E-mail this pageMeet Our Fall 2007 Transfer Class
Over 597 transfer students joined SUNY Plattsburgh this Fall. Let us introduce you to a few of them...
Saul F. Bonilla Jr.
Hometown: New York, New York
Age: 22
Prior College Attended: Queensborough Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: International Business
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: tennis, baseball, exercise, learning Japanese on my free time.
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I am part of a triplet
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because I researched it and discovered that it had a strong business program.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I hope to learn much about the business fields so that I can pursue a career in the field after I graduate.
Why did you choose your major of study?
I specifically chose International Business because I know that much of business is conducted on a global scale and I wanted to learn as much about it as possible. Plus, I am interested in studying and possibly working in Japan.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to either be working for an American company traveling to sites around the world, or working for a foreign company, preferably in Japan.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
Do your research on the schools of your choice, and it's okay to ask a million and one questions!
Rebecca Hafele
Hometown: Saugerties, NY
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Columbia-Greene Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Communication Disorders and Sciences
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Key Club, NSSLHA, Phi Theta Kappa, History Club, softball, volleyball, basketball
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, 3.5 GPA, Dean's List all four semesters at Columbia-Greene
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I have a severe phobia of worms
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
The people here were so friendly and helpful in the transferring process. They make you feel right at home.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
My bachelors degree. Just a wonderful college experience.
Why did you choose your major of study?
I love to help people with their problems. If I can actually be the person that can, let's say, help someone talk again after suffering a stroke, that's absolutely amazing to me. It's both challenging and rewarding and those two things I'm always up for.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Working in my very own private practice as a speech language pathologist. I hope to be married and have a few kids and just be living my life the way I always dreamed.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
Don't wait to the last minute. Make sure you have everything in order before you have to leave for school. We'e adults now!
Trisha Hanson
Hometown: Bristol, Vermont
Age: 21
Prior College Attended: Clinton Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Psychology
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Resident Assistant, Student Activities Board, Student Senate, Residence Hall Council.
Awards/Honors: Deans List, Chancellors Award for Student Excellence
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I enjoy photography and outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rollerblading, snowshoeing, and snowboarding.
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh because while attending Clinton Community I had made connections with some of the faculty and staff through open house, internships, conferences, trainings and residence life.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I hope to meet people who have the same interests as I do and also to gain hands-on experience in the field of Psychology.
Why did you choose your major of study?
I found the Psychology material very interesting and after I receive my Bachelors degree I plan to take classes towards my Masters degree in Student Affairs and Counseling.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Finished with Graduate School and hopefully working in Student Affairs.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
SUNY Plattsburgh made my transition from a two-year college a smooth one.
Kelsey Latremore
Hometown: Chazy, New York
Age: 19
Prior College Attended: Out of State, Private 4-Year College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Women's Soccer Team
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I love to travel! I have been to Europe (France, England & Spain) and can't wait to go back!
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh for various reasons. Most importantly, SUNY Plattsburgh has a great HRTM program, which allows for hands-on experience. SUNY Plattsburgh also has a great athletic program that is competitive and successful. Although I am on the team, I still get to excel in areas besides athletics.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
By attending SUNY Plattsburgh I hope to be prepared for the road ahead of me. I want to have a plan with goals as to where I want to be in my career and by attending Plattsburgh I will have the tools to achieve my goals.
Why did you choose your major of study?
I chose HRTM as my major because it allows me to be able to do many different jobs in the service industry. There are many great opportunities and different settings that I could work in.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Well, ten years is a long time but I hope to be in a successful job (I think that everyone says that!), traveling around the world, and have a family.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
My best advice would be to not only look for your major at a college but to make sure that you really like the campus and its surroundings. The school you choose should have the things you like such as restaurants, a mall, or movie theatre; anything you enjoy doing around it in order to make your experience as positive as possible.
Betsy Macey
Hometown: Champlain, NY
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: SUNY Four-Year College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Communication Disorders and Sciences
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Rugby, Hall Counsel, NSSLHA, SOUL, Driving the Mail Van
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I am completely addicted to Taco Bell
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
Close to home and has a really strong Communication Disorders Department
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
Meet new people, engage in fun activities and of course get a good education
Why did you choose your major of study?
I've always wanted to be a speech therapist. I went to speech therapy as a child
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully I'll have a PHD and I'll be doing clinical work with children - maybe teaching a college course.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
Every school is different so when you do transfer it takes a few weeks to really settle in.
Jordan Schreppel
Hometown: Yorkville, New York
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Onondaga Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Childhood Education with a concentration in Music
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Snowboarding/Skiing
Awards/Honors: Transfer Merit Scholarships
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I've played bass with Winton Marsalis and I've been in an opening band for Aretha Franklin. I also get paid to snowboard.
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
Plattsburgh is one of two schools that offer my major. Everyone here has been helpful and willing to work out all of the kinks in the transfer process.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I want to to make the best out of this program I' in. It' new and I'm going to make it work.
Why did you choose your major of study?
I love music and teaching but teaching music was not for me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, teaching any grade between 4-6 and living in a town much like this one.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
It's all about you, go for your dreams. Plattsburgh is here to help.
Amber Shaffer
Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Onondaga Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Reading, Hunting, Volunteering, My community, Working.
Awards/Honors: Regents Diploma with Honors, Associates of Applied Science in Electronic Media Communications, Citizenship Award.
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I am the oldest of three girls and the first to be away from home. I love meeting new people and trying new activities.
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
The first time I visited Plattsburgh I thought that the campus was beautiful, as well as the surrounding area. Everyone was so helpful and interesting. Our tour guide did an excellent job of reeling me into this community. When I went to visit other schools the combination of the people and place never compared to the entire atmosphere here at Plattsburgh.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
My main goal for being at Plattsburgh is to receive my Bachelors in Broadcast Journalism, although I would like to have more life skills and career opportunities when I am finished. In addition to that I would like to make friends that I will have for the rest of my life.
Why did you choose your major of study?
Why I chose my major is a long story, but for short my high school offered a television program each morning before classes that I took advantage of. From there I fell in love with the lights, cameras, and action of a news broadcasting position and pursued that career at a community college near my hometown to gain more knowledge of the field.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to be working for the ABC broadcasting company or an affiliate of ABC as a reporter or producer. I also would like to have a family that includes children. As well as being very involved in my community, giving back for all of the years mine has served me.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
Going to college is just as much about getting a good degree in a field you enjoy as much as it is about finding a place where you feel that can fit in. For me Plattsburgh was a great choice, it offered a great program in Broadcast Journalism and a great atmosphere to grow as an individual, an adult, and as a larger member of society. When you feel you can call a place home you will be truly happy. Good luck on your journey!
Todd W. Truscott
Hometown(s): Delhi, NY: Potsdam, NY
Age: 42
Prior College Attended: SUNY Canton and North Country Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Social Work
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Fishing, Camping, Computer Games, Watching Quentin Tarantino movies.
Awards/Honors: Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence (2007); St. Joseph's Outstanding Chemical Dependency Student Award (2007); Vice President's Award for Academic Excellence (2007); Highest Honors Graduate- 4.0 GPA (2005); Honor's Convocation for Highest Cumulative GPA in Curriculum (2005 & 2006); Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Member; Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society Member
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I'm a Chemical Dependency Counselor who has hitchhiked through 33 of the lower 48 states (back in a day when it was safer to do such a thing).
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
Strongly influenced by instructors at past schools who encouraged me to continue my education to the Master's level. Also, I see a need in the addictions treatment field for more qualified social workers.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
Along with the foundation for my Master's work I hope to be able to nurture relationships with other people who will someday be my peers in the field.
Why did you choose your major of study?
There are too many chemically addicted people who have co-occurring disorders and very little treatment options available to them. I hope to be able to give them the best service they are able to receive.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Director of Canton-Potsdam Hospital's Chemical Dependency Program (or a similar role in a similar facility).
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
It's never too early to begin looking at your transfer options. Do well in whatever courses you are taking at another college now and don't be afraid to approach people in authority positions who may be able to help you with your educational pursuits.
Alanna Smith
Hometown: Malta, New York
Age: 38
Prior College Attended: Schenectady County Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Childhood Education
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Camping, Rollerskating, and Reading
Awards/Honors: Nominated for Membership to Phi Lambda Theta
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I have worked in Special Education for eleven years
Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?
The Childhood Education Program has a good reputation.
What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?
I hope to learn new ideas on how to teach children.
Why did you choose your major of study?
I enjoy working with children.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Teaching children that learning can be fun.
What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?
It is a great program, I would not hesitate to transfer.
Contact Information
The Admissions Office is located on the 10th floor of the Kehoe Building. Our office hours are Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sean Brian Dermody
Assistant Director for Transfer Admissions
SUNY Plattsburgh 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
AIM Screen Name: SBDERMODY
Phone: (518) 564-2040;
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012 (toll-free)
FAX: (518) 564-2045
E-mail: sean.dermody@plattsburgh.edu