When Roberta “Bobbie” Reed Hamilton ’60 entered her Crane School of Music audition in 1956, she was eager to sing “Shortnin’ Bread” and play “Deep Purple” on piano. The panel of professors listened patiently as she presented the two popular songs before inviting her to return at a subsequent date with classical pieces prepared.
“I was a kid from a little country school; how was I to know what to bring for an audition?” Roberta now asks, reflecting on the incident. “That taught me of the seriousness of what I was attempting to do, and the second time I brought the proper ‘stuff’ and got the positive nod from the committee.”
Over six decades later, Roberta has certainly redeemed her repertoire mistake. Now a retired music educator in Florida, she has helped countless young musicians understand how to properly navigate the world of music.
Roberta was accepted to Crane after her second audition, and her time at the School served as the foundation of her success in music pedagogy. “The education I received there to be a music teacher was beyond reproach,” she says. “It was just wonderful.”
For a small-town girl like Roberta, studying at a renowned music school led by Helen Hosmer—who had connections with major musicians around the globe—was transformative. As a student, Roberta was selected to visit the RCA recording studio in New York City, help recruit local students through the Crane Girls’ Quartette and perform at the United Nations with the Collegiate Singers. After graduating, she felt well prepared to begin her career in the county school systems of Florida, starting in Fort Myers before moving to Sarasota.
In the 1980s, SUNY Potsdam began hosting luncheons in the Sunshine State, and Roberta volunteered to engage and invite local alumni and emeriti to attend the gatherings. When she married Dr. Edward Hamilton, he joined her, committed to helping steward Roberta’s investment in her alma mater.
Some of the most successful Florida alumni events have been hosted at the Hamiltons’ country club. At these events, Roberta and Ed welcome every attendee with kindness, grace and generosity. Their warm spirits naturally put others at ease, and they always ensure everyone’s needs are met.
The Hamiltons (center back) at an alumni event in Florida in early 2020.
Ed—a Duke University School of Medicine alumnus and retired physician—has traveled to Potsdam with Roberta multiple times, and the couple even sang together in the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Choir at Carnegie Hall in 2006. Ed is a musician himself and, in addition to singing bass, has played clarinet privately and in ensembles throughout his life. His experience with music has helped him appreciate the Crane community even more.
“Seeing the quality of the Crane graduates, he has been very impressed with their careers and their expertise,” Roberta says, noting that fellow Crane alumni will often be guest performers in the recitals the couple hosts at their Sarasota home.
Over the years, Ed has become a vital member of the Potsdam family, and the Alumni Association honored his commitment by granting him Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Class of 1960 during Reunion 2022.
Reflecting on why he cares deeply about SUNY Potsdam, Ed shares, “I’ve been impressed with Potsdam and, of course, I’ve been impressed with Bobbie. The main purpose of my interest and my activity in regard to the College is because it is helping her. Because of that I’ve just felt, if I have anything to offer, this is where it should go.”
Dr. Edward Hamilton (Hon. ’60), left, poses for a photo with “Bobbie” Reed Hamilton ’60 during SUNY Potsdam's Reunion 2022. Edward was named an honorary alumnus by the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association.
Together, the Hamiltons have included The Crane School of Music in their estate plan in order to meet the needs of aspiring student musicians and propel them into successful careers. Their gift will establish the Roberta (Reed) & Edward Hamilton Endowment for The Crane School of Music, which will provide direct support for scholarships, student experiences and scholarly activity.
Roberta is passionate about working to fund the arts and promoting young professional musicians, in Potsdam and her local community. Before the pandemic, she connected fellow Crane alumna Renee Fleming ’81 with a local professional theatre program after learning the opera star was cast in the same Broadway show that the theatre happened to be preparing. Renee invited the entire cast of the local theatre program, including many master’s students studying theatre, to the hall where she was performing to discuss the play.
Beyond music, Roberta has also recently explored book publishing. In 2020, she published a children’s book called “FIVE FUNNY TUMMY MEN,” which was written by her late mother. The story shares lessons on good eating habits for 2-12 year olds through engaging images and fun metaphors. The book is available in three versions, including one in Spanish.
Despite their multitude of achievements and commitments, the Hamiltons will always consider SUNY Potsdam to be one of their greatest priorities because, as Roberta notes, “it’s where it all began.”
Roberta recognizes that everything she has done—as a public school teacher and administrator, cruise ship music lecturer, piano teacher and publisher—finds its roots in Potsdam. “Mine is a diverse history but all done with confidence due to the fine foundation that was given to this country kid by the faculty at SUNY Potsdam. I am happy to be a contributor to the place that showed me how to do it.”
To learn more about how you can support SUNY Potsdam students through your estate plan, visit potsdam.edu/bequest.
If you are interested in volunteering at SUNY Potsdam alumni events in your region, contact alumni@potsdam.edu.