Last Tuesday, graduates from campuses across the state gathered at Citi Field in Flushing, Queens for the 3rd Annual SUNY Alumni Mets Event. Before watching the New York Mets defeat the Miami Marlins 9-to-1, the group of over 200 in attendance gathered at McFadden’s Restaurant to reconnect with their fellow classmates as well as those who went to other campuses.
Paul Schaffer (University at Albany ’86) has come to the event since its inception three years ago and each year reunites with a close group of classmates from his UAlbany days. The group comes decked out in UAlbany gear, excitedly chanting, “UA! You know!” throughout the reception, showcasing tremendous pride for their alma mater.
“I had a great experience at SUNY, the event is a great deal, and it’s a great way to keep up with friends and reconnect,” said Schaffer.
The event included a two hour family-friendly reception where attendees not only mingled with SUNY alumni but with SUNY staff members, campus alumni directors and professionals, and SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.
“This gathering of SUNY alumni is a prime example of the proud alumni our system has educated across the state,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “Being able to talk with our alumni and witness them reconnecting with one another was was a true example of The Power of SUNY.”
Some alumni that attended the event were representing one alma mater while others proudly touted their multiple degrees from various SUNY campuses.
Brian Black graduated from Cayuga Community College in 2009 then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo in 2012 and is currently back at SUNY Geneseo working towards his master’s. Black, along with event attendee Tanya Crane-Stoneburg (Cayuga Community College ’11), is a former member of the SUNY Student Assembly.
“Now, I’m trying to get my family to go to SUNY,” said Black.
The event also fostered a space where alumni from different classes could meet one another. Steven Chu and Bridget Sheehan, a married couple, both Binghamton University class of 1985, started talking to Hudi Miller, Binghamton University class of 2009, and sharing memories about their alma mater.
“It’s great to see younger alumni carrying the torch,” said Chu.
As both a Binghamton University alumnus and a Mets fan, Miller was excited to be at the game.
“The Binghamton Mets are Eastern League Champions so Binghamton alumni who are Mets fans have a special connection,” said Miller. “We went to a lot of Binghamton Mets games.”
There were many highlights from the SUNY Alumni Mets Event, not to mention an incredible showing from the home team, and SUNY wants to thank the attendees for joining us. SUNY-wide alumni events are intended to create a space for networking, a space to meet with old pals, and a space to reconnect with SUNY. If you’d like to stay updated on all of the great happenings coming up, fill out our reconnect form today!
Looks like it was a lot of fun!