SUNY Potsdam Alumni Honor Legacy of Beloved Professor with Establishment of Richard Del Guidice Student Forum & Civil Discourse Fund
Alumni and friends returning to SUNY Potsdam for Reunion 2023 are invited to stop by the newly dedicated Richard J. Del Guidice Student Forum in the Barrington Student Union during their visit.
The newly named space was first dedicated in honor of the beloved professor emeritus in October 2022, honoring the late Dr. Richard J. Del Guidice (Hon. ’92), a revered member of the SUNY Potsdam community who passed away in 2021.
Del Guidice, who joined the SUNY Potsdam faculty in 1968, left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students, faculty, staff and community members through his life and career. Throughout his distinguished career, he was a valued mentor to junior faculty, superb academic advisor, esteemed politics department chair, academic advisor to the women’s basketball team and respected dean of liberal studies. As chair of the pre-law program, his courses were tough, demanding and among the best the College offered. Throughout his distinguished career, Del Guidice was awarded the highest honors given by the College and the SUNY System, in recognition of his superior professional achievement and pursuit of excellence.
Following his passing on January 12, 2021, a group of alumni, deeply influenced by Dr. Del Guidice, came together with his wife, Kathryn Del Guidice ’83, to honor his memory. Amy Kellogg ’99, Roger Linden ’74, Gary Hind ’77 and Deborah Diefendorf Hind ’75, along with other alumni, generously contributed to the Richard J. Del Guidice Fund Encouraging Civil Discourse. In total, $150,000 was received from alumni, family and friends for the purpose of naming the forum and establishing the endowed fund.
“Dr. Del Guidice and I didn't always agree on topics and issues we were discussing, but that never hindered our respect for one another. The Richard J. Del Guidice Student Forum represents the opportunity for our community to engage and even disagree, all while promoting a safe and respectful environment. The accompanying Civil Discourse Fund will further encourage and teach these principles to our students and the broader community,” Gary Hind ’77 said.
From left, former SUNY Potsdam Officer-in-Charge and Politics Professor Emeritus Dr. Philip T. Neisser ’79, Gary Hind ’77, Deborah Diefendorf Hind ’75, Kathy Del Guidice ’83, Amy Kellogg ’99 and Roger B. Linden ’74 gather for a photo following the dedication of the Richard J. Del Guidice Student Forum in the Barrington Student Union.
The Richard J. Del Guidice Student Forum serves as a hub for student organizations and campus programming. Notably, the Department of Politics recently hosted a pre-law forum there sponsored by the Del Guidice Civil Discourse Fund, engaging students with local law professionals on the topic of resolving disputes in and out of court. The fund supports student experiences that promote civil discourse, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the world.
To ensure accessibility for all, a specially designed table has been installed in the forum. This addition, championed by Kathy Del Guidice, provides intentional space for individuals using wheelchairs to actively participate in the discussions, fostering inclusivity.
The Del Guidice Student Forum is one of six newly dedicated spaces that alumni and supporters are invited to visit during Reunion 2023—a tribute to the incredible generosity and bold vision of the College’s devoted donors, and the alumni, faculty and staff who have inspired them.
Other newly named spaces include the Robert and Beverly Washburn Rehearsal Room, the Petercsak Percussion Studio, the Goodman Percussion Alley and the Sweetwater Lobby—all in the newly renovated addition to The Crane School of Music—as well as the Prometheus Alumni Food Pantry in the Barrington Student Union.
To learn more about giving back to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/give.
For the schedule of events and registration information for Reunion 2023, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion.
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 3,000 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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