SUNY Oswego is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Paestella as the new director of alumni engagement.
A dedicated member of the SUNY Oswego community for over 23 years, Paestella has held several leadership roles, including his most recent position as associate director of leadership development. He joined the university community in 2001 as assistant director of campus life for student organization services, moving into the broader role as assistant director of student involvement before his most recent role in leadership development. Prior to Oswego, Paestella worked in residence life and in student life at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.
His extensive experience in fostering civic engagement, educational leadership, and diversity and inclusion uniquely positions him to strengthen connections with alumni and enhance engagement initiatives. He began his new position in December.
“Mike brings decades of experience with our campus and our students — and, therefore, decades of relationships with our alumni — into this role, and we are thrilled to have him hit the ground running as we continue to build programs to engage our 95,000+ alumni family,” said Laura Pavlus Kelly ’09, senior director of alumni engagement and executive director of the Oswego Alumni Association.
In his new role, Paestella will be responsible for logistical and volunteer coordination of SUNY Oswego’s annual Reunion Weekend; coordination of regional and virtual alumni events throughout the year; management and coordination of annual Founder’s Weekend activities; Graduates Of the Last Decade (GOLD) engagement strategies and communication; oversight of bi-annual Torchlight Ceremony programming; and more.
Paestella said he is excited for the position because it enables him to combine two passions: working with former student leaders and expanding alumni outreach and engagement.
"One truly amazing opportunity this role provides me is the opportunity to build relationships with formerly involved students and current students — to be able to build connections to complete the circle of engagement as current students learn and grow from the insights and lessons of our alumni," he said. "I believe deeply in the impact alumni can have on students and it is an honor to be able to play a role in this process."
One of the biggest adjustments for the long-time Laker might be remembering where to park on campus. "After six years in Hewitt Union and 17.5 years in the Marano Campus Center, I have to remind myself to go to King Alumni Hall," he joked. Despite the adjustment, he expressed enthusiasm for the new challenges and opportunities the position brings.
"This role will allow me to build on the relationships I've built with our students and alumni in a fun and meaningful way," he said.
Paestella holds a master’s degree in student affairs and higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam -- where he was the 2020 recipient of its Distinguished Service Award -- as well as certificates of advanced study in intercultural management and in leadership and management from University of Notre Dame. Among his other accolades, he earned a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service, is a 40 Under 40 recipient for Oswego County and has been inducted into several honor societies.