SUNY New Paltz Alumni

SUNY New Paltz Alumni Official alumni group of the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Matthew Royal ’22cas (School Leadership).From opera singer to educational leader, Matthew ha...
06/16/2026

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Matthew Royal ’22cas (School Leadership).

From opera singer to educational leader, Matthew has dedicated his career to helping students discover their potential through the arts.

As director of fine and performing arts for Harrison Central School District, he advocates for creative opportunities that empower students, build community and help young people find their voice.

"Everyone is an artist, so everyone deserves opportunity."

Guided by a passion for learning, leadership and mentorship, Matthew is helping shape the next generation of creators, performers and lifelong learners.

Read his full story here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/40-under-forty/matthew-royal/

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Soyal Smalls ’09 (Sociology; Theatre Arts).For Soyal, storytelling is a tool for education, ...
06/12/2026

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Soyal Smalls ’09 (Sociology; Theatre Arts).

For Soyal, storytelling is a tool for education, advocacy and change.

Drawing on her experiences in sociology and theatre at SUNY New Paltz, Soyal has built a career with Arm of the Sea Theater, using giant handmade masks and puppets to engage communities in conversations about environmental and social justice across the Hudson Valley.

"Some people become lawyers; some people are out there protesting with their signs. But I'm an artist, and that's what I use to draw attention to problems that need to be addressed."

Read her full story here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/40-under-forty/soyal-smalls/

Stay tuned as we continue introducing members of the 2026 40 Under Forty class.

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Bradlyn Matican ’17 (Accounting).Known throughout Sullivan County as the "Turkey Man," Bradl...
06/08/2026

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Bradlyn Matican ’17 (Accounting).

Known throughout Sullivan County as the "Turkey Man," Bradlyn has built a successful business and the legacy of giving back.

After identifying a need for financial education and strategic support in his community, Bradlyn turned an idea he developed as a student at SUNY New Paltz into a thriving advisory firm serving business owners across New York and beyond. At the same time, he remains deeply committed to philanthropy, donating hundreds of pounds of turkey to local families each year and offering free financial literacy classes to community members.

"When I was growing up, I was the one eating those free holiday meals, so I want to be able to give that back."

Read his full story here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/40-under-forty/bradlyn-matican/

Stay tuned as we continue introducing members of the 2026 40 Under Forty class.

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Tejaswini Utlapalli ’19g (Computer Science).As the first girl in her rural Indian village to...
06/03/2026

Meet 40 Under Forty honoree Tejaswini Utlapalli ’19g (Computer Science).

As the first girl in her rural Indian village to attend university and the first person from her community to pursue a master's degree abroad, Tejaswini never let geography define her future.

At SUNY New Paltz, she built the technical and leadership skills that helped launch her career at Microsoft, where she now works as a Senior Software Engineer.

"I always believed that education can change our fate, and I'm glad I believed it."

Read her full story here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/40-under-forty/tejaswini-utlapalli/

Stay tuned as we introduce more members of the 2026 40 Under Forty class in the weeks leading up to the celebration.

SUNY New Paltz alumni are helping bring Fourth of July fireworks back to New Paltz for the first time since 2019.Led by ...
06/02/2026

SUNY New Paltz alumni are helping bring Fourth of July fireworks back to New Paltz for the first time since 2019.

Led by graduates Craig Shankles ’79, Connie Harkin ’89 and Linda Engler ’85 through the nonprofit Local at Heart, the community celebration will feature food, music, family activities and a professional fireworks display, all while raising support for local food pantries.

Their story shows how alumni continue to make a difference in the Hudson Valley long after graduation.

Read more: https://www.newpaltz.edu/magazine/2026-online/local-at-heart/

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Alumni & Students BBQ Luncheon in Flagstaff this Memorial Day! It was a wond...
05/26/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Alumni & Students BBQ Luncheon in Flagstaff this Memorial Day! It was a wonderful afternoon of connection, conversation and community as alumni gathered with current students and faculty from SUNY New Paltz’s Geology Department during their annual field trip.

A special thank you to Bruce Vahjen ’79 and Cindy Vahjen ’79 for graciously opening their home and hosting such a memorable gathering. We loved seeing generations of Hawks come together and share in the spirit of exploration, learning and lifelong New Paltz connections. 💙🧡

05/21/2026

What an amazing night 👏 Thank you to all who came out to our NYC alumni gathering last night. It was great to share stories, see both old and new faces, and have many laughs and great food!

Missed out? Don’t worry we have more events in the queue. Not sure whether or not to go to the next one? This is your sign. We asked our alumni why they came out last night, and here’s what they said! 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓

Alt text: Video from NYC alumni event with one on one interviews with attendees asking why they decided to come out to the event.

05/17/2026

Stay in touch, 2026 grads 🫡 🤝

“Today, you will become alumni of our institution. We hope you will wear with pride and honor this distinction.” - Presi...
05/17/2026

“Today, you will become alumni of our institution. We hope you will wear with pride and honor this distinction.” - President Darrell P. Wheeler 🎓

This weekend, we welcomed the Class of 2026 into the SUNY New Paltz alumni community, 78,000+ alumni strong. 🧡💙

“Thank you, professors, faculty, and staff, for facilitating an environment that enabled us to achieve both personal and educational growth.” - Lucia Daher, Valedictorian

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Your next chapter begins now, and New Paltz will always be part of your story.

For more photos and clips, visit here: https://www.newpaltz.edu/commencement-splash-2026/

05/16/2026

Congrats, 2026 graduates! 💙🧡💙🧡 You are officially a part of our alumni community - 78k+ strong! This morning a group of alumni returned to campus to welcome the newest class by dressing them in an alumni pin on the left side of their gowns. They shared their words of wisdom and advice as this group makes the transition beyond campus. They’ll be back again tomorrow to do it again! 🎓🎓🎓

Alt text: video compilation of alumni pinning the newest graduates as they are getting ready to line up to walk for commencement.

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