NEW PALTZ – Freshmen started moving into campus housing Thursday at SUNY New Paltz, and it’s the first moving in since Dr. Darrell Wheeler was appointed the new president of the college last month.
“Excited, very excited,” said Wheeler, after arriving at Esopus Hall to greet the new students.
“The energy of the students and their families is the beginning of the academic year. This is just rejuvenation time.”
Victor Flahive (pron: “Flav”), a student from Ireland who’s going to study politics and sociology and who has relatives in Middletown, was among the new students moving into Esopus Hall.
And before he has started a single class, Flahive said he’s already very happy with the choice to attend this college.
“My expectations are met. It’s a beautiful campus. The weather is amazing,” he said. “I love it.”
Flahive is among the 7,200 graduate and undergraduates returning to campus, and the moving will continue through Sunday. And as America returns to normalcy following COVID, Dr. Wheeler said the pandemic is still very much part of the concerns facing the new academic year
“Campuses are looking at health and safety,” said Wheeler. “Returning students and making sure they are transitioned in after the period of COVID is one where their educational needs are met. Those will be the ongoing challenges.”
