2026

Know a student who would thrive at SUNY New Paltz?

As an alum, you can help open the door for the next generation of Hawks by nominating a prospective student through our new Nominate a Future Hawk program.

Your nomination gives eligible high school seniors and transfer students access to:
• A free application (a $50 value)
• No letter of recommendation requirement
• No personal essay requirement
• Priority application review

It's an easy way to stay connected to New Paltz while helping a future Hawk take the next step toward college.

Nominate a student today: https://www.newpaltz.edu/nominate-future-hawk/

Please note: A nomination does not guarantee admission. All applicants are reviewed using the same admissions criteria.

08/11/2026

President Wheeler invites all alumni back to campus for SUNY New Paltz Alumni Reunion 2026, happening October 16-18. Reconnect with friends, celebrate your shared memories, and join us at many events happening all weekend long. To view the schedule and register, click here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/reunion/