The New York State Assembly has passed a resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, commemorating the 200th anniversary of The State University of New York at Potsdam.
The charter founding the college, initially known as St. Lawrence Academy, was signed on March 25, 1816, marking the culmination of a nearly four-year process from when the residents of Potsdam had sent a formal petition to the New York State Board of Regents seeking to establish the school.
"SUNY Potsdam has served a valuable role in the region for the past two centuries. I was pleased to bring this resolution to the floor. It is a good time to reflect on the impact the college and its graduates have had on the North Country, the state and the nation," Assemblywoman Russell said.
“From its founding in 1816, the institution known today as The State University of New York at Potsdam has been dedicated to serving our region, the state and the nation. Thousands of diligent students, loyal alumni and dedicated faculty and staff have passed through the college's halls over two centuries. Just as they emerged with new insights and memories to last a lifetime, SUNY Potsdam will forever be grateful for each and every individual who has left an impact here as well,” President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said.
"During our bicentennial, we invite everyone to honor the legacy of the people who have made SUNY Potsdam a pioneering and enduring institution — from 1816 to 2016, and beyond,” she added.
The college, one of the first 50 in the country, has a long and proud tradition. The St. Lawrence Academy opened its doors for the first time on Sept. 30, 1816. The Academy was later chosen to become part of the new Normal School system, officially becoming Potsdam Normal School in 1867. The Crane Normal Institute of Music, which later became The Crane School of Music, was founded in 1886.
In 1942, the institution became Potsdam State Teachers College, along with all other Normal Schools. Finally, in 1948, the State University of New York was established, and the campus would come to be known as SUNY Potsdam.
The college began construction for its new Pierrepont Avenue campus in 1950, and by 1954, Potsdam passed its former downtown building on to neighboring Clarkson University and relocated to its new campus.
SUNY Potsdam now serves as home to 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students studying for degrees ranging from science education to music business and international studies.
SUNY Potsdam educates many Northern New York residents, with 36 percent of the student body hailing from the North Country and 18 percent coming from St. Lawrence County. There are currently 10,200 SUNY Potsdam alumni living and working in the North Country.
Students come to SUNY Potsdam from every corner of the Empire State, including 18 percent from New York City. Others come from across the country, including from as far afield as California and Alaska. A large contingent of Canadian students study at SUNY Potsdam, along with international students from China, Brazil, and Italy, just to name a few origin countries.
The college has 850 employees, and an additional 180 people work on campus through Potsdam Auxiliary College and Educational Services.
"SUNY Potsdam is also a major employer in the North Country, and its employees strengthen our communities. The region continues to benefit from SUNY Potsdam alumni - some native Northern New Yorkers and others that have come from outside the region - that have continued to call this region home. Quite simply, these alums bring skills to our communities that help make the North Country a better place to live," Assemblywoman Russell said.
The resolution noted SUNY Potsdam has maintained the spirit of perseverance and community engagement envisioned by its founders.
"Although there are many top tier programs offered at SUNY Potsdam, tens of thousands of students at North Country schools - in fact, students across the state and nation - have benefited from teachers trained at the college," she said. "Further, the talent of musicians trained at the Crane School of Music have brought joy to our hearts as they perform on stages ranging from our local schools to the top opera venues in the world.”
Assemblywoman Russell pointed to the significance of the college's accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow for the challenges ahead.