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SUNY Plattsburgh Celebrates Homecoming with Twist (or Two)


Old Burghy photoTradition Expanded to Include New Opportunities for Networking, Learning

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (Sept. 9, 2010) – SUNY Plattsburgh is celebrating Homecoming in a new way this year.The college has combined Homecoming with Family Weekend – another college tradition – and that means more networking opportunities.

“The combination of the two events will allow our alumni, students, their families, and our faculty to connect in a way that was previously not possible,” said Director of Alumni Relations Joanne Nelson. “We received feedback from these groups, and we listened.”

But that’s not the only change.

This year’s celebration will feature special events honoring the 25th anniversary of the college’s honors program and the reaccreditation of its teacher education programs.

“These events will give affiliated students, families, faculty and alumni a chance to come together, celebrate, and even learn about important issues facing our schools and our society,” said Nelson.

Among the events connected to the honors program are two seminars and a panel of distinguished visiting honors alumni. There will also be a roast of Dr. David Mowry. A SUNY distinguished teaching professor, Mowry has been the director of the Redcay Honors Center since its inception 25 years ago.

For those affiliated with education, there will be a special presentation by alumnus Richard Gervais ’72, supervisor of teacher education for the New York State Department of Education. Gervais will discuss plans for rigorous teacher evaluations that will result in data informing teacher education programs.

There will also be a “Schools for the Future” panel featuring recipient of Barack Obama’s Presidential Award for Teaching Excellence in Mathematics and Science – alumnus Jim Brown G’92 – along with Gervais and alumna Carrie Harvey Zales ’95 G’98, principal of Oak Street Elementary School and winner of an award from the School Association of New York State.

Those wishing to learn more about the college’s Homecoming-Family Weekend offerings can visit the college’s website at www.plattsburgh.edu/alumni/homecoming or can call the Office of Alumni Relations at 518-564-2090 or toll free at 1-800-964-1889.

Highlights from Homecoming-Family Weekend 2010

Friday, Sept. 24

* "The Changing Face of Teacher Evaluation." 12:30-1:30 p.m. Cardinal Lounge, Angell College Center. Featuring SUNY Plattsburgh alumnus Richard Gervais ’72, supervisor of teacher education, New York State Department of Education, discussing new teacher evaluation initiatives.
* Honors Program Seminars:
o    “The United States, Israel and Mid-East Politics.” 1-2 p.m. Seminar Room A, Redcay Honors Center, Hawkins Hall. Dr. James Armstrong, SUNY distinguished teaching professor and associate director of the honors program, will present.
o    “Ethical Issues in Public Life: U.S. Presidents.” 1-2 p.m. Seminar Room B, Redcay Honors Center, Hawkins Hall. Dr. Tom Moran, SUNY distinguished service professor and director of the Institute for Ethics in Public Life, will present.
* “Emeritus: An Academic Comedy.” 2:15-4 p.m. Room 153 D, Hawkins Hall. Dress rehearsal of a show by Dr. Ann Tracy.
* Distinguished Visiting Alumni Education Panel: “Schools for the Future.” 3-4 p.m. Cardinal Lounge, Angell College Center. Featuring winner of Barack Obama’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science – alumnus Jim Brown G’92 – along with Richard Gervais ’72, supervisor of teacher education for New York state, and Carrie Harvey Zales ’95 G’98, principal of Oak Street Elementary School.
* Distinguished Visiting Alumni Honors Program Panel. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Room 153 B, Hawkins Hall. This panel of distinguished visiting honors program alumni will speak to their varied careers and experiences since college. Students, alumni, families, and faculty are welcome.
* Education Program Alumni and Student Networking Reception and Presentation of Student Work. 4:30 p.m. Samuel D’s, Sibley Hall.
* Alumni Harvest Dinner with President John Ettling. 7 p.m. Valcour Educational Conference Center, the Boathouse. GPS Entry: 3712 State Route 9, Peru, N.Y. Featuring North Country harvest foods, micro-brews and music from SUNY Plattsburgh’s Gospel Choir. All guests must register in advance.
* Coffeehouse with Mark Rust. 7 p.m. Burghys, Angell College Center.
* Fireworks. 9 p.m. Behind Memorial Hall.

Saturday, Sept. 25

* ODK Coffee, Croissants and Conversation. 9-10 a.m. Flynt Commons, Angell College Center. An event for families and alumni, co-hosted by William D. Laundry, vice president for student affairs, and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society.
* Three-mile Fun Run and Walk. Registration: 9 a.m. Run: 9:30 a.m. Student Health Center parking lot. Sponsored by Center for Student Health and Psychological Services and the Interfraternity Council. Prizes awarded to winners in running and walking categories.
* Honors Program Roast of Dr. David Mowry. Cocktail reception: 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program: 6:30 p.m. Valcour Educational Conference Center, the Boathouse. GPS Entry: 3712 State Route 9, Peru, N.Y. All guests must register in advance.

To see the rest of the events, including Dueling Pianos, alumni games, ice skating with Burghy, tours, swimming and skating, visit www.plattsburgh.edu/alumni/homecoming.
 

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