Letter from PCAA President
Dear Fellow Alumni,
Many of us began the transition of returning to in-person activities this fall, and for some, we started new professional opportunities, strengthened our networks, and reconnected with forgotten hobbies left behind in 2019. Please share updates with your alma mater as I’m thrilled to share the following updates and transitions happening with the Purchase College Alumni Association and the college.
This past May, the Office of Alumni Engagement hosted Alumni Weekend 2021—virtually—which featured workshops and programs facilitated by alumni across all disciplines and geographic locations. We celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Classes of 1975 and 1976 and honored the milestone class years ’0s, ’1s, ’5s, and ’6s. Plans are underway for Alumni Weekend ’22, so please save the dates of May 6-7, 2022 to return to campus for long overdue in-person events.
Last year, the Purchase College Alumni Association created four new alumni affinity groups: the Purchase Women’s Leadership Network (PWLN), the Purchase LGBTQ+ Alumni Network (PLAN), the Purchase Black Alumni Network (PBAN), and the Purchase LatinX Alumni Network (PLXN). The Purchase LatinX Alumni Network launched during Hispanic Heritage Month 2021 with a robust panel discussion featuring co-chairs Krystina Orellano ’07 (liberal studies) and Yahisha Rosario ’13 (arts management/sociology); President of Purchase College Milly Peña; Assistant Professor of History Leandro Benmergui (also Director of Casa Purchase); Associate Professor of Sociology and Latin American, Caribbean, and LatinX Studies Alexis Silver; and Pamela Alberto ’22 (philosophy).
Earlier this fall, Purchase welcomed Laura Doherty as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Purchase College Foundation and Charitable Entities. Doherty will oversee the Office of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. As a member of the search committee, I’m thrilled and excited for her plans to take alumni engagement at Purchase to the next level.
And in October, we finally gathered to celebrate the inauguration and investiture ceremony of Dr. Milagros “Milly” Peña, sixth president of Purchase College. A special thank you to the 37 class-year representatives present during the festivities.
As we reflect on our milestones with affection, I encourage you to look ahead and connect with future alumni by volunteering for any of the following opportunities: Alumni Mentor Network, Alumni Admissions Ambassadors, Alumni in the Classroom, and Alumni Postcards. Learn more about each program on our website: purchase.edu/getinvolved.
Whether virtually or in person, there are many ways to stay engaged and connected with the college. You can start with social media: like and follow @purchasealumni on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And please make sure we have your latest contact information by sending an update via purchase.edu/alumniupdate.
Remember, the PCAA Board and all of its committees and affinity groups rely on volunteers. If you are interested in becoming more involved or have comments and questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@purchase.edu.
I look forward to another successful academic year as President of the Alumni Association.
Sincerely,
Kevin Collymore ’10
President
Purchase College Alumni Association