SUNY Potsdam Holds Dedication Ceremony for Shusda Classroom, Honoring Generosity of Sandra Wagoner Shusda ’71 & William Shusda
Alumna Sandra Wagoner Shusda ’71 speaks with Victoria Fitch ’19 & ‘24, director of stewardship at SUNY Potsdam, during a naming dedication ceremony in the new Shusda Classroom.
SUNY Potsdam marked the dedication of a newly renovated academic space in honor of longtime supporters, alumna Sandra Wagoner Shusda ’71 and her husband William Shusda, in an intimate ceremony on Friday, Oct. 11.
The Shusda Classroom, located in the newly refurbished Carson Hall, was named in recognition of the couple’s longstanding record of support for SUNY Potsdam. On top of their past giving, the couple recently made a gift commitment of $30,000 to name the space in celebration of the impact that Sandra’s Potsdam education had on their life together.
Interim Provost Dr. Alan Hersker, right, presents a naming resolution to SUNY Potsdam supporters, alumna Sandra Wagoner Shusda ’71 and her husband William Shusda, during a dedication ceremony for the new Shusda Classroom.
Maya Peek ’26, right, claps with her classmates during a naming dedication ceremony in the new Shusda Classroom in SUNY Potsdam’s Carson Hall, honoring the generosity of Sandra Wagoner Shusda ’71 and William Shusda.
“Potsdam holds a special place in my heart. All I wanted to be since second grade was a teacher. Potsdam gave me the education I needed to be a math teacher for 35 years. I had many friends when going to Potsdam—some I’ve kept in touch with all these years,” Sandra Shusda said. “One day, I wandered over to Clarkson with a friend and met the love of my life, Bill. We’ve had 52 years of marriage. Students, follow your dreams—and take advantage of all that SUNY Potsdam has to offer.”
The space was finalized as part of a major multi-year renovation of Carson Hall, the oldest building on the Pierrepont Avenue campus. The project added elevators for improved accessibility, and updated classrooms and common study areas, as well as making upgrades to the building infrastructure systems to be more modern and energy efficient.
“As a math major, who had many classes here in Carson Hall, I am thrilled to be in this space as we celebrate what can be done with support from donors like Sandi and Bill Shusda. Seeing gifts turned into action is among our greatest rewards,” said Potsdam College Foundation Secretary Justin Sipher ’92 & ’98.
William Shusda shakes hands with Blair Madore, a mathematics professor at SUNY Potsdam, during a naming dedication ceremony in the new Shusda Classroom.
“While new, shiny facilities are exciting, what makes Carson Hall special is the history and legacy that exists within these walls and continues today. … Generations of alumni have walked these halls, exploring their own passions and pursuing academic journeys that propel them toward personal and professional success,” said School of Arts and Sciences Interim Dean Dr. Shiho Imai. “Throughout their lives, Bill and Sandi Shusda have shared a deep-rooted commitment to higher education, loyally supporting both of their alma maters for decades and giving back to the North Country, where they got their start.”
The couple met while they were students at SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University. After graduation, Sandi went on to a successful and impactful career as a mathematics teacher at Nazareth Academy and Lima Christian School. Bill got his start in civil engineering as the superintendent for construction of the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex at SUNY Potsdam before beginning a long career with the New York State Department of Transportation.
“As I learn more about Bill and Sandi, it’s becoming even clearer how appropriate it will be to have this space honor them,” said Interim Provost Dr. Alan Hersker. “Our students take what we offer here—the education, the applied and curricular experiences, the close and caring mentoring by faculty—and go on to improve their lives and the lives of their families because of those experiences. It’s very fitting that this will become the Shusda Classroom, since that resonates so well with Bill and Sandi’s personal journeys and values.”
To learn more about giving to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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