Why Choose Cortland?
We asked the question. Our students answered.
Olivia Palladino
Major: adolescence education, social studies
Hometown: River Edge, N.J.
Why Cortland? “From the start Cortland felt like the perfect mix of everything I needed. It’s a place that helped me enjoy the little things, from friendly smiles to familiar faces while constantly finding someone new to meet. Cortland has helped me grow by teaching me to love learning, allowing me to step outside my comfort zone, and to start envisioning the future I want for myself."
Jenna Baron
Major: psychology
Hometown: Nanuet, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I chose to continue my education at SUNY Cortland based on a great gut feeling and I have not looked back! From Orientation I knew I made the right choice thanks to the community and college advisors. The quality of this college is outstanding because the educators give so much care to their students. With endless helping hands, you actually feel like you are making a difference for yourself and the community around you."
Vanessa Peluso
Major: early childhood education
Hometown: Franklin Square, N.Y.
Why Cortland? "I love Cortland because of the people I’ve met here and the opportunities it has given me to learn and grow. It’s so easy to get involved, and the campus atmosphere allows you to connect and have fun with others, which creates a great college experience. My friends and I love being involved in intramural sports, and we take advantage of the nice weather by hanging out in the quad or going on walks and appreciating the town."
Daniel Cruz
Major: sport management
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I love Cortland because it helped me build connections and skills I would have never imagined I could build staying home. Meeting people from different experiences, backgrounds and beliefs helps me structure my growth."
Adriana Sigler
Major: early childhood education
Hometown: Holbrook N.Y.
Why Cortland? "Everyone here is genuinely kind and welcoming, which makes it feel like home. It’s great to see a president who is so present and engaged with students. With so many sports teams and campus activities, there’s never a shortage of ways to get involved and stay active."
Declan Kennedy
Major: adolescence education, social studies
Hometown: Lakewood, N.Y.
Why Cortland? "I love Cortland because it is responsible for helping me find friends for life. It has quickly become a 2nd home for me. I think the campus continues to grow on me every day, and you find something new to appreciate about it... when you're walking through it"
Nina Fiore
Major: early childhood education
Hometown: Carmel, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I chose SUNY Cortland because I knew it was a great school for my major and it felt like the right place to prepare for my future as a teacher. I also love the sense of community on campus. One of my favorite things is getting ice cream at Neubig. I also enjoy using the Teaching Materials Center in the library because it has so many helpful resources for future teachers."
Angelina Popp
Major: exercise science
Hometown: Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I love my campus because I keep seeing the same familiar faces in my classes, which makes everything feel a lot more comfortable. It’s really easy to connect with people when you’re running into them all the time and sharing those everyday moments. Over time, it starts to feel less like just a school and more like a small community where you actually know the people around you.”
Jake Niederbuhl
Major: adolescence education, English
Hometown: Saranac Lake, N.Y.
Why Cortland? "I chose SUNY Cortland because of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice opportunities. The Cortland Urban Recruitment of Educators and Multicultural Life and Diversity Office let me be a leader, with hands on experience in teaching and culturally responsive practices. When Wells College shut down, I thought I'd lost these opportunities, yet SUNY Cortland made them happen!"
Carli Thornton
Major: sport management
Hometown: New Milford, P.A.
Why Cortland? "I love Cortland because of the opportunities it has given me. Join clubs, sports, or Greek life and you will do some amazing things!"
Alex Polanco
Major: sport management
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I love Cortland because of all the connections you can make here and it’s a great school for my major”
Avery
Major: psychology
Hometown: Beacon, NY
Why Cortland? "I love Cortland for their amazing balance of academics and athletics!"
Brody Timm
Major: psychology
Hometown: Beacon, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I love how everyone is very inclusive and friendly throughout the whole school. I appreciate the strong academics, my varsity soccer team and all of the friends I have made.”
Genavieve Brunjes
Major: inclusive education
Hometown: Port Jefferson Sta., N.Y.
Why Cortland? "I chose Cortland because of its high-ranked education program. When taking my campus tour, I found the atmosphere to be very welcoming, and I could easily picture myself spending the next four years here"
Brett Condos
Major: physical education
Hometown: Rocky Point, N.Y.
Why Cortland? "I love the Physical Education program. From the professors and the club (APEM), to the fellow students, and more, everyone is very welcoming and ready to help expand your knowledge of the field."
Michael Braun
Major: political science
Hometown: Elmont, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “Hard work pays off at Cortland. You need to find your passion early on. It doesn’t matter what it is. Just find it, follow it, work hard at it and good things will happen.”
Elianna Bodnar
Major: international studies
Hometown: Cambridge, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “It’s comfortable. I came from a small town, so Cortland was the right size for me. At the same time, I like that it’s an international campus with students from all over the world.”
Everett Phillips
Major: exercise science
Hometown: Middletown, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “No joke, President Bitterbaum remembers everyone. And he always asks how you’re doing. He’s genuinely curious. That’s an amazing feeling as a student to know your president really cares.”
Madeline Brito
Major: sociology
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “Cortland was so different than what I grew up with — in a good way. I found my place in the Voice Office because I liked what it stood for … I honestly wouldn’t be who I am without my experiences here.”
Jeffrey Dewan
Major: communication and media studies
Hometown: Cazenovia, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “It’s a place of opportunity. I initially visited to make my mom happy. It turns out moms usually are right … I became editor of The Dragon Chronicle and learned that everyone here has a cool story to tell.”
Mariel Schickling
Majors: psychology and criminology
Hometown: Oswego, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I was a ballerina for 15 years. Then I came here and fell in love with law enforcement. And rock climbing. And muay thai kickboxing. Cortland opened my eyes to all of the things I could do.”
Justin Margolies
Major: athletic training
Hometown: Syosset, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I had no idea what (SUNY Cortland Emergency Medical Services) was when I joined as a freshman. I saw the front door was open and I felt good about it. Since then, it’s been one big community that I’m so fortunate to be a part of.”
Tatiana Nolen
Major: athletic training
Hometown: Fort Pierce, Fla.
Why Cortland? “I grew up in the Bronx, so I knew about Cortland’s reputation in athletic training. I fell in love with everything once I got here: the clubs, the people ... even the sunsets walking down the hill.”
Laura Barnstead
Major: professional writing and political science
Hometown: Elmira, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I wrote a letter to myself freshman year as part of Adirondack Trail Blazers. I made it my goal to never earn lower than a 4.0 (GPA). It happened. I wanted academic rigor and I wanted balance. I found both here.”
Tevin Pham
Major: exercise science
Hometown: New York Mills, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I know it sounds corny … Cortland made me a better person. I’m on track to graduate early but I really want to stay the full four years. This is my second home.”
Timothy Duerr
Major: biology
Hometown: Massapequa, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “Professors are top-notch. They’ll have posted office hours but no one knows them because they’re always there. They want you to pop in, say hi and tell them about your research or a different class.”
Hannah Hoagland
Major: speech and hearing science
Hometown: Hunter, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “The atmosphere. When I stepped on campus, it just felt like college should. I didn’t get that feeling other places.”
Marissa Cabrera
Major: childhood/early childhood education
Hometown: Holbrook, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “For me, it was Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators (C.U.R.E.). No other school has anything like it. It’s this small and intimate program that makes a big impact.”
Ursula Mates
Major: physics and engineering (3+2)
Hometown: Stony Brook, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “Everything is manageable, whether you want to get involved or change your major. I originally wanted to teach science. Now I want to work on nuclear propulsion submarines and move on to teaching after that.”
Nicholas Schuldt
Major: childhood/early childhood education
Hometown: Chenango Bridge, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “I transferred in this year but it feels like I’ve been here longer. I knew I wanted to be somewhere with a good program, where I felt welcomed and I didn’t have to wait to get involved. That was Cortland for me.”
Matt Greenlaw
Major: sport management
Hometown: Warwick, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “My brother went to Cortland so I guess you could say it runs in the family. He had a lot of success here – winning a national title and getting a job right after graduating. I’m hoping to do the same.”
Diana Reidy
Major: musical theatre
Hometown: Sandwich, N.H.
Why Cortland? “Cortland was the last school that I auditioned at. I didn’t feel anything at the others. Cortland just clicked. … And I was right. I’ve been cast in three shows as a freshman. It’s been incredible.”
Dominique Hinds
Major: psychology
Hometown: New York City
Why Cortland? “I was nervous about meeting people and making friends. It took a little bit of time, but the faculty really helped with my transition. Now I feel like I know people everywhere.”
Arielle Curry
Major: speech and hearing science
Hometown: West Hempstead, N.Y.
Why Cortland? “My initial decision was based on my major, but Cortland has become so much more. I’ve found a family of friends. And every weekend brings a new adventure. In two weeks, I’m going skydiving.”
Fernando de la Cruz
Major: social philosophy and international studies
Hometown: New York City
Why Cortland? “It’s an atmosphere where people enjoy challenging themselves. The thing about Cortland is that everybody is on the verge of doing what they want to do. I love the environment. I love the community.”
Pauriany Segarra
Major: graphic design and digital media
Hometown: New York City
Why Cortland? “College should be about meeting different people and developing new skills and Cortland is the perfect place for that. I found a second family after joining my sorority (Sigma Lambda Upsilon).”