New Paltz, NY — On Friday, Jan. 27, the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer program hosted its first ever Alumni Panel Networking Event.  There were graduates from as early as 1990 to as recently as 2021.  Representing the likes of Goldman Sachs, Accenture, Cushman and Wakefield, and more, 10 alumni came to share their professional insights with the team. 
 
"The idea for this event started back in a November meeting in New York City with Oliver Petrovic," said Hawks coach Kyle Clancy. "Olly is one of the alumni that has been heavily involved in starting our Men's Soccer Alumni Mentor Program. We wanted to provide an opportunity to have our mentors and mentees in the program meet in person." 
 
Exactly that happened as current sophomores Christian Micheli and Thomas O'Neill got to meet with their respective mentors, Ed Burke and Evan Martel, and pick their brains prior to the start of the panel. But, the two sophomores were not the only ones to benefit from the alumni insights as the rest of the team came for an evening full of introductions, questions and answers.  The past and present Men's Soccer members connected over food and refreshments, generously provided by Sodexo.  
 
 
"All these individuals are experiencing success in their respective careers, so it was a great opportunity to pick their brains, and learn the tips and tricks to help better position ourselves for future success," said SUNY New Paltz graduate student and right back Spencer Ryczek.  
With the alumni taking the time out of their busy week to come back to campus, the team came prepared with questions and took the time to connect with the alumni in various degree fields.  The networking session also offered the program graduates a reason to get back on campus.  
 
"I just want to come back and help people navigate the post-college world," said 2012 graduate Evan Martel. "I love New Paltz and all the time that I spent here was a really great time in my life. Any time I can help out the guys on the team, it is a reflection of who I am and who I was so it's really great to be back here and anything I can do to help, I will.  I know the next generation will do the same thing."
 
The event culminated with pizza and drinks from the balcony in the Hawks Center.  The alumni got to continue their conversations while watching on as the Hawks men's basketball team defeated visiting Buffalo State, 83-40.

The SUNY New Paltz men's soccer team would like to thank Ed Burke, Oliver Petrovic, Evan Martel, Ryan Martinez, Declan Costello, Kevin Doorley, Marc DePasquale, Schuyler Mann, and Jared Sparks for taking the time out of their busy schedules to come and provide guidance and advice. The team looks forward to the next networking session and to meeting and learning from more alumni. 

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