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First-ever CommUNITY Night at the Pond Slated for Sept. 2

The Center for Public Service at SUNY Plattsburgh is sponsoring the first CommUNITY Night at the Pond, an evening to bring campus and community together as partners in the new academic year, Friday, Sept. 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Hawkins Pond.

The evening will include free ice cream, entertainment, special guest speakers such as J.W. Wiley, director of the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion, Butterfly Blaise Boire, Title IX coordinator, Plattsburgh Mayor James Calnon, and President John Ettling, and, to cap off the evening, a candle-lighting ceremony around the pond. 

“This event is open to the community and an opportunity to come together in a spirit of unity as we begin the school year,” said Julia Devine, director of the Center for Public Service. “We’re hoping that the candles on the pond will create not only a beautiful, artistic picture but serve as a symbol of our hopes and dreams for the year and a call to engage with each other in meaningful ways.

“It’s also an opportunity to experience beautiful public space in Plattsburgh. Bring your blanket, listen or dance to some music, enjoy some ice cream, hula hoop or slack line, contribute to our UNITY banners, which will be later hung in the Angel College Center as a reminder to engage and united, and make your wish for the year on the pond by floating a candle,” she said.

Music will be by Stylez Union from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with guest speakers beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir will perform as candles are lit about 8 p.m.

“I think it’s a great way to bring our campus members together with our community neighbors,” said Bryan Hartman, vice president for student affairs. “We already have many existing partnerships, committed to providing our students with positive experiences while they pursue their academic degrees.”

For more information, contact Devine at 310-367-4199 or [email protected]. 

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