Information For

E-mail this page to a friendE-mail this page

Meet Our Fall 2008 Transfer Class

Alan Fanitzi

Hometown: Hyde Park, N.Y
Age: 21
Prior College Attended: Dutchess Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Magazine Journalism
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Jogging, creative writing, movies, freelance videographer, track & field, lacrosse
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I drive a screaming yellow SUV and still manage to have high confidence in most situations.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I chose Plattsburgh mainly because of my major and the feel of the campus as a whole. It's small enough to learn your way around and big enough to offer plenty of things to do.

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I hope to make friends, go explore the surroundings, and be able to focus more on my field of study in order to gain the skills that will allow me succeed in my future career.

Why did you choose your major of study?

Since I was young I have always written well, and I have been especially interested in creative writing. This eventually led to an interest in magazines and with the magazine journalism program here I can learn to channel my creativity while becoming a better writer.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I see myself working for a magazine as a writer, incorporating the skills I learned and experiences I had while at Plattsburgh.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

Know what you want to do with your career, that way you can structure your classes in a way that allows you to complete general education courses first. Then, if you decide to transfer you can focus on whatever field you want to enter at your transfer college.

Madeline Hess

Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Private, 4-Year College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Music, reading and swimming
Awards/Honors: Magna cum Laude, Dean's list
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I traveled to Peru last spring.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

Upstate New York is beautiful and the staff was very helpful when I was trying to decide whether or not I should transfer. Plattsburgh also has a great Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management program and it was exactly what I wanted for a major.

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I hope to meet new people and build lasting friendships as well as get the education I need to go work in my field of study.

Why did you choose your major of study?

I recently graduated with an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts. I feel that a Bachelor's degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management would give me the knowledge for the business and management part of the hospitality industry.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I plan on working in a resort as either an executive chef or a food and beverage manager.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

Don't stay at a school because you feel that you have to "stick it out." If you are not happy where you are, don't be afraid to look at other options. Ask lots of questions and choose a school where you will be able to accomplish your goals.

David Kislik

Hometown: Old Bethpage, NY
Age: 19
Prior College Attended: SUNY Four-Year
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Environmental Science
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Hiking, environmentalism, Hillel, aviation, traveling.
Unique/Interesting Fact About Me: I like to get my hands dirty and do work in the outdoors.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I chose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh because I really liked the campus and its close proximity to Canada and Vermont.  Also, Plattsburgh has a great Environmental Science program.

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I hope to get a great academic experience, one that is very hands-on.  I also want to meet new and interesting people and be totally out of my element!

Why did you choose your major of study?

When I was younger, I attended Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead, NY and I always enjoyed the nature and environmental activities.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I want to either become a park ranger or become an environmental lawyer.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

Think about why you are transferring, and make sure the new school has what you want. Try to get out of your element and meet new people and know that there are many ways to have fun that don't include harming your health.

Janel Farmer

Hometown: Staatsburg, NY
Age: 21
Prior College attended: Dutchess Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Criminal Justice
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Volunteering, hiking, martial arts and walking
Interesting fact about me: Went to Ukraine to help kids at a camp.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I like the environment that SUNY Plattsburgh offers. I have always wanted to get more involved in outdoor activities and thought that in addition to SUNY Plattsburgh's great academic programs, it would be a great place to get involved in different clubs and organizations.

What do you most hope to get out your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

Most importantly, I hope to gain the knowledge that will enable me to excel at my future career. Also, a greater understanding of myself and my capabilities, and of course, great friends.

Why did you choose your major of study?

I wanted to understand the criminal justice system and use my knowledge to help those affected by it. I also want to change the way society perceives and responds to specific crimes, such as domestic violence.

What are your career aspirations for after college?

I want to either enter law enforcement or go to law school.

What words of advice would you give those that are considering transferring?

I would say to look at the school's overall benefits and culture, not just their academics. Visit the school and see if it is the right environment for you.

Mark Topper

Hometown: Massapequa, New York
Age: 21
Prior College Attended: SUNY 4-Year College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: College dining and catering services, puzzles, and train travel
Awards/Honors: High School Service Scholarship
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I once directed parade traffic in Manhattan with help from NYC Police.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I actually decided to change my major. At my previous school, I had a job with their campus dining services. I loved what I was doing so much that I realized it was what I wanted to do with my life. My previous school did not have any hospitality programs and my budget limited me to a SUNY school. Plattsburgh had a wonderful program in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, and when I contacted the department for information, they were more than helpful. I felt that SUNY Plattsburgh had a friendly and welcoming environment. Plus, I love how the school is so close to Vermont and Canada. I love to travel!

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I hope to further my experience and training in the world of hospitality. I look forward to working in the student-run restaurant on campus, Samuel D's, to fully understand real-world restaurant management. I am also very excited about building new relationships.

Why did you choose your major of study?

I always knew I would have a career working with people. When I first got a job with my last college's dining services for extra money, I realized I found a great fit for me. I loved what I was doing and was eager to learn more and to do new tasks at my job.

What are your career aspirations after college?

The ultimate dream would be to own a themed hotel that includes a conference center. Until that dream becomes a reality, I would be extremely happy working for a major hotel chain in their conferencing department, assisting with conference planning.

What words of advice would you give a student who is thinking of transferring?

Don't think that because you've already finished a lot of courses at your current college that it is too late to transfer. Remember, you are getting the training for the rest of your life. An extra semester or year of college could mean being in a career that makes you happy for decades.

Alicia Jones

Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Private, 4-Year College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Communication Studies
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Tennis, photography, going to college events, being a part of clubs and groups on campus
Awards/Honors: Dean's List, Academic Awards and Scholarships, Community Service Award.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I am from Plattsburgh and after I went away to college, I missed home. Plus, I am saving a lot of money by attending a public college and Plattsburgh has a great program for my major.

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

Other than a great academic education, I would just like to soak in the experience of being around so many different kinds of people who all have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and opinions.

Why did you choose your major of study?

I feel that within the communications field there are so many options in the career world for great jobs, and since I don't know exactly what I would like to do yet, this major is a good fit for me.

What are your career aspirations after college?

Right now I am trying to explore all the career options before narrowing it down, but I will probably go to graduate school after graduating from Plattsburgh.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

Go for it! If you're not happy where you are, you don't have to be stuck there - you always have the option of making changes that will allow you to be happier.

Amber Noble

Hometown: Troy, NY
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Hudson Valley Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: English Adolescence Education (BA/MST)
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Reading, writing, and socializing
Awards/Honors: President's List, Transfer Merit Scholarship
Unique/Interesting Fact About Me: I have an obsession with tattoos.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I really wanted to venture away from home for college, but at the same time stay close enough so I can visit my family and friends. As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I can admit I felt right at home. The college also offered my major as a combined program so I can graduate faster than I originally thought. Plus, it is very affordable for me compared to some of the other public and private liberal arts colleges I looked into.

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I want to graduate from college feeling confident and prepared in my field, so that when I step into my first classroom, I will be able to look back at my years at Plattsburgh and know that I definitely made the right choice.

Why did you choose your major of study?

I have always had a love for English. From reading novels, to writing essays, and so much more, this just had to be my calling. While most people dislike reading phonebook thick texts and writing lengthy papers, I actually enjoy doing these things. Some call me crazy, but it is just something that has always struck interest in me, and I am hoping I can impact others to feel the same way.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I plan to move to either Virginia or North Carolina and teach English. Both states have different requirements than in New York, so I hope to provide a different prospective.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

I know that in the beginning I did not plan on transferring at all. My advice: Keep your options open. Definitely visit your prospective college! If you are like me and are going to be living on-campus for the next three years, you want to make sure it feels as comfortable as possible!

Heather Dormandy

Hometown: Buskirk, NY
Age: 19
Prior College Attended: Private, 4-Year College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: Marketing
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: All sports, especially soccer and volleyball. Also, anything outdoors, working out/running, traveling
Awards/Honors: Academic awards/scholarships
Unique/Interesting Fact about Me: I once wore an Olympic gold medal.

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

I chose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh because of its location and size. It is a beautiful campus with so many things to do. I also found that they have a very reputable business program and I wanted a school that would challenge me and provide me with many different opportunities.

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I hope I can excel in my academics so that I can use my education and experiences in my future career. I also hope that I can form long lasting friendships and experience as much as I can in the short time that I am at Plattsburgh.

Why did you choose your major of study?

When I started college, I was pursuing a major in nursing. I found that it was not right for me, so I researched and found that a major in marketing was something that suited me better. Business can provide me with endless opportunities and I think marketing will give me a great background in my future career.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I'm not sure exactly what I want to do in terms of a career after college, but I hope that once I take advanced level classes in my program I will find an area that will suit me. I love sports, so I might be interested in sports marketing.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

If you don't like where you are, don't stay there because you think you have to. If you decide to transfer, consider all of your options first and don't make any impulse decisions. Figure out what it is you do and do not want in a school and program and do your research.

Courtney Hanno

Hometown: Castorland, NY
Age: 20
Prior College Attended: Jefferson Community College
Major at SUNY Plattsburgh: English Adolescence Education
Extracurricular Activities/Interests: Playing piano, basketball, swimming, running, reading, shopping, watching Lifetime and hanging out with my family and friends!
Awards/Honors: Jeff-Can Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship, Peer Tutor of the Month, Outstanding English Student Award
Unique/Interesting Fact About Me: I was born with a crooked toe and no one knows why!

Why did you choose to transfer to SUNY Plattsburgh?

After discovering and visiting Plattsburgh this year, I selected this college over several others because they provided me with an academic scholarship, accepted all of my credits from my community college, and regularly sent me information about their school. But, even more, at the Open House the faculty were so helpful and not to mention friendly! They really try to get students involved with activities to make them feel comfortable. Plus, the campus is beautiful and the area is surrounded by fantastic destinations such as, Vermont, Lake Placid, Montreal, and much more. I know there will always be something to do!

What do you most hope to get out of your experience at SUNY Plattsburgh?

I really want to experience a different part of New York State, since I have lived in a country setting my entire life. I also want to focus on my academics and foster new relationships with professors and students.I feel that Plattsburgh will fully prepare me for a career and provide numerous memories of friendship, fun, and academics.

Why did you choose your major of study?

Originally, childhood education was my major. However, I decided to change my major halfway through my first year of college because I enjoyed my English classes above all my others and I excelled in them. My teachers were always supportive and passionate about their careers. As a result, they instilled an influential passion in me for writing and reading, and I hope to inspire other students in the same way.

What are your career aspirations after college?

I hope to teach at the middle school or high school level for a few years, and to eventually teach at a college. I would also like to write children’s books.

What words of advice would you give to a student who is thinking of transferring?

Transferring to another college requires patience and organization. Call or email the college for guidance during this process. They were very helpful when I had questions and they always answered emails right away. But most importantly, before making a decision, visit the college, take a tour, and learn more information about the activities inside and outside the college. If you will be spending a lot of time in the area over the next few years, take the time check out as much as you can!

Contact Information

The Admissions Office is located on the 10th floor of the Kehoe Building.

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m

 

Sean Brian Dermody, Assistant Director for Transfer Admissions
Phone: (518) 564-2040
Toll-Free: (888) 673-0012
Fax: (518) 564-2045
E-mail: sean.dermody@plattsburgh.edu

Mailing Address:

Admissions
SUNY Plattsburgh
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Was this page helpful?

This is an official publication of SUNY Plattsburgh

Copyright © 1996-2009 SUNY Plattsburgh 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Phone: (518) 564-2000