Yianoukos recently met with campus representatives to present the gift at the Sheard Literacy Center. The group included, from left: From left, Sheard Literacy Center Director Tina Wilson Bush ’89, SUNY Potsdam Associate Director of Giving Rebecca Weissman, Alpha alumna Joyce Yianoukos ’71, Community Performance Series Executive Director Jason L. Dominie ’08 & ’10, CPS Education Coordinator Patti Mason ’05 and Literacy Center Interim Director Cindy Wells.
The Alpha Delta Kappa Alumnae Association bolstered its support of community literacy programming offered at SUNY Potsdam with a recent gift. Alumnae from the sorority recently visited campus to present a check of $1,170 to the Rebecca V. Sheard Literacy Center, in support of its ongoing collaboration with the Community Performance Series.
CPS is working with the literacy center on an upcoming “from page to stage” educational program. In March 2019, the CPS Meet the Arts Series will welcome the Theatre Heroes production of Jack London’s classic novel, “The Call of the Wild.” Area school districts have been invited to bring students in grades 4 to 12 to take in the performance. Families and community members are also welcome.
Leading up to the show, CPS had an ambitious goal to provide a hard copy of the book to every student attending from participating schools, with younger students receiving a graphic novel version. In addition to taking in the play performance, select schools will also be included in a literacy study by Dr. Amanda Mayes of Purdue University, who is seeking to measure the impact of live performance on literacy initiatives.
After hearing about the project during a luncheon hosted by Alpha alumna Joyce Yianoukos ’71 this July, sisters quickly raised funds and also donated copies of the book to CPS to provide to participating schools.
The Alpha Delta Kappa Alumnae Association established the Alpha and Friends Endowment Fund in 2015. Alpha was originally founded as a literary society at Potsdam Normal School, and the sorority’s alumnae see support for literacy initiatives as being part of their legacy at the College. To date, Alpha alumnae have contributed more than $120,000 to support the Sheard Literacy Center, in addition to donating hundreds of books and sponsoring professional development events for literacy students.
The Rebecca V. Sheard Literacy Center at SUNY Potsdam provides literacy education to the greater Northern New York community, including resources and educational support for parents and teachers, as well as partnering with projects that promote leadership and research on pedagogy and curriculum. For more information about the center, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS/education/litcenter.
Community Performance Series is a college-community partnership presenting distinctive and renowned performing artists and arts education opportunities in Northern New York. This rich mixture of programming links communities, classrooms and audiences of all ages and preserves access to the performing arts for future generations. For more information, visit www.cpspotsdam.org.
To learn more about giving back to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving.
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 3,600 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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