E-mail this pageAlumni Profiles
See What Our Graduates Are Doing
Marcie Wyand, Class of 2004
Marcie Wyand graduated in 2004 with a major in Sociology and a minor in Health Education. She currently works for the Iroquois Healthcare Association in Clifton Park, New York, and is also enrolled in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.) program here at Plattsburgh State.
"In my current employment, I have been able to both provide information and inspire many adult students who were considering educational options because of my recent experience. My education provided me with the opportunity to apply for employment that I otherwise would have not been able to pursue."
"The support system that was provided by my advisor and the staff of the department allowed me to progress with my education at a pace which was conducive to my routine, that includes full-time employment, a family life and the responsibilities of a non-traditional student."
"Induction into two honor societies was very exciting for me. The challenges I faced by going back to college were many. With this type of recognition, acceptance documented the fact that I could accomplish my goal."
"Several professors stand out in my educational process including Dorothy Smith-Watts, Dr. Stephen Light, Dr. David Bedworth and Dr. Steven Schacht. Now that I am pursuing a Master's Degree, I can add a new inspiration to the repertoire with my advisor and instructor, Dr. Kevin O'Neill."
Adam DeFayette, Class of 2003
Adam DeFayette graduated from Plattsburgh State in 2003 with a degree in Sociology. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York and is attending Brooklyn Law School and Pratt Institute.
"I definitely think that my experience at Plattsburgh helped me gain the confidence and preparation I needed to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and to get on the path towards doing it."
Sociology Will Make You a Broader Person
"Sociology gives a host of different ways to answer the basic question: 'Why do people do what they do?' This is something that everyone is curious about, and the answers that sociology explores enable a person to enter any field of study or practice.
"I am studying law right now and am also enrolled in a City and Regional Planning Master's Program. Professor Charles Simpson helped pique my interest in this area--he's an all-around great guy, and very committed to the students in the department.
"The most important reason that I chose Plattsburgh State was the size. It isn't a big program. Some people may see this as a limitation, but I've talked with many students that were in bigger programs and their experiences were largely alienating. Being in a small program allows you to comprehend the totality of your department. It allows you to recognize faces, and to have your own face recognized. Being able to know everyone on the faculty has obvious advantages. Imagine going into a program where, at most, you are able to cultivate a relationship with one or two professors--and this is being optimistic. At Plattsburgh, if you apply yourself, you'll get to know everyone on this level."
Opportunities Abound at Plattsburgh State
"I had multiple teaching assistantships whereby I was able to teach several classes, and mentor outside of class. I also took part in an amazing study abroad opportunity in Oaxaca City, Mexico. People come from all over the state, and country, to participate in this program (only offered through Plattsburgh State). I recommend looking at the Study Abroad Office website for more info. I also had a chance to live and work on the Arctic Coast of Alaska.
"Well, let me also say that the city of Plattsburgh is a charming and lovely place. There is a lot going on there and it's small enough to where you can actually feel like a human being."
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like to learn more about the Sociology program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Lynda J. Ames, Chair
Office: Redcay Hall 218
Phone: (518) 564-3303
Fax: (518) 564-3333
E-mail: lynda.ames@plattsburgh.edu