NEW PALTZ – Members of the class of 2015 “will always be part of New Paltz and New Paltz will always be part of you,” SUNY President Donald Christian told the more than 1,300 students during Sunday’s graduation ceremonies in the Old Main Quad. “As you go forth to take up the responsibilities of graduate or professional school, employment, family and community, your college takes great pride in what you have accomplished so far and eagerly anticipates in what you will achieve.”
“Wherever we go from here, I know that with the experiences and education obtained from SUNY New Paltz, we all have the potential to let this be the continuation of the best years of our lives,” said class valedictorian Marisa Gargaro.
Commencement speaker Bre Pettis, creator of Bold Machines and co-founder of MarkerBot 3D printing and design, told the graduates they are “entering the world at a time when the limits on your opportunities are the limits of your ability to plumb the depths of your soul and explore your passions. The time is ripe for you to take advantage of these opportunities, no matter what career path you pursue or the many diverse positions you may hold in the future.”
Pettis urged the students to “challenge yourself and to always be searching for how you can improve and challenge those around you. I can’t wait to see what happens as you unleash your power into the world.”
More than 1,300 diplomas were handed out on a perfect Sunday afternoon
