New Paltz, NY – The State University of New York at New Paltz Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Department announced the first and second-year inductees of the Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society Monday, which includes a total of 68 student-athletes.
Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society is a nonprofit organization that celebrates the academic achievement of student-athletes. In order to be enshrined, student-athletes must have participated in at least one sport for the Hawks, while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or above as a senior. Student-athletes can only be honored twice during their Hawks career.
"This past year has been an exceptional strain on everyone with the global pandemic, a national racial equity crisis, and contentious political election and climate. The student-athletes lost seasons, lost their day-to-day support networks, and had a complete alteration of how athletics and academics are operated," said Hawks Faculty Athletic Representative Dave Richardson who will emcee the virtual ceremony Wednesday. "Yet, the student-athletes being inducted into ΧΑΣ have maintained optimism and pursued excellence in the classroom. Further, they have focused on additional goals like diversity, equity, and inclusion and mental health awareness and have been leaders across our state university system and country.
"In my role as the SUNY New Paltz Faculty Athletic Director, I work closely with the athletic department, faculty, and administration to ensure balance between academics and athletics. I am constantly impressed by the efforts of SUNY New Paltz student-athletes who excel in the classroom in majors across all five schools. The student-athletes must balance their classwork, internships, practices, competitions, and other extra-curricular activities. As a result, they have honed skills that facilitate their success in the classroom and with their teams like time-management, collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking."
See the full list of Chi Alpha Sigma recipients below:
Second-Year Honorees:
Tara Bovich (Senior, Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Deaf Studies/Sociology
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2017, spring 2018, fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll (2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020), Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society Inductee (2020).
Faculty Member: Jessica Welsh (Communication Disorders)
Quote: "Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise." – Frank Ocean
Academic Moment: "The Covid-19 pandemic has definitely shaped me into a better student. Switching to all online classes was something I had to adjust to and the experience has taught me to manage my time better and stay focused."
Secret to Success: "I believe my ongoing drive to reach my goals has helped me succeed both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field."
Career Aspirations: "I want to become a speech-language pathologist in the future and work with older patients in a hospital or rehabilitation center."
Caleigh Carr (Senior, Women's Volleyball)
Major: Graphic Design
Year: Senior
Academic Accolades: Dean's List Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021
Faculty Member: Anne Galperin (Graphic Design)
Quote: "You get back what you put in. If you put in the effort, you will be rewarded in return."
Academic Moment: "An academic moment that has had a lasting impact on my experience at SUNY New Paltz is the first time I really struggled in a class. This taught me that nothing was going to be handed to me at college and that I needed to work hard to achieve my goals."
Secret to Success: "The secrets to my success are that I pursue every goal of mine with a positive attitude and relentless effort."
Career Aspirations: "My future aspirations are to be an entrepreneur and create a business that betters the everyday life of society."
Carly Croteau (Senior, Field Hockey)
Major: Early Childhood & Childhood Education with a Concentration in Spanish
Minor: Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll 2017, SUNYAC Championship Finalist Dean's List Spring Semester 2018, SUNYAC Champion 2018, Athlete of the Week 2018, SUNYAC Offensive Player of the Week 2018, DIII Offensive Player of the Week Honorable Mention 2018. 2018 DIII Academic: National Academic Squad, Second-Team All-SUNYAC 2018, SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll Dean's List (Spring Semester 2019), Dean's List (Fall 2019), First-Team All SUNYAC 2019, NFHCA All-North Atlantic Region Second-Team (2019), SUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year (2019), Inductee in the Chi Alpha Sigma Academic National Honor Society (2019), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2019), Dean's List Spring (2020), Dean's List Fall (2020).
Faculty Member: Maura Musso (Education)
Quote: "Sacrifice what you are for what you will become." - Eric Thomas
Academic Moment: "It is truly hard to pinpoint one moment within my 4 year academic career at SUNY New Paltz that has had a lasting impact on my overall experience. However generally speaking, this university has provided me with endless amounts of opportunity that I never imagined. I would say, having the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than I ever imagined is what I will take away from my time spent here. I was able to work hands-on with students at multiple points within my academic career. While being provided with help, guidance, and resources along the way. Moving forward, I know that this is something I want to implement within my classroom environment, especially being a future educator. Everyone who has helped me get to this point in my career not only helped me succeed, but wanted to see me do it more than anything; which is really what is unique about the academics and athletics at this university."
Secret to Success: "There truly are no secrets to success. I would say that all of my athletic and academic career I did what was expected of me, while trying to perfect the task at hand. Everyday I often take advantage of the opportunities that arise and try to execute them better than I have in previous attempts. I am someone who is intrinsically motivated, and craves challenge. I love to set myself up for success by being organized, and learning from failure. Success is ultimately about how badly do you want something and what you will sacrifice in order to achieve it."
Career Aspirations: "Thinking about the future sometimes is overwhelming, but I believe that my time spent at SUNY New Paltz has prepared me for the next chapter; which I am excited and ready to begin. My ultimate aspiration in my life is to be happy, it sounds quite simple but as many know there are a variety of factors that play into effect. I aspire to expand my educational career in graduate school to become certified in Special Education. I know I am going to strive to be the best version of myself everyday, in order to help my students establish and achieve their goals; and to have my students be the change they want to see in the world."
Camryn Dluginski (Senior, Equestrian)
Major: Art Education
Kevin Doorley (Senior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Finance and Business Analytics
Minor: Economics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (All semesters at NP), SUNYAC Scholar Athlete of the Year
Beta Gamma Sigma honor society.
Faculty Member: Qi Li (Business School, Analytics Professor)
Quote: "Nothing good ever comes from worrying or sitting there feeling sorry for yourself...Keep positive and keep pushing on and things will turn good" - unknown
Secret to Success: "Don't be afraid to ask for help."
Emily Fox (Senior, Softball)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List every semester, SUNYAC Commissioner's List: Spring 2018, Spring 2019, Spring 2020, NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete 2018-2019 School Year, 2019-2020 School Year, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society Member (Fall 2019-Present) and Chi Alpha Sigma Student-Athlete Honor Society Member (Spring 2020-Present).
Faculty Member: Glenn Geher (psychology)
Quote: "Many people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could." - Zig Ziglar
Academic Moment: "In my Psychological Statistics class with Professor Geher during my sophomore year, I found confidence in myself and prospered in the classroom environment that Professor Geher created. He was enthusiastic, passionate and supportive of all of his students. I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that I would be as passionate about as he was. I realized that I had chosen the right major and became excited for my future career as a school psychologist."
Secret to Success: "Staying organized with my assignments and classes by always using a planner and trying to do my work ahead of time has been helpful! Especially with my busy schedule as a student-athlete, time management is so important."
Career Aspirations: "I plan on attending graduate school to earn a master's degree in School Psychology and hopefully go on to earn a PsyD in School Psychology following that."
Alexandria Galvez (Senior, Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Early Childhood/Childhood Education
Minor: Spanish B-6
Academic Accolades: Dean's List:Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020 Chi Alpha Sigma: Spring 2020 as a junior SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll Spring 2019, Spring 2020.
Faculty Member: Maura Musso (education)
Quote: "Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there." - John Wooden
Academic Moment: "An academic moment during my time here at SUNY New Paltz, would be taking the course Education of Diverse Populations 1-6. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career where I can work and help students from different backgrounds. To make sure each student progresses to the next level and finding different methods they learn best with. After my time at New Paltz, I hope to complete a master's degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)."
Secret to Success: Time management and staying organized.
Julie Greenspan (Senior, Women's Volleyball)
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List Fall 2017- Spring 2021.
Faculty Member: Rebecca Swenson (Communication Disorders)
Quote: "An inspirational quote that has inspired me to be a successful student-athlete is written by Michael Phelps "You can't put a limit on anything. the more you dream, the farther you get."
Academic Moment: "After completing my minor in Deaf Studies and completing classes that related to my major, it was nice to realize that I have a true passion for the field and that I want to keep working towards my future professional goals! Developing a passion has made me more eager to learn."
Secret to Success: "I make sure to stay extremely organized and to get all of my work done on time or early!"
Career Aspirations: "My future aspiration is to become a speech language pathologist. I plan to work in schools and with children who attend elementary or middle school. I also hope to open up a private practice one day! My main goal is to help children with their speech."
Sophie Herrmann (Senior, Cross Country)
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Art History
Academic Accolades: Dean's List: (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2019, fall 2020, spring 2021).
Faculty Member: Keeley Heuer (Art History)
Quote: "Enjoy your time, it's not unlimited." - unknown
Academic Moment: "Professor Heuer would give brief anecdotes about her time as a student of art history. One day she said she would run on the treadmill and study flashcard for her exams. I thought: "That's me!" As a learner Professor Heuer has encouraged me to keep my sense of humor, curiosity and dedication to academics."
Secret to Success: "Find things that you are interested in and that excite you and follow those things. Stay curious and consistent."
Career Aspirations: "Eventually I would like to be an elementary school teacher. I would also love to be apart of a museum's education program and encourage students to value art. And if none of that works...I've always wanted to open a coffee shop or be a Mail Carrier."
Sawyer Kessler (Senior, Field Hockey)
Major: BS Visual Arts (concentration in painting and printmaking)
Minor: Art History
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (spring 2018, fall 2018, fall 2019, spring 2019, fall 2020), participant in the 2018 Foundation Exhibition, selected to the NFHCA 2018 Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Academic Squad, SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
Faculty Member: Gabe Brown (Art)
"One faculty member that has challenged me in a positive way was Gabe Brown, my painting professor for two semesters. She pushed the idea of bettering yourself daily. Gabe understood my mentality as an athlete and instilled painting like it was practice. No matter what field of choice, you must seek to improve, challenge yourself, and take risks."
Quote: "When one door closes, another one always open." - unknown
Academic Moment: "One of my first art critiques as a freshman I remember being very nervous. When critique started my fellow peers reminded me that we are looking to improve ourselves and one another. With helpful corrections and suggestions, we learn from each other. This impacted my learning experience by turning to others, to learn from them, ask help from them, and for them to do the same. The Art department has helped me recognize that we do not only learn from our degree criteria but, we learn from the people around us."
Secret to Success: "My secret to success was taking a step everyday to improve. Getting up and doing something daily, whether it's prepping a canvas or starting the outline to a research paper. Little by little if you work hard everyday you will see results."
Career Aspirations: "There are many paths in mind for my future, so I will be finding my way through experiences of internships and job opportunities within interior design, art installation, and art therapy. Overall my future aspiration is to always challenge myself and to live outside of my comfort zone."
Kayleigh Kirkpatrick (Senior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Communication Disorders
Academic Accolades: Dean's list (Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2018, 2019, 2020), Chi Alpha Sigma 2020.
Faculty Member: Dr. Lynne Telesca (Communication Disorders Professor)
Quote: "All of your hard work will soon pay off." - a fortune cookie quote
Academic Moment: "When COVID hit in the spring of 2020 and all of our classes were moved online, I was not sure how I was going to do. This was the semester I was taking some of the toughest courses in my major, and the transition was a bit bumpy at first. I eventually received the highest GPA I've ever gotten at New Paltz. I believe it was an extremely difficult time in life, but it gave me the confidence to know I can achieve anything I put my mind to."
Secret to Success: "Maintaining good grades and balancing a sport is easy if you time manage well and work hard. Always believe in yourself and you will be successful."
Career Aspirations: "To get my Masters in Science for Speech-Language Pathology and become an SLP in a few years. I am not sure which aspect I will eventually go into, but I have an interest in pediatric dysphagia."
Kristin Lasker (Senior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Communication Studies with Public Relations Concentration
Minor: Psychology & Creative Writing
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020) Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019,2020) Lambda Pi Eta (Inducted Spring 2019) Nominated for SUNY Chancellor's Award.
Faculty Member: Aaron Ricciardi (English)
Quote: "Never take a play off." - Jon Gordon
Academic Moment: "Last semester I was having a difficult time staying on top of my school work. My father got into a really bad car accident just before the fall semester started, and I was traveling from my home on Long Island to my home just off of the New Paltz campus. I decided to meet with my Creative Writing Workshop professor, Aaron Ricciardi, after I had to miss a few classes and push off my assignments. I have never missed any assignments, and with the stressors of the pandemic and worries for my father's recovery, I was panicked as a student. Professor Ricciardi met with me during virtual office hours, and not only helped me get back on track with my assignments, but showed such a sense of compassion and empathy that made me feel like I was more than just his student. From that experience, I was in a much better mental state which helped me pass the class, and the rest of my classes, with mostly A marks. I will forever be grateful for such a brilliant and understanding educator."
Secret to Success: "I have to make lists of everything in order to achieve academic success. The moment I cross off something on my to-do list, I feel accomplished and motivated to achieve something else. Of course, some days are harder than others; sometimes I add basic necessities to these lists, so when I cross off "brush your teeth," I can visually see that I have completed at least one task. This technique has stuck with me through college."
Career Aspirations: "I am so excited to say with confidence that I plan on going into the public relations industry upon graduating. I have developed a multitude of communication and campaigning skills from my education and participation on the soccer team. I went into college with the goal of leaving with a degree in something that I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. To work at a public relations agency would parallel with my skills while cultivating an environment I would happily thrive in."
Schuyler Mann (Senior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Academic Accolades: Dean's List: every semester, SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll: each sport's season, Donald Bishko Award: Spring 2019 SURE (Student Undergraduate Research Experience): Summer 2019.
Faculty Member: Ping-Chuan Wang (Mechanical Engineering)
Quote: "Be the best version of yourself in anything that you do. You don't have to live anybody else's story." - Stephen Curry
Academic Moment: "There are many moments throughout my college experience where I have been forced to overcome challenges, which have enhanced my restorativeness and ability to learn...however, the most valuable moments have been where I have gained advice from my mentors...those moments have created life-long skills that have shaped me to be a better version of myself. During my research experience, I was fortunate enough to learn many life lessons from my Professor, Ping-Chuan Wang. He broke down many milestone's in his life, sharing his successes and highlights as well as his regrets and failures. The impact he has generated on me has been of utmost value in my years as a college student."
Secret to Success:
- -Never feeling afraid to ask questions
- -Developing relationships with my professors
- -Getting on top of work immediately when it is assigned to prevent work buildup
- -Being very organized: Putting reminders in my phone, making daily checklists, creating agendas, etc.
- -Putting forth maximum effort into every assignment, regardless of my interests
- -Career Aspirations:I will be working at IBM post graduation as a Hardware Developer Engineer.
Ryan Martinez (Senior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Academic Accolades: Dean's list (every semester), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (every season), Research with Professor Nelson analyzing the material properties of different natural fibers (Spring 2020).
Faculty Member: Dr. Heather Lai (Mechanical Engineering)
Quote: "The definition of greatness is to inspire the people next to you. It's not something that lives and dies with one person. This is how you create a legacy that lasts forever." - Kobe Bryant
Academic Moment: "A specific academic moment that has had a lasting impact on my experience at New Paltz has been my capstone senior design project. This project has required me to further develop my coding skills, as well as expand upon my CAD skills in order to create a self-balancing exoskeleton for those suffering from neuromuscular disorders. This project has taught me the value of teamwork and that you can't take on the world by yourself. If an effective culture is established, where group members are inspired and motivated by each other, then true change and progress can occur."
Secret to Success: "My secret for my academic success has been my curiosity and drive to learn new things. Instead of being preoccupied about grades, I see the importance of setting a process goal of learning, understanding, and mastering the fundamental concepts in all my classes.This process goal has given me a mindset which I follow every day, allowing me to achieve my goals and aspirations. Through organization, work ethic, positive mindset, self-belief, and most importantly, "a day-by-day" mentality, I am able to successfully tackle any academic challenge presented in front of me, regardless of the difficulty."
Career Aspirations: "My future career aspirations are driven by one key factor: to be the best engineer I can each and every day. I am not attached to a company, an industry, or organization, but yet have the hopes of working at something that I am passionate about and feel can make a difference in the world for the better. Inevitably, I hope that one day I can open up my own business, either through an invention or an application that I develop."
John McCarrick (Senior, Baseball)
Major: Marketing and Management
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020) Chi Alpha Sigma 2020
Faculty Member: Chris Napolitano
Quote: "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
Academic Moment: "An academic moment that has had a lasting impact on my experience at SUNY New Paltz is the first time I really struggled in a class. This taught me that nothing was going to be handed to me at college and that I needed to work hard to achieve my goals."
Secret to Success: "The secrets to my success are that I pursue every goal of mine with a positive attitude and relentless effort."
Career Aspirations: "My future aspirations are to be an entrepreneur and create a business that betters the every day life of society."
Emma Messenger (Senior, Women's Tennis)
Major: Finance
Minor: Law and Politics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020), Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma (Spring 2019), SUNYAC Elite 20 Award (Fall 2019), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020).
Faculty Member: Christina Bark (Business)
Quote: "There is no way around hard work. Embrace it." - Roger Federer
Academic Moment: "It is difficult to identify one specific moment since many experiences have positively impacted my time at New Paltz. A combination of inspirational faculty members along with the various organizations and extra-curriculars that I take part in have helped shape me into the student I am today. The drive and motivation fostered during my time at New Paltz will carry on for the rest of my life."
Secret to Success: "I believe that a good sense of time management paired with a drive to achieve my goals has helped me attain success within each of my endeavors."
Career Aspirations: "Post-graduation, I aspire to work in a position centered around finance. I also plan to further my education by pursuing a graduate degree."
Monika Morasse (Senior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Economics and Business
Academic Accolades: Dean's List Fall 2017 - Fall 2020, Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society Junior year, 2018-2019 SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, 2019-2020 SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, 2020 SUNY New Paltz Honors program Experimental Scholarship recipient.
Faculty Member: Anca Radulescu (Mathematics)
Quote: "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." - Tim Notke
Academic Moment: "An academic moment that has had a lasting impact on me was taking the class "Education and Poverty" where I was able to learn a lot about diversity and got the opportunity to work with and tutor underprivileged children. This was a very eye-opening experience that I will be able to take with me after college."
Secret to Success: "I have always been taught to never give up and that has been applicable in my academic and athletic career here at SUNY New Paltz. Even when things get difficult, it is important to keep working hard for the goal that you are trying to achieve. Most of my success over the past four years has come from hard work, determination and staying organized. Balancing academics and athletics can be hard at times but it has been 100% worth the struggles because I have been taught so many important lessons and have made everlasting relationships with some pretty amazing people."
Career Aspirations: "After graduation, I am looking to work in risk management or a related field in preparation to become an Actuary."
Sky Pedroza (Senior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Accounting
Academic Accolades: Member of Beta Gamma Sigma (Business Honor Society), Dean's List (Fall 2020, Spring 2020, Fall 2019, Spring 2019), 2019-2020 SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
Faculty Member: Skeeter Richardson (Business)
Quote: "The Only Limit To Our Realization Of Tomorrow Will Be Our Doubts Of Today." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Academic Moment: "The VITA program here at SUNY New Paltz has opened up doors for me in the business world. Doing taxes for the first time through VITA was a nerve wracking experience but led to me getting an internship in taxes and working this year as a supervisor of the program. The hands-on experience of the program is something that I could not have gotten elsewhere."
Secret to Success: "Staying organized and motivated by keeping a daily schedule and sticking to it and always finding time to stay active to keep me moving."
Career Aspirations: "I am attending Graduate School at SUNY New Paltz for a MBA in Public Accountancy and then I plan on taking the CPA and EA exam."
Skyler Rubin (Senior, Cross Country)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Academic Accolades: Member of the IEEE Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society for Engineers here at New Paltz (spring 2019-2021), IEEE Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society Treasurer (2020-2021), Dean's List (fall 2018-present).
Faculty Member: Michael Otis (Computer Engineering)
Quote: "You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - A.A. Milne
Academic Moment: "This semester, Spring 2021, working on my Senior Design project with classmates of all engineering disciplines stands out to me the most during my time here. The project will be a 3D print dispenser for students' parts for the college's 3D print center. I find it very humbly to have learned the skills and knowledge that I have, then to use them to help the school in this way. It is very rewarding working on this with classmates as a culmination of the education we have received here."
Secret to Success: "Always work hard toward things that are important and don't be discouraged by what is out of your control."
Career Aspirations: "My career aspirations are to be an engineer to promote positive change in people's lives. I want to work on medical devices like pacemakers, respirators, etc. to advance these technologies and help people."
Diana Testa (Senior, Cross Country)
Major: English-creative writing and Journalism
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (every semester, fall 2017-spring 2020)
Faculty Member: Rachel Somerstein (DMJ Department)
Quote: "Don't go through life, grow through life." - Eric Butterworth
Academic Moment: "An academic moment that made a lasting impact on my experience at New Paltz was in my craft of fiction class. I wrote a short story I was proud of for the first time, and it made me take myself more seriously as a creative writer."
Secret to Success: "My "secrets" to success has been balance and time management. Being a student-athlete means juggling your time more carefully, and getting a schedule that works for me has kept me going these past few years at New Paltz."
Career Aspirations: "My future career aspirations is to keep writing, and hopefully write a book one day."
Haley Timarky (Senior, Women's Volleyball/Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Mathematics
Academic Accolades: SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2017-2020)
Faculty Member: Stanley Hayes (Mathematics)
Quote: "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge, but imagination." - Albert Einstein
Academic Moment: "I came in as an undecided student and I took my GE classes and others to determine what I wanted to do in my future. When I began to take classes in the mathematics department I realized how great our mathematics program and the professors were. I fell in love with learning mathematics and decided that is what I wanted to major in. My most fun memory was my first integration bee in the spring of 2018. Math students participated in a competition to complete math equations in a certain time at the chalkboard. The students worked hard and I felt honored to be a part of the program."
Secret to Success: "I study very hard and do not get discouraged if I do not do as well as I hoped for because I know I tried my hardest."
Career Aspirations: "I would love to be a high school math teacher as well as a coach for either lacrosse or volleyball."
Megan Tornatore (Senior, Women's Soccer/Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Graphic Design (BFA)
Minor: Communications
Academic Accolades: Deans List (fall 2017 - fall 2020), member of SUNY New Paltz Honors Program (fall 2017-present), accepted and attended Honors Program Study Abroad Program in Greece (May 2019).
Faculty Member: Keeley Heuer (Art History)
Quote: "Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant." – Tony Robbins
Academic Moment: "An academic moment at New Paltz that has had a lasting impact on me was during the Spring 2020 semester when we transitioned to online learning. Though my academic/ athletic career coming to an abrupt stop took a huge mental toll, it also allowed me to slow down and appreciate the opportunities presented in my oil painting class. The pandemic allowed me to have amazing conversations with my professor; It allowed me to sit down for countless hours invested in my technique and process. Though I completed that semester full of emotions, I stood back and extraordinarily proud and connected to the work I finished that semester."
Secret to Success: "My secrets to success have been time management and taking advantage of academic resources."
Career Aspirations: "In the near future aspire to obtain an internship/ job in motion graphics & animations."
Jackson Vertucci (Senior, Men's Basketball)
Major: Business Management and Business Analytics
Academic Accolades: Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honors Society 2020, 2019-2020 SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll 2019-2020, SUNY New Paltz Dean's List (Fall 2017, Fall 2018, Spring 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2019, Fall 2020, Spring 2020).
Faculty Member: Chih Yang-Tsai (Business)
Quote: "To do something impossible you have to believe you are the exception. The first mistake is assuming something can't be done, because then you become like everyone else." -
Jackson Vertucci
Academic Moment: "An academic moment during my time at New Paltz that made a lasting impact on my experience is the semester I received my lowest GPA. I had to learn to deal with failure and move on. It played a role in teaching me to deal with failure and forced me to grow up."
Secret to Success: "My secrets to success are hard work, organization, lofty goals, and not allowing the opinions of others to influence my decision making and positivity."
Career Aspirations: "I am currently a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual. I plan on continuing that work once I am done with my time at New Paltz. After years of work in this area, I hope to pursue entrepreneurial ventures."
Reed Williams (Senior, Cross Country)
Major: Mathematics
Academic Accolades: Dean's (every semester) ,SUNYAC Elite 20 recipient (Fall 2018 & 2019), All-SUNYAC Third-Team (Fall 2018), All-SUNYAC First-Team (2018 & 2019), Inducted into the SUNYAC Hall of Fame (Fall 2019), All-Region (Fall 2018 & 2019), NCAA national individual qualifier (and then competitor) (fall 2019).
Faculty Member: Anca Radulescu (Mathematics)
Quote: "The quickest way to getting to where you want to be is slowly." -André De Shields
Secret to Success: Time management
First-Year Inductees:
Colin Battersby (Senior, Cross Country)
Major: Management: Entrepreneurship
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Spring 2019- Spring 2020)
Faculty Member: Christopher Napolitano (Business)
Secret to Success: "Stay focused and work hard. Don't expect anyone to help if I am not willing to put in work myself."
Brandon Bernard (Junior, Baseball)
Major: Political Science
Minor: Economics/International Relations
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Spring 2020 & Fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Blair Proctor (Black Studies)
Quote: "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today"- Malcolm X
Academic Moment: "Getting my first grades here. In my first semester at school I had tried to do what I had done in high school by not studying or working outside of class which gave me all B's. I then realized that I had to work outside of class and put both time and effort into the things I was doing. Doing this made the study habits I have today and the work ethic in school I have today."
Secret to Success: "Hard work, long hours and keeping a planner for all my work."
Career Aspirations: "Being the President or getting into politics somehow. I also want to be a lawyer."
Lizz Braun (Senior, Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Early Childhood & Childhood Education B-6: English
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2019-2020)
Faculty Member: Thomas Olsen (English)
Quote: "Leave a little sparkle wherever you go." - Tinkerbell
Academic Moment: "The first time I went to office hours was very important. I realized how much the professors at New Paltz care about their students and only want them to succeed. This was so different from my last school, so it made me want to be a better student because I knew my professors were always going to be on my side."
Secret to Success: "I plan my days out at the beginning of each week around practice and class. Everyday I have a list of everything I need to do and what time I'm going to do it. This helps me stay on track during busy days."
Olivia D'Antonio (Senior, Women's Volleyball)
Major: Visual Arts Education
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Professor Andrea Kantrowitz
Marc DePasquale (Senior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Finance
Minor: Mathematics
Academic Accolades:Dean's List(fall 2017, spring 2018, fall 2019, spring 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20)
Faculty Member: Johnny LeHane (Business)
Quote: "When you look at people who are successful, you will find that they aren't the people who are motivated, but have consistency in their motivation" - Arsène Wenger
Academic Moment: "The whole Fall 2019 semester I was in an Entrepreneurship and Business Planning capstone class. This class taught me time management and research skills that otherwise I had been lacking up until that point that now help me with every class."
Secret to Success: "The biggest key has been time management. If I can organize my days to get everything done I want to it also allows me to train and relax and have a balanced life."
Heather Ehman (Senior, Softball)
Major: Adolescence Education: Earth Science
Academic Accolades: Dean's list (fall of 2017, spring and fall of 2018, spring and fall of 2019, spring and fall of 2020)
Faculty Member: Dr. Bartholomew (Geology)
Quote: "Student life is the seed of your life, plant it wisely. You must work as hard off the field as you do on the field."
Academic Moment: "Within the geology department, we are taught the necessary skills within the classroom. We are then taken out into the field to practice what we have learned through observation, analysis and hands-on experiences. SUNY New Paltz prepares their students for their future through developing skills in a real world environment. Moments like these have shaped my perspective on what learning should be. What we learn in the classroom goes beyond the four walls, it is an introduction to what we will need to do in our careers."
Secret to Success: "Stay organized, know when everything is due, when tests and quizzes are and keeping good notes."
Career Aspirations: "To become a high school Earth Science teacher and make an impact on students lives. Just like my teachers have done for me."
Jessica Levinson (Senior Women's Soccer)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Disaster Studies
Academic Accolades: SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll (2019-2020), Dean's List (fall 2017, spring 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Matthew Wice (Psychology)
Quote: "The primary ingredient for progress is optimism. The unwavering belief that something can be better drives the human race forward." - Simon Sinek
Lisette Palomo (Senior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Psychology
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Spring 2020, Fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Kathleen Murphy (Music)
Quote: "To get to the next level, you gotta learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable." - Eric Thomas
Secret to Success: "I don't think I have any secrets. I just try my best every day and any chance I get. I put my heart and best effort into everything I do. There is no secret that makes success easier but it is the hard work and dedication that makes my success possible. I am eternally grateful for my family, friends, and teammates that are there for me during hard times and give me the strength to push through adversity."
Career Aspirations: "I am planning on attending graduate school to study Music Therapy. I aspire to be a practicing Music Therapist in a pediatric setting. My goal is to return to graduate school and get my second degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. I want to work both as a Neuropsychologist and Music Therapist."
Bobby Ramsey (Senior, Baseball)
Major: History
Minor: German
Academic Accolades: Dean's list (spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Bianca Gavin (German)
Quote: "If it was easy it wouldn't be worth it." - unknown
Academic Moment: "I learned about many different events in German history such as the Berlin wall and the Holocaust in Professor Gavins classes. Her classes sparked an interest for me to want to see these places for myself. I traveled to Germany to see first hand some of the places I learned about . Professor Gavin helped me decide and plan where to go while I was in Germany. I ended up going to the Holocaust museum in Berlin and seeing the Berlin wall first hand. This was a great academic experience."
Secret to Success: "Staying organized with my assignments and classes by always using a planner and trying to do my work ahead of time has been helpful! Especially with my busy schedule as a student-athlete, time management is so important."
Career Aspirations: "I would like to be a High School History teacher. I would also like to run my own business."
Nina Simms (Senior, Softball)
Major: Psychology: Industrial Organization
Minor: Business
Academic Accolades:Dean's List: (fall 2017, spring 2018, fall 2018, spring 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member:Greta Winograd (Psychology)
Quote:"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up" Babe Ruth
Academic Moment:"There is no specific moment that stands out to me because throughout each semester I have learned new things and unlocked new potential within myself that I didn't know I had. I took many different classes which helped me expand knowledge across subjects. I am so grateful for this entire journey."
Secret to Success:"I have learned you must stay determined and to always try my best. You only get back what you put into so you have to give 100% each time."
Career Aspirations:"Not sure of the field but to work with people of all ages, especially children and young adults."
Jared Sparks (Senior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Marketing/Business Analytics
Academic Accolades:SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2019-2020)
Dean's List (fall 2017, spring 2019, spring 2020)
Faculty Member:Michael Jandrew (Business)
Quote:"The only person you need to be better than is who you were yesterday."-Unknown
Academic Moment:"The switch from in-person to online classes in the spring 2020 made me realize how important the face to face learning experience is. I believe we all miss seeing our friends on campus and in our classes and this is something we will remember for the rest of our lives."
Secret to Success: "Don't be afraid to ask questions because in the end you learn more and help your classmates as well. Enjoy time with your teammates off the field as well to keep you motivated both in and out of the classroom."
Career Aspirations: "Sports Marketing or Analyst. Soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and I don't see myself anywhere without it.
Kayla Ahern (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Psychology: Industrial/Organizational
Minor: Business
Academic Accolades:Deans list every semester since 2018
Faculty Member:Maurey Levitz (Psychology)
Quote:"A winner is a dreamer who never gives up" -Nelson Mandela
Secret to Success: "My love for learning and my tendency to compete against myself constantly."
Career Aspirations:"Become a driving force behind the change we need to see in our education system to ensure we have equitable and stimulating curriculums for all students of all backgrounds."
Danielle Angyal (Junior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Geography: Urban Planning
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2018-19, 2019-20)
Faculty Member: Scott LeVine (Geography)
Quote: "Somewhere behind the athlete you've become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back... play for her." -Mia Hamm
Matthew Araujo (Junior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2018 & 2019).
Faculty Member: Julio González (Electrical Engineering)
Quote: "You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." -Rocky
Academic Moment: "The Spring of 2020, my sophomore year was when the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was a difficult transition moving to online learning, as we no longer had the same learning environment and resources that we had been accustomed to. It made me work even harder than I had in the past. Through all the struggles we had that semester, I was able to stay positive and have a successful semester."
Secret to Success: "Three things that helped me achieve academic success are time management, organization, and the most important, hard work.
Career Aspirations: After I achieve my Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering, I plan on pursuing my Masters in Business Administration. Over the course of my time at New Paltz, I developed a growing interest in Business and Management. My goal is to one day have an engineering company of my own, as I will have a strong background in Engineering as well as Business."
Jessica Ascencao (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Adolescence Education, Physics
Academic Accolades: National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III Academic Squad (2018-2019), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2018-2019, 2019-2020), Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020).
Faculty Member: Catherine Herne (Physics and Astronomy)
Quote: "Don't hope for it, work for it."
Career Aspirations: "I want to teach physics and be a coach at the high school level."
Shannon Bernhardt (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll (fall 2018, fall 2019).
Faculty Member: Moshe Cohen (Mathematics)
Quote: "Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement." - Matt Biondi
Michael Boccarossa (Junior, Baseball)
Major: Sociology
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020).
Faculty Member: Andrew Horvitz (Sociology)
Quote: "Some people want it to happen. Some wish it would happen. Others make it happen." - Michael Jordan
Academic Moment: "Throughout my first semester sophomore year I struggled with my classes and had a rough semester. I did not do nearly as good as I had hoped to do in my classes. However, going into my second semester sophomore year I had a mindset to conquer the semester and be extremely successful in the classroom. That semester is when COVID-19 shut school down, throughout all of the obstacles and switching to online learning I still received great grades and had my best semester yet. This experience has shaped me as a learner because I now know that when times get tough and the workload gets harder I can push myself through it and still receive good grades."
Secret to Success: "My secret to success is planning out my week, every week, and creating a schedule for myself. I often make sure that I have enough time to do my work for my classes and balance baseball and school.
Career Aspirations: My future career aspirations are to become a school counselor and coach baseball and football in that school district. I want to be able to mentor young adults and teenagers to help them through the journey of life and all the obstacles that come their way."
Maddy Carullo (Junior, Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Dr. Lynne Telesca (Communication Disorders)
Quote: "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up." - Vince Lombardi
Academic Moment: "A moment that has had a lasting impact on my time in New Paltz was when I completed my first class for my major. On the last day of class when I handed in my final project, I had realized that this was in fact the perfect major for me. It was a great feeling to know that I had finally figured out what I wanted to do in the future. After coming to the realization that I was very passionate about this field, I was more confident and motivated when it came to school."
Secret to Success: "Learning how to manage my time and staying organized with my assignments has been crucial to my success. With practice and class every day, finding the time for school work can be difficult; however, writing down my assignments and the time I plan to do them each week helps me stay on top of everything."
Alexandria Chimenti (Junior, Women's Tennis)
Major: Visual Arts Education
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020).
Faculty Member: Cheryl Wheat (Fine and Performing Arts)
Quote: "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, either way you are right" ~Henry Ford
Academic Moment: "Professor Cheryl Wheat was my Drawing 2 professor freshman year. As a professor she assigned projects and sketchbook assignments that truly challenged me as an artist. She structured her class the way I hope to structure mine when I become an art teacher. The defining moment in her class was our Animal Ink project. This was an extremely hard project that pushed me out of my comfort zone but ended up being one of my best pieces. My pen drawing of my red panda was hung in the Foundations Art show and ended up being chosen to hang in President Christians house and is still there. My piece can be seen behind President Christian in his home videos from his office. Professor Wheat helped me work through this difficult piece and even mend it when it was accidentally torn after the show. Seeing my piece in President Christian's house is a reminder of what is possible when our professors sincerely care about student's success and are there to help them. This has shaped me as a learner because it taught me the rewards of hard work and dedication in my work and studies.
Career Aspirations: "I want to become an impactful art teacher and tennis coach."
Kyra D'Amico (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Adolescence Education: English
Minor: Linguistics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020).
Faculty Member: Professor Jed Mayer (English)
Quote: "Overpower. Overtake. Overcome." - Serena Williams
Academic Moment: "Exploring different literature classes at New Paltz has opened my eyes to new findings and meanings, ultimately fueling my passion for English and teaching. Immersing myself in these classes has contributed to my growth as a learner, and has led me to uncover new discoveries in my field of study."
Secret to Success: "Sticking to a personal plan and setting personal goals has helped me focus on the process to achieve future success."
Career Aspirations: "In the future I want to become a high school English teacher."
Christopher D'Antonio (Junior, Cross Country)
Major: Printmaking
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2020).
Faculty Member: Professor Jill Parisi (Printmaking)
Quote: "Work hard, play hard." - unknown
Secret to Success: "Eat good, feel good, look good, play chess A good diet and chess stimulates the mind and keeps you rather focused."
Career Aspirations: "Working for myself and owning a small farm, own a rock climbing gym."
Ciara Devlin (Junior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Accounting/Finance
Academic Accolades: SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll (2018-2019, 2019-2020), Dean's List (spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member:Christina Bark
Quote: "I can and I will." -unknown
Academic Moment: "An academic moment that has had a lasting impact on my experience here at SUNY New Paltz was in one of my classes sophomore year I was doing really poorly and struggling a lot with the material. I put so much effort into this one class by going to office hours and setting time aside for studying. I really picked it up by the end of the semester and ended up receiving an A in the class. This has helped shape me as a learner because it showed me that I am able to do anything I set my mind to when I put in the work. Now when I receive a grade I did not want, I know it will be okay if I just work extra hard in the class."
Secret to Success:"Staying disciplined with my studying as well as managing my time and making sure I do not procrastinate any of my work."
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Jared Finn (Junior, Men's Swimming)
Major: Computer Science
Academic Accolades: Dean's List( fall 2018, spring 2019, spring 2020)
Faculty Member: Rabbi Moshe Plotkin (Computer Science
Quote:"There is only one road to human greatness: through the school of hard
Courtney Gebhardt (Junior, Women's Volleyball)
Major: Visual Arts Education
Academic Accolades: Dean's list fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020
Faculty Member:
Beth Thomas and Ana Maria Farina
Quote: "Consistency of effort over the long run is everything" - Angela Duckworth
Secret to Success: "Always have grit"
Career Aspirations:"To be an art teacher, hopefully teaching either in elementary or high school. I also have a dream of going back to school and majoring in Interior Design."
Morgan Gunter (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Sociology, Criminology
Minor: Linguistics/Psychology/Disaster Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member:Tyrell Connor (Sociology/Criminology)
Quote: "If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you." -Fred Devito
Olivia Ingalsbe (Junior, Women's Soccer)
Major: French/International Relations
Minor: Economics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020
Faculty Member: Stephanie Love
Quote: "Purge it" has been a mantra that pushes me harder and allows me to move on faster, both as a student and athlete. I learned this mantra during a team sports psychology session with Jim Wherry. This has helped me immensely in learning to let go of mistakes in order to progress and foster a growth mindset."
Academic Moment: "Last semester (Fall 2020) I took a course with Professor Stephanie Love where she prompted us to pick our own research paper based off of our personal interests, implementing the class themes. Although this seems simple, something about this prompt clicked for me and reshaped the way I perceive my relationship to my assignments. The simplicity of finding a way to implement personal interests into course work has enriched my learning experience and allows me to be more engaged with course material."
Secret to Success: "My biggest key to success has been to be organized in scheduling so that I am prepared to block out time needed for sports, meetings, work, academics, social time, and personal space. By balancing and budgeting my time, I have been able to make sure I don't burn out and can accomplish my goals, all while enjoying the process."
Career Aspirations: "I aspire to work with others creatively while incorporating my passions for the outdoors, travel, and languages."
Jillian Kahrs (Junior, Equestrian)
Major: Graphic Design
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member: John Palenscar (History)
Quote:"Believe you can and you're halfway there" -Theodore Roosevelt
Career Aspirations: "I want to work on Brand Identity or Package Design for different companies."
Jackie Kanapes (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Linguistics/Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020), National Field Hockey Coaches Association Scholar of Distinction (fall 2018), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2018-2019, 2019-2020).
Faculty Member: Kathryn Burke (Communications Disorders)
Quote: "Believe you can and you're halfway there" -Theodore Roosevelt
Career Aspirations: "I want to become a speech-language pathologist."
Jesse Keshner (Junior, Baseball)
Major: Marketing and Management
Academic Accolades:Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, fall 2020,), SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor-Roll (2019 & 2020)
Faculty Member: Rebecca Swenson (Communications Disorders)
Quote: "Everything negative -pressure, challenges- is all an opportunity for me to rise." - Kobe Bryant
Academic Moment: "The most difficult part of college was the transition from High School learning and baseball to the college level of competitiveness and work load. As a Freshman I would sit down every Sunday and make a plan for how I was going to execute each class and each day of training/practice for the upcoming week. The preparation that I made for myself allowed me to become a much stronger student athlete and took off so much stress. I was able to stay focused in the classroom and succeed in each and every class. To this day this is my plan for each week before classes start up and I will continue to stick to this plan."
Secret to Success: I have always prided myself on getting better each and every day, whether it is in the classroom, on the baseball field, or just in everyday life. There will always be days where I fail but I know that in order to succeed failure comes first, and I always have the mindset of fighting through the adversity to reach my goals and be successful. Everything in life is earned and nothing is given so I strive each and every day to come closer to the goals that I want to reach and work harder each and every day to reach these goals and become a better person."
Career Aspirations: I would love to stay involved with sports and baseball in my career after college. There are many different paths in which I can take to succeed in my career and I am open to all opportunities. I do not have a specific career path in mind for myself, but I know that I will be successful in any path that life takes me because of the hard work and the effort that I put in each and every day.
Courtney Kruzikas (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: International Business/Marketing
Minor: Spanish
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020), NFHCA 2018, Zag Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III National Academic Squad, SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll 2019-2020.
Faculty Member: Luz Porras (Languages, Literatures & Cultures)
Quote: "So what deal with it!" - Keith Waldman
Matthew Logel (Junior, Men's Volleyball)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Computer Science
Academic Accolades: Dean's List fall 2018-Present
Faculty Member: Jared Nelson (Engineering)
Quote: "People say nothing is impossible, but do nothing every day." -A. A. Milne
Academic Moment: "Late nights after practice is due, you just appreciate the professors that make it easy to learn hard stuff."
Secret to Success: "Answers to odd numbered questions in the back of the book."
Career Aspirations: To be a Mechanical Engineer
Kat Mangan (Junior, Women's Tennis)
Major: Psychology
Academic Accolades:USMA West Point Dean's List (fall 2018 and spring 2019), SUNY New Paltz Dean's List (fall 2019-fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2019-2020)
Faculty Member: Jessica Purcell (Psychology)
Quote:"Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford
Academic Moment: "Taking Crisis Intervention this past Fall drastically renewed my interest in psychology, reminded me how much helping others fulfills me, and has led me to consider counseling in the future."
Secret to Success: "It's critical to commit to yourself by wholeheartedly committing to your goals. To do so, I've learned to only keep around the people and routines that push me closer to achieving them."
Career Aspirations: "I have a wide variety of ideas for the future, and can definitely see myself within the realm of sports psychology. I've also always wanted to open a gym and/or wellness program that fuses psychology, physiology, and sports nutrition to support others in their overall wellbeing and fitness journey."
Julia Mastrup (Junior, Softball)
Major: Early Childhood & Childhood Education B-6: Mathematics
Minor: Deaf Studies/Psychology
Academic Accolades: Dean's list (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Commissioners list academic honor roll (2018-2019, 2019-2020)
SAAC representative- community relations subcommittee, Hawks 101 (2018-19), Rising Hawks (2019-20) & now Veteran Hawks
Faculty Member: Lindsay Russo (Education)
Quote: "She believed she could so she did" -unknown
Secret to Success: "I do not procrastinate. I am diligent and get my work done way in advance."
Career Aspirations: "I aspire to inspire as a future teacher and coach"
Jake Meyers (Junior, Cross Country)
Major: Psychology
Minor: Evolutionary Studies/Law & Politics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2020, spring 2020)
Faculty Member: Glenn Geher (Psychology)
Quote:" To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift". -Steve Prefontaine
Secret to Success: "Staying motivated and surrounding myself with positivity."
Career Aspirations: "Qualifying for nationals"
Billy Moeller (Junior, Baseball)
Major: Marketing
Academic Accolades: spring 2020 Dean's List, fall 2020 dean's List
Faculty Member: Susan Tomaski (Business)
Quote:"There may be people who have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do — and I believe that." -Derek Jeter
Career Aspirations: Pharmaceutical Sales
Brittany Morasse (Junior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Undeclared;Pre-Marketing
Minor: Economics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List: Spring 2020, Fall 2020
Faculty Member: Chris Napolitano (Business)
Quote: "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Academic Moment: "During my class with Professor Napolitano, he shared with us his trials and tribulations that have gotten him where he is today. He continuously shared his real life endeavors with the class while relating them to the topics we discussed throughout the course. It reminded me that the courses I take will follow me through life and be helpful in all that I do. It made me appreciate my courses that much more."
Secret to Success: "The secrets to my success embody discipline and motivation. I have many aspirations for my future and for when I graduate. I will carry over all the things I have learned and the habits I've developed to ensure success."
Career Aspirations: "In the future I want to get involved with the business side of sports. I think I would excel in the atmosphere that it entails all while enjoying what I do because of my love for it. I don't want to just be successful in life, I want to feel fulfilled in the career path I take as well."
Christina Pedone (Junior, Field Hockey)
Major: Marketing
Academic Accolades: Dean's list fall and spring 2018,2019,2020
Faculty Member:
Danielle Strauchler (Athletics)
Academic Moment:"I have been been able to increase my GPA throughout each semester."
Secret to Success:"The time you put into your work will be rewarding."
Career Aspirations: "Get a full time marketing job at a pharmaceutical marketing firm and work with a great team."
Alicia Rodriguez (Junior, Softball)
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Deaf Studies/Linguistics
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Easton/National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American Scholar-Athlete Team, 2019-2020 SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
Faculty Member: Rebecca Swenson (Communications Disorders)
Quote: "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." -John Wooden
Career Aspirations: "To become a licensed speech-language pathologist for children."
Cailin Ruoti (Junior, Women's Soccer)
Major: Communication Disorders
Minor: Deaf Studies
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
SUNYAC Commissioner's Honor Roll 2018-2019, 2019-2020
Faculty Member: Rebecca Swenson (Communications Disorders)
Quote: "You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." - George Lorminer
Academic Moment: "In my Survey of Communication Disorders class my freshman year, a few patients from the Speech-Language and Hearing Center on campus came in and spoke about the positive impact that having an SLP has made on their lives. Whenever classwork gets hard and exhausting, I think back to that class and remind myself as to what I am working towards."
Secret to Success: "The secret to my success is time management. Between being on the soccer team and working on campus I have a very tight schedule, so it is important for me to focus on classwork whenever I have the time."
Career Aspirations: "My future career aspirations include working in either private practice or a hospital as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I look forward to being able to help others and I cannot wait for the day that I am certified."
Spencer Ryczek (Junior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Finance
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member:Chris Napolitano (Business)
Quote: "Success isn't overnight. It's when everyday you get a little better than the day before. It all adds up." - Dwayne Johnson
Academic Moment: "My academic moment was after my first semester of freshman year. I was unhappy with my GPA, and it was an eye opener for me. I knew that I could do better and that I needed to put in more effort. That semester taught me better time management and organizational skills, which has been very beneficial being a student-athlete."
Secret to Success: "I believe my success has come from finding and sticking to a routine that best works for me. I personally work better on a schedule with structure. I'm also a very competitive person, and always want to be the best. Therefore, my mindset has also been a huge piece to my success."
Career Aspirations: "I am unsure of exactly what I want to be doing in the future. I hope to find a job in the Finance world that I enjoy doing. I think it's very important to make sure you love what you do in your professional career. I hope to keep gaining as much experience as I can now, to help me sort out and get a better understanding of what I might want to do in the future."
Kyle Shaffer (Junior, Men's Volleyball)
Major: Marketing
Academic Accolades:Dean's List (fall 2019, fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Christina Bark (Business)
Quote: "I love it when people doubt me. It makes me work harder to prove them wrong." - Derek Jeter
Academic Moment:"Debate Competition."
Secret to Success: "Doing school work before practice knowing I won't get anything done if I try and do it after."
Career Aspirations: Still thinking about it.
Jonathan Tola (Junior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Biology
Minor: Psychology
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2019, spring 2020, fall 2020)
Faculty Member: Dr. Nancy Campos (Science & Engineering)
Quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: the courage to continue is what counts." - Winston Churchill
Academic Moment: "Receiving my first exam grade in Organic Chemistry and doing really well had an impact on me. This really taught me the effort and time it takes to really be on top of the material in a tough STEM class such as this one. We would have multiple lectures due for the week and we would watch them before class time and in class the professor went over the material even further. We were essentially putting double the effort than my other classes and that was just to be on top of the material. You had to study everyday for organic chemistry. In Organic Chemistry 2 I asked one of the "smart kids" what she does to study. She told me she rewrites the reactions we had gone over in that chapter down and reads them over everyday. This made me realize the smart kids are not just more intelligent or born like that. The thing that separates the "smart kids" from the average is the time and effort they put into class. This has not only shaped how I look at my academics but also anything else I do."
Secret to Success: "A secret to my success is being honest with yourself about the effort you're giving to your classes. I hear people say "I tried, I'm working hard" but deep down inside you know you could be giving more, especially if things aren't working out for you currently. If you can have this kind of self accountability, you could do what you have to do to improve in your classes. Ask yourself, if you really did put that extra effort in, could you have done better? The answer is always going to be yes. That is not a good feeling and I always try to put 100% in any task I take on."
Career Aspirations: "I am currently deciding between an MD, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), more specifically Gonstead Chiropractic. I aspire to be a doctor helping cure the root issue causing the symptoms. I strive to focus on achieving wellness by natural means. I want to be the person people come to from around the world when other avenues have failed to give them answers to their issues."
Paul Tola (Junior, Men's Soccer)
Major: Electrical Engineering
Academic Accolades:Dean's list: (fall 2018, spring 2019, fall 2020), SUNYAC Academic Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, Larry Braun Engineering Scholarship Award recipient , AC^2 Outstanding Scholar Award (Sophomore & Junior Year)
Faculty Member: Moshe Cohen (Mathematics)
Quote: "You deserve nothing, you have to earn it." -unknown
Academic Moment:"Taking Ordinary Differential Equations and Calculus II were extremely tough for me. I had to be present in class and lived in the Math lab for those semesters. I really had to hustle and put in the time outside of class to practice and really grab the concepts. It was the only way for me to do well. Everyone else took the easy way and blamed the teacher, but at the end of the day it was my education. I had to do my part to get through them. It was apparent especially in ODE that if I didn't do the homework the night(s) before I would be lost the next class. I learned to really hustle to get those grades despite the circumstances. Take charge of your education. This isn't High school anymore!"
Secret to Success: "Consistency, determination, and being intentional with my actions. There's no secret to success. You just have to keep doing the little things right."
Career Aspirations: "To start an engineering solutions company with my brothers and I. Also develop multiple streams of income."
Katie Zito (Junior, Women's Lacrosse)
Major: Early Childhood & Childhood Education B-6: Mathematics
Minor: Psychology
Academic Accolades: Dean's List (Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020), SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2018-2019, 2019-2020).
Faculty Member: Rachel Lilley (Mathematics)
Career Aspirations: "I plan to be a teacher or guidance counselor."
