E-mail this pageMeet Our New Fall 2008 Freshman Class
Over 1,040 new freshmen are joining SUNY Plattsburgh this fall. Let us introduce you to a few of them...
Nicholas Blais
Hometown: Albany, NY
High School: Albany High School
Major: Political Science
Extracurricular Activities: Football, Wrestling
Awards/Honors: Honor Roll, New York State School Board Award
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because of the overall culture and ambiance. The city of Plattsburgh is so beautiful, as are the surrounding cities of Burlington and Montreal. The people are awesome too! They are so nice and easy to get along with.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
My visit to Plattsburgh was a very memorable experience. I had a great tour guide that really made the difference for me. By the time I left, I was sold!
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am most excited about learning new things on a much deeper, complex level. I'm also excited to meet new friends and acquaintances each and every day.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself achieving an M.B.A in Finance and/or Economics, having a family and living in southern New York. I hope to work in New York City as an investment banker.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
If I could only bring one item with me it would have to be my football or my laptop. I cannot live without either of them.
Brian August Crosby
Hometown: Freehold, NY
High School: Greenville High School
Major: Mathematics Adolescence Education
Extracurricular Activities: Boy Scouts, Band, Jazz Band, Skiing, Golf, Guitar
Awards/Honors: Eagle Scouts
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because I enjoyed the overall appearance of the campus and how close it was to the city. I also like cold weather and winter sports.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
My most significant influence was a Boy Scouting trip I took for five weeks at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited to make new friends and to live on my own, but I'm a little nervous about the college level work.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Teaching high school math and playing in a punk rock band.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I would bring my guitar. I can't go a day without playing it!
Korkean Dulgerian
Hometown: Greenwood Lake, NY
High School: Tuxedo High School
Major: Biology/Pre-Med
Extracurricular Activities: Wrestling, Soccer, National Honor Society, Bowling, and High School Musical
Awards/Honors: 2008 OCIAA Scholar Athlete Award, High Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, National Honor Roll, and Outstanding University Spanish Award
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I visited SUNY Plattsburgh for Scholars' Weekend and just felt at home. It was a very nice campus, one of the most scenic of all the SUNY schools. My uncle accompanied me on the five-hour trip from home and showed me Lake Champlain and downtown Plattsburgh. He is an Alumnus and was a Resident Assistant for Wilson Hall, so he had lots of stories to tell me!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Being Prom King for high school was exciting, but not as much fun as our after party in Lake George at Six Flags!
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited to be away from home and I am motivated to learn. I'm nervous about passing the MCATs to get into Med School after I graduate, but I feel confident in my abilities as a serious student. Maybe I'll become a tutor for the Learning Center in the future.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I will probably be starting my residency as a cardiologist or a heart surgeon. I know that if I am admitted into Medical school, I can do anything.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
My sleeping bag...I heard it gets cold at Plattsburgh!
Alex FitzGerald
Hometown: Mount Kisco, NY
High School: Fox Lane High School
Major: Art Studio
Extracurricular Activities: Varsity girls Swim and Dive Team Captain, Anime Club Co-President, Tae Kwon Do (Red Belt)
Awards/Honors: National Art Honors Society, New York State Girls recipient of the Andy Gage and Danny Finn Art Award, First place Tingley Award
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I was in a major stalemate between SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Plattsburgh, but Plattsburgh just had something, you know? I had visited New Paltz several times because it is so close to my home, but after one visit to Plattsburgh I was sure it was the school for me. Also, when I visited the Art Department my family and I were completely sold on the program. The intimate setting of the art rooms as well as the welcoming and informative staff all just won me over.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Probably being the first place winner of my school's most prestigious scholarship. I chose to write and illustrate a 35 page children's book. Despite all of the stress and freak outs, the committee named me the recipient of the first place prize! This experience really left me with such a great wealth of self confidence and pride and taught me not to give up on something because it seems impossible or out of reach! Go for it, make yourself crazy over it, devote yourself to it and you will really learn so much about yourself!
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I really want to get out there, meet new people and learn new things!! Now, what makes me nervous? EVERYTHING! No, seriously! I'll probably have a breakdown the first week...but you know what? That's okay! The only way to beat your weakness is to face it. Besides, who isn't nervous?! It's college!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hmm, settled at a good job? I really want to be an illustrator, so I can see myself most likely doing some sort of teaching of the arts and doing illustration on the side. Wish me luck!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
My MP3 player. This way I'll have my musical escape, some home videos and photos of my family! (Quite the "triple threat" ha!) It will be like my own personal memory box. What else do you need?!
Katie Harper
Hometown: Clyde, NY
High School: Clyde-Savannah High School
Major: Environmental Science
Extracurricular Activities: Yearbook Staff, Varsity Club, Spanish Club, Ski Club, Drama Club, Student Government, Chorus, Track, Tennis, 4-H, showing dogs and horses, Adventure Crew, winter and water sports
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, Scholar Athlete, Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences, President's Award for Educational Excellence, three school records in Track, NYS Junior Horse Person of the year for the Morgan Association, several 4-H county medals, AKC and CPE titles
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
Lots of reasons! First, it was one of the only state schools that offered both the major and minor that I wanted. Also, it was one of the few schools that I looked where only professors teach the classes and not graduate students. I love the area and there's no better place to learn about environmental science than the Adirondacks! Not only is it a great campus, but in my free time I can hit the slopes in the winter or go hiking in the warm months. The best of both worlds!
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Just a couple years ago, I joined a venture crew were we went hiking, whitewater rafting, spelunking, rock climbing, repelling, and kayaking/canoeing. It was after all of these experiences that I realized that I could never spend my time working indoors. So, I began researching different careers and stumbled upon Forest Ranger and said, "Yeah, that's the one for me!"
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm excited to finally start something new that will help me on my way to becoming a Forest Ranger. I am also extremely excited (and nervous) to be on my own. I'm especially nervous about the tests. But for me, failing is not an option so I know I will do what it takes to reach my dreams.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I hope to be a Forest Ranger either in Alaska, the Adirondacks, or out in Montana enjoying every minute of it!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
Other than the essentials like warm clothes, hiking boots, laptop, iPod (And yes, for me those things are essentials), I would bring my snowboard so I can hit the slopes in the winter. I don't think the college would be too happy about me bringing my dog and horse on campus!
Robert J. Light III (or just RJ)
Hometown: Morrisonville, NY
High School: Saranac Central School
Major: Accounting
Extracurricular Activities: Fitness and Wellness Leadership
Awards/Honors: Baseball, Paintball, Volunteering at a food shelf
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
When I applied, I did not know what I wanted to do at the time, but Plattsburgh just had so much to offer. They have so many different programs and are bringing in new ones, like the one in which I am currently enrolled. Also, the college is very close to where I live and it is cheaper to go there than to go away or to a private school.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
One of the most exciting experiences for me was graduation. There was a rush when everyone was there cheering for me and congratulating me on my achievements. It's nice to know that high school is behind you and you can look forward to attending college.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited to meet new people and begin studying what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am nervous about the workload! People say it's a lot, but hopefully I will be able to handle it all.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Well, in ten years I hope I am out of college and starting my career as a physical therapist or in the sports medicine field. Hopefully, I will be able to stay in the area and be around my family.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I would probably bring my toothbrush because I want to make a good impression on people and I do not want to start and end my day with bad breath!
Amy McCasland
Hometown: Morrisonville, NY
High School: Saranac Central School
Major: Education
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
It is close to home and has the programs that I want to take.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Varsity sports have definitely made me the person that I am today.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited for the new independence but also nervous about balancing my time
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to be a high school teacher as well as a high school girls basketball coach.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I think that I would bring a picture with all of my family and friends to help remind me of them.
Ronald Mello
Hometown: Greenwood Lake, NY
High School: George F. Baker High School
Major: Communications
Extracurricular Activities: Boy Scouts, Soccer, Wrestling, Baseball
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, Eagle Scout
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because of its location and surrounding community.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am most excited about leaving home and making new friends. Nothing could possibly make me nervous
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself working as a broadcaster on Fox News or working for the FBI.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I would bring my laptop because it is my personal lifeline to old friends and the easiest way to rid myself of boredom.
Meghan Powers
Hometown: Peru, NY
High School: Peru Central School
Major: Mathematics Adolescence Education
Extracurricular Activities: High School Chorus, Select Women's Chorus, Select Mixed Chorus, Keeseville-Peru Ecumenical Choir, Soccer, Cheerleading (Captain), Track and Field
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, High Honor Roll, Sports Awards
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
For the most part, I chose Plattsburgh because it was close to home; only about eight or nine miles from my own house. But, I also chose Plattsburgh because it's in a good environment and community, I already know the area, and it is a great college for students wishing to become a teacher as I do.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Honestly, I have no idea! But, the most recent "exciting experience" I've had lately is just getting my drivers license! :)
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I'm mostly excited for getting away from home and taking that next "step" in my life. I want to meet new people, make new friends, do my best in college, and have the most fun possible while doing it! But, I most definitely am nervous about how hard the work is going to be and if I can handle it all. It will probably take awhile to get used to.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I'll probably have a family ten years from now, but then again you never know. I'll definitely be working as a math teacher, and most likely being hated by half of the students in the school!
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I'd probably bring my laptop and my music. It would be pretty difficult for me to live without either of them.
Kaci J. Rogers
Hometown: Lockwood, NY
High School: Spencer VanEtten High School
Major: Communication Disorders and Sciences
Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Key Club, and a part-time job
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, Best Smile for Senior Class of '08, 21st Century Leadership Award, Academic Achievement Awards, Scholar Athlete Awards, Female Athletic Sports Credit Champion '08
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh for a lot of reasons. I visited almost twelve colleges but I fell in love with Plattsburgh's friendly atmosphere! The location is beautiful and after meeting with the head of the Communication Disorders and Sciences department, I knew it was a place where I could really excel.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
As an eighth grader on the varsity track team, I was a part of a squad that beat the school track record in the 3200 meter relay. That experience along with the support of my track coach had a huge influence on me by showing me that I can achieve anything through hard work.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am excited to meet new people, become more independent, and have new experiences.
I am nervous about being six hours away from my family, especially my younger sister.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully having a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology, having a good job, and starting a family.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
Besides all of my clothes that won't fit in my dorm, I would want to bring my puppy! My little sister got him for me for my Sweet 16th birthday and I feel bad leaving him behind!
Nora Schupbach
Hometown: Hicksville, NY
High School: Hicksville High School
Major: Anthropology
Extracurricular Activities: Madrigals, Thespians, Key Club, Ecology Club, Concert Choir, Ski Club.
Awards/Honors: Music Award, Principals list, Honor Roll
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because when I visited the campus I felt that the college was its own little lively community. The nearby town was also great with many things to do and places to eat. People were friendly to one another and everyone I talked to was very helpful. There were plenty of fliers and announcements on bulletin boards showcasing how active the campus is.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
A memorable experience for me was going to England and seeing Stonehenge at sunrise. It was fascinating to see the "stones" up close, which reinforced my desire to learn more about them through studying Anthropology.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
The thing that excites me most about college is the opportunity to meet new people from many different places and to learn more about a subject I find absolutely fascinating. The things that make me nervous are being away from home and not knowing fully what to expect from college life (and getting to class on time!)
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wherever life takes me, I couldn't even begin to give an estimate.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I'm going to bring my two dogs, Wally and Zoey. (Just kidding!) I'll definitely bring my iPod. It helps me focus and I honestly could not survive without it.
Nicole Zeien
Hometown: Summit, NY
High School: Middleburgh High School
Major: Environmental Science
Extracurricular Activities: Select Choir, Thespian Society, Interact Club, Volunteering, Outdoor Club
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, All County Choir, Scholastic Awards
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
Choosing a college was a difficult decision for me. I knew it would be a life changing event. I looked at numerous colleges and Plattsburgh just felt right. I had a wonderful feeling while taking a tour and it offered everything I wanted.
Are there any memorable or exciting experiences that have had a significant influence on you?
Volunteering has had a major influence on me. It feels so wonderful to help others.
What excites you most about college? What makes you nervous?
I am so excited about being in a new environment, meeting new people, joining clubs and experiencing all kinds of memorable things! However, I am anxious about rooming with somebody I don't know.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I haven't really thought that far in the future. I am still not exactly sure what I want to do with my career. However, I do know that I'd like to go to graduate school.
If you could bring only one personal item to campus with you this fall, what would it be and why?
I would bring my camera. I love to take pictures and look at those that other people have taken. Pictures can capture the feeling of an event and it is a good way to keep memories forever.
Contact Information
For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact
Richard Higgins, Director of Admissions
Plattsburgh State
101 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-2040
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012
Fax: (518) 564-2045
E-mail: admissions@plattsburgh.edu