The State University of New York at New Paltz Athletics Alumni Wall of Distinction recognizes alumni/ae who have made and continue to make significant contributions since their graduation from New Paltz. This small sample of alumni/ae represent the impressive array of talent, skill, and commitment of students who not only have attended the college, but have gone on to make a difference in their chosen fields. The Alumni Wall of Distinction highlights individuals who are worthy of our recognition as examples for others to emulate and the power of athletics in the pursuit of a New Paltz education and degree.
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for Brighthouse Financial
Major: Communications
"My time on soccer and softball fields taught me so many important lessons and skills that form my approach to business. When you're a committed member of a team your motivations are genuine and authentic."
Dean of Admission and Enrollment Management at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Major: Interpersonal/Intercultural Communications
"It was because of Roger Bowen and David Eaton seeing something in me that I didn't realize until I got heavily involved in recruiting and building relationships, which my major really prepared me for."
New York City Police Officer
Major: Interpersonal Communications
"New Paltz helped me prepare for my career so much. This job is all about teamwork and so was the tennis team at New Paltz. For both tennis and the police force, everyone's individual success leads to team success."
Assistant Professor in Exercise Psychology and Behavioral Interventions
Major: Education
"All of those things that seem so cliche' -- work ethic, time management, leadership and teamwork -- really do continue on with you and are important traits that help you grow in your career."
Personnel Research Psychologist Trainee at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Major: Psychology
"Given how early i am in my career now, I am really focused on gaining a breadth of experiences to help me determine my specific areas of interest and help decide what I really want to do "when I grow up.""
Clinical Psychologist
Major: Psychology
"I believe our struggles are complex, stemming from physical, social, emotional and spiritual imbalances. As a result, I use an integrated approach grounded in evidence-based methods to assist clients in aligning with their values and achieving goals."
New York Road Runners (NYRR) Coordinator
Major: Sociology
"My time as a student-athlete taught me the most important lesson I have ever learned: experiential knowledge is invaluable."
Originations Analyst at Citi Community Capital
Major: International Relations and Affairs
"Running in New Paltz was running for a team. I was a part of something. When I wasn't motivated for myself, I found that motivation in my coach and my team."
Rockefeller Foundation Chief of Staff
Major: Speech Pathology
"Although it was a physically tough week, it was during that time where we began to see leadership develop and friendships forge."
Enterprise Sales Executive at FactSet
Major: Organizational Communication
"Hard work and dedication was my mindset as a student-athlete, and it's never changed since graduation. New Paltz holds a special place in my heart and I would not be where I am at today without all the challenging experiences I faced as a Hawk."
NBA Official
Major: Political Science
"The culture and diversity of the staff and the student body at New Paltz made the greatest impression on me. The social and educational environment at this institution helped shape the man I am today."
