“What Can We Do Tonight?”

Publish Post

A transplant to the North Country from a little town known as Carver, MA, I fell in love with the shores of Lake Champlain and the views of the Adirondacks. Since arriving in 1999, I have called this special place home. I am a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh twice over and now a young professional working in the Center for Student Involvement at the college.

Plattsburgh State serves as my resource for arts, cultural enrichment and entertainment, but the college is often over looked as a source for these things for others. On any given day the campus has something to over.

There are staples in my mind which everyone should visit at least once. These hidden treasures include the Rockwell Kent Art Gallery, the Burke Gallery, and the Nina Winkel Sculpture Court, which just happens to be the second largest permanent exhibit of one woman’s work in the North America. This amazing collection of art work is right here in our backyard.

The college also offers an array of other activities ranging from faculty lectures, to event sponsored by the students themselves. We are fortunate to have as many international students as we do. One program that has become a tradition onto itself is the Club Caribbean Pageant held annually in the spring. The event combines the bright colors of the islands and the talents of some amazing people. The night includes singing, music and dancing that places you in the heart of a Caribbean Carnival.

If you’re looking for that off-Broadway production, the college is also host to numerous onstage productions ranging from one act plays written by students to larger main stage theater productions. The students are tremendously talented.

Equally enjoyable are the various musical productions held throughout the year. Too numerous to name, they feature a wide range of groups including the Jazz Band, the Cardinal Singers, the College Chorale, and the Gospel Choir.

Plattsburgh State played an important role in my life while I was obtaining my degrees, evening bring my wife and me together. Now, as I live and work in this community, I have found the quality of life I have looked for.

Montreal, Burlington, and other regional locations are wonderful places to visit. I don’t want to discourage you from visiting these other locations – I have my own favorite spots, too.

But the next time you think to yourself “We don’t have the arts, cultural enrichment and entertainment of a big city,” look no further then your own backyard. Many of these events are free. The rest are modestly priced.

Here’s to the possibility of bumping into you on the ground of the campus.

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Originally Published as Contributing Writer for Strictly Business
“What Can We Do Tonight?” – Strictly Leisure Section
*Modified to reflect current job title.