SUNY New Paltz President Dr. Donald Christian will address the Dec. 13th breakfast meeting of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce, scheduled for 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Kingston Holiday Inn, 503 Washington Ave. It is sponsored by Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union.

Christian, who was named SUNY President in June after serving as acting president, said he is getting to know the campus and the community.

“I will speak about the college, some of our goals and priorities, and the ways that we educate students,” Christian said. “I intend to devote most of my attention to our roles as stewards of place within the Hudson Valley, the contributions that we make to the communities that support us, and our relationships within the region. My comments will touch on the ways that SUNY New Paltz and the region’s community colleges collaborate as a higher education network within the Hudson Valley.”

SUNY New Paltz President Dr. Donald Christian

Christian said he also would discuss a recent SUNY economic analysis, which demonstrates the “tremendous contributions” SUNY New Paltz makes to the region, including the volunteer contributions by faculty, staff, students and administration.

SUNY New Paltz, which is Ulster County’s third-largest employer, generates more than $338 million in economic activity and 3,331 jobs a year to the Hudson Valley economy. The college employs 1,700 employees with a payroll of about $67 million.

Christian said SUNY New Paltz and the business community come together in many ways. For example, the college’s Business Advisory Council in the School of Business includes local business leaders, who give advice on academic programs.

Business leaders also speak in classes, help with the college’s business plan competition and “generously supporting the school and our students financially,” Christian said.

“The state support that the college relies on heavily has been steadily diminishing, and we are grateful that members of the business community advocate for the value of public higher education with our legislative and executive branches, as well as providing private support for our programs and our students,” he said.

For more information or to register, call the Chamber at (845) 338-5100 or go online at www.UlsterChamber.org.

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