Gary Ranftle ’82 is committed to supporting SUNY Potsdam and the programs that shaped him as a leader and team player.
“I had a very positive experience at Potsdam—as a student, as a lacrosse player, as a fraternity brother—all very positive experiences with the people there. I just loved the atmosphere,” he shares.
Last year, Gary established the Gary Ranftle '82 Men's Lacrosse Endowment to support the needs of the men’s lacrosse team.
He cites his fellow mentors and teammates—Coach Chip Hunter, Coach Peter Bence, Kenneth Sharp ’81 and Joseph Losowski ’81—as reasons for why he gives back. “I had never played high school lacrosse, and these guys helped me develop as a player quickly. I appreciated that they would put enough time and effort into a guy who never played.”
Gary also remembers what it was like to be on the team without the resources of some of the more popular sports. For many years, they would sell hot dogs, hot chocolate and candy at the basketball and hockey teams to fund the lacrosse team’s spring travel. “If I could help the team so they were never put in that position again, I’d like to do it.”
While Gary had loyally supported the College previously, the 2021 NYS Charitable Tax Credit Program empowered him to establish the endowed fund and thus make a greater impact. “The program is effectively redirecting some of my New York State tax dollars to where I want them to go. It makes it much easier to give because I am getting a tax credit for most of the gift. It made so much sense to me.”
Gary participated in the program again in 2022, resulting in the full funding of his endowed fund, and he looks forward to joining again next year if it is offered.
To join Gary in supporting the men’s lacrosse team, you can make an online gift of any size. Simply click "Other" in the designation field and type "Ranftle Lacrosse Endowment."
To learn more about how you can give back to Potsdam, visit this website.