E-mail this pageMeet Our New Fall 2007 Freshman Class
Over 975 new freshmen are joining SUNY Plattsburgh this Fall. Let us introduce you to a few of them...
Bianca Leticia Acobes
Hometown: Manhattan, NY
Age: 17
High School: Academy of Mount Saint Ursula
Major: Art Studio
Extracurricular Activities: Fencing, Asian Club, Yearbook Design Staff, MSU Vocalist, Youth Ministry/Lector
Awards/Honors: Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, Double Discovery Talent Search at Columbia University, Independent Art Study Award, attended art classes at Metropolitan Museum of Art
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
Plattsburgh State was the right choice for me because I was looking for a small school where I would not feel lost. I had the opportunity to do an overnight visit and on my overnight stay the students and faculty were friendly and made me feel part of the Plattsburgh family. Additionally, the courses and opportunities offered here suit my interests such as: Art, Archaeology, History, and Study Abroad.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
The new experiences and knowledge I will gain through my courses and meeting new people.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
A picture of my grandfather because he always motivated me to do my best and see the world as he did.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself working in an animation studio and traveling.
Brian Matthew Hanlon
Hometown: Westwood, NJ
Age: 18
High School: Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School
Major: Undeclared
Extracurricular Activities: Marching Band, Concert Band, Musical Pit Band, Clarinet Choir, Boy Scouts, Student Council
Awards/Honors: Eagle Scout, Bronze Palm
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose SUNY Plattsburgh for the beautiful campus and friendly atmosphere.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I'm looking forward to the new friends I'll make and the fun I will have over the next four years.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
I will definitely be brining my iPod, because I cannot live with my music.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself teaching History and hopefully living in New York City.
Chris Lamere
Hometown: Nashua, NH
Age: 18
High School: Nashua High School North
Major: Anthropology
Extracurricular Activities: Drama Club
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh State for a few reasons. It's far enough away from my house so my parents can't just drop in on me. Secondly, I enjoyed the campus. It's spread out that it doesn't make me feel like I'm in the city. The third reason is probably the best one. When I was visiting the campus, I got to meet with some of the teachers and sit in on a class. All the teachers seemed very accessible.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
One of the things I'm really looking forward to at college is the learning that I'm going to do. I'm fascinated by everything that's happened in the past, and I'm going to find out all about it. I'm also ready to be away from home.
Name one personal item will you be sure to bring with you on campus this fall? Why?
A water gun. You just never know when you're going to need one.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I see myself exploring a mysterious hidden tomb in Asia Minor, possibly dodging giant boulders to catchy music.
Leslie Littlejohn
Hometown: Massena, NY
Age: 18
High School: Massena Central High School
Major: Entrepreneurship
Extracurricular Activities: Show Choir, Select and Mixed Choir, Women's Choir, Harmonettes (all girls select singing group), Painting, Skiing.
Awards/Honors: National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate Society, Academic Excellence Awards
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I picked Plattsburgh over other college options because of the Entrepreneurship program that is offered. I was also very impressed with Plattsburgh State on my initial visit and campus tour.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I am excited to look into some art classes in addition to my major classes and incorporate those into my schedule.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
Besides all of my clothes, I would have to say my body pillow because it's the most comfortable thing I've ever slept with and I want to bring a piece of home with me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself married with a family and on the path to starting up my own business that reflects my interests and involves my family.
Kelly Merriam
Hometown: Middletown, CT
Age: 18
High School: Middletown High School
Major: Art Studio, Art Therapy Minor
Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball, Crew, Drawing, Music
Awards/Honors: President's Award for Educational Excellence, Northwest Conference All Academic Award, Excellence in Pottery/Sculpture, Silent Sounds Winner for Short Story Entry
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
Primarily, I chose SUNY Plattsburgh because it was one of the select schools that offered Art Therapy, and after visiting I was drawn to its impressive Art Program and convenient location. The town itself is small, but there are a lot of activities offered on camps as well as easy transportation access into the City of Plattsburgh.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I am looking forward to making new friends and living away from home. I am also eager to discover my artistic potential.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
I will be sure to bring my fairy figurine collection because it will add a colorful and creative touch to my dorm room.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to complete graduate school and receive my Masters in Art Therapy. I see myself as an accomplished Art Therapist working with a variety of people with physical and mental illnesses.
Chris Purdy
Hometown: Beekman, NY
Age: 17
High School: Arlington High School
Major: Accounting
Extracurricular Activities: Lacrosse, Student Government
Awards/Honors: Friendliest Senior
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
SUNY Plattsburgh has a good Business program and I really like how the college is at the center of the City of Plattsburgh.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and just enjoying the new social life.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
I'm going to be sure to bring my snowboard so I can hit the mountains once the snow falls.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully, living back in my hometown area with a family and a solid job.
Samantha Phillips
Hometown: Akwesasne, NY
Age: 18
High School: Salmon River Central
Major: History Education (BA/MST)
Extracurricular Activities: Ice Hockey, Soccer, Softball, Chorus, Drama Club
Awards/Honors: National Aboriginal Hockey Championships 3-time Gold Medalist, NYS Frozen Four Girls High School Hockey (4-time state champions), National Honor Society
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I like how Plattsburgh makes you feel at home right away. It is also far enough away from home to be away, but close enough to go home when I want to.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I'm looking forward to meeting new people and broadening my academics. I'm also really looking forward to sporting events where I can cheer on my team with my classmates.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
I will probably bring my wooden turtle. I'm Native American and my clan is turtle. My turtle to me symbolizes home and good luck.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I want to be a history teacher at a good school. I want to be able to change a person's life for the better. I want to be inspirational to my students.
Megan Bebee
Hometown: Smithtown, NY
Age: 17
High School: Smithtown High School West
Major: TV-Video Production/Broadcast Journalism
Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Volleyball, Photography Club, Penumbra Art Honor Society, Political Awareness Club
Awards/Honors: All League Volleyball Team&
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
When I came to Plattsburgh for Scholars' Weekend I was able to meet some of the staff and students at Plattsburgh State. After being exposed to the Plattsburgh environment, I knew that I would be able to fit in and excel at this school.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I am looking forward to seeing how I evolve and adapt to the new situations I am faced with such as meeting new people, having new experiences, learning new things, and exploring my own potential.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
One thing I have to bring with me to school would have to be my pictures because they will give me a sense of home even while I am away from my family.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In the next 10 years, I want to have backpacked through Europe as well as have spent some time living in a different part of the country such as Venice Beach in California. In 10 years, I see myself living in a city such as New York or Boston. I want to either be working for a major broadcasting network or working at my own production studio.
Partrick Cavanagh
Hometown: Westbury, NY
Age: 18
High School: W.T. Clarke High School
Major: Communication Disorders and Sciences
Extracurricular Activities: Lacrosse, Golf
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I felt Plattsburgh was the best choice for me for the major I wanted.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
Getting a great education and having fun at the same time.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
I'll be bringing my computer because I think without it, college would be very difficult.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself working at a good job that I enjoy.
Christie Famularo
Hometown: Harriman, NY
Age: 17
High School: Monroe-Woodbury High School
Major: English Education (BA/MST), Philosophy Minor
Extracurricular Activities: Drama Club, Stage Crew, Pendragon, St. Anastasia's Church Choir
Awards/Honors: Regents Diploma with Honors, Honor Roll, Mary Assini Memorial Award (Excellence in Spanish and French)
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh for a variety of reasons. My family used to go on holiday in Essex County and I've always loved the area. The north is not only beautiful, but welcoming and a place I could definitely call home for 4 years. The atmosphere, I think, decided it for me. The college itself also had so much to offer in terms of courses; as an Adolescence Education major, to get your Masters in 5 years - the deal was quite appealing. In addition, there are all those lovely 300-level Philosophy courses I'm waiting so impatiently to take!
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
Everything!
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
Aside from basic needs like warm clothes and my new laptop, I must bring my personal collection of books, even though that's not technically a single item. I'm an incredible nerd and own everything from Boethius to Marlowe to Tolkien, and I can't stand the thought of leaving my collection 4 hours away.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself living overseas, probably in the UK or France, and teaching high school English. I want to teach kids that they should use their minds fully.
Michael Flanagan
Hometown: Katonah, NY
Age: 18
High School: John Jay High School
Major: Math Education (BA/MST)
Extracurricular Activities: Varsity Baseball, School Newspaper, Recreational Basketball, Wiffleball League
Why did you choose SUNY Plattsburgh?
I chose Plattsburgh State because I felt that it offered me the best opportunity to excel in my everyday life. With the intention of becoming a teacher, I felt that Plattsburgh State would prepare me better than any other school with the new five-year Bachelor/Masters program which will allow me to teach in New York state schools after my five-years are completed. On a recreational note, I had wanted to continue my baseball career and felt that Plattsburgh State gave me the best opportunity to pursue my passion in baseball as well.
What are you looking forward to the most about college?
I am eager to get on campus to meet new people and get ready for the 4 years to come. I feel that I am most looking forward to assimilating myself into the Plattsburgh way of life, away from my family and old friends and out on my own. I feel it will be a true test to see what I am able to accomplish on my own.
Name one personal item you will be sure to bring with you to campus this Fall? Why?
Aside from the standards, (toiletries, wallet, cell phone, iPod, passport) a personal item that I will be sure to bring with me is a laptop. I would be sure to bring this with me because the internet has become the best way to communicate with mass amounts of people. With a computer and an internet connection, I am able to talk with all of my old friends from high school as well as new friends that I will make at Plattsburgh.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Wherever life takes me, I couldn't even begin to give an estimate.
Contact Information
For more information about SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact
Richard Higgins, Director of Admissions
Plattsburgh State
101 Broad St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-2040
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012
Fax: (518) 564-2045
E-mail: admissions@plattsburgh.edu