SUNY Potsdam Alumni & Friends Invited to Join in Reunion Fun from July 10 to 14
SUNY Potsdam will welcome back alumni and friends for Reunion 2024, from July 10 to 14, in conjunction with Potsdam’s Summer Festival.
SUNY Potsdam is preparing to welcome back hundreds of alumni, emeriti and supporters for Reunion 2024, from Wednesday, July 10 to Sunday, July 14.
Reunion will feature a diverse lineup of events and activities, including campus tours, engaging discussions, live performances, alumni awards and much more. Attendees will have the chance to reconnect with classmates, friends, faculty and staff, while also exploring campus and downtown.
“Reunion is a cherished occasion for our SUNY Potsdam family to gather, reconnect and reminisce. The campus comes to life again as we meet with many of our alumni and friends as they return to their alma mater. I love listening to them share stories about their time at SUNY Potsdam, and how the lessons learned here have positively impacted their success throughout their lives,” said President Dr. Suzanne Smith.
It’s not too late to register to join in the fun! All alumni and friends are invited to join in the festivities. To learn more, view the full schedule of events, or register, call (315) 267-2120 or visit www.potsdam.edu/reunion.
“Whether you're a recent graduate or have been away for many years, Reunion always promises to be a time of camaraderie, laughter and celebration,” said SUNY Potsdam Director of Alumni Relations Mona Ouimet Vroman ’85. “We can’t wait to welcome all our guests back to campus and create new memories together.”
Reunion 2024 will kick off with virtual events, so alumni all over the globe can join in the fun. On Wednesday, July 10, there will be a Reunion 5K Kick-Off at 10 a.m., live on the SUNY Potsdam Bears Alumni Facebook page, before participants embark on their 3.1-mile walk or run, wherever they are located. At 10:15 a.m., all are welcome to watch a live virtual campus tour led by Victoria Fitch ’19 & ’23.
The in-person celebrations will kick off on Thursday, July 11, at 4 p.m., with a welcome reception in the Fireside Lounge in the Barrington Student Union. Alumni are invited to meet SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith, catch up with friends and enjoy live music by Alex Vangellow (Hon. ’14).
Reunion will hit full swing on Friday, July 12, starting with a morning coffee tasting hosted by Conor O’Brien ’16, owner of St. Lawrence Valley Roasters, and a yoga class with instructor Douglas Callegario. Multiple campus tours will be offered, including a special look at recent renovations at The Crane School of Music. Among other highlights, there will be a hands-on demonstration of cooking with fire at the HEARTH (Handcrafted Experiential Archaeological Research and Teaching Hub), and an audio presentation on historic performances by the Crane Class of 1974. Emeriti and friends will return to campus for a special luncheon, and the evening will include a dinner with President Smith and her husband Brett Lloyd. A pool tournament will be hosted in Pete’s Place in the Barrington Student Union. Members of the Class of 1974 and the 50-Year Club will be invited to a dessert reception at the President’s House. All are welcome to take in a performance by Double Axel at Maxfield’s in downtown Potsdam that evening to close out the night.
The event line-up for Saturday, July 13, includes an in-person Reunion 5K Walk/Run, an estate and will planning seminar, and a walking tour of Bayside Cemetery. That afternoon, attendees are invited to take part in yard games, Summer Festival activities or join affinity groups and SUNY Potsdam Greek alumni will gather for their annual group photo in Minerva Plaza. At 2 p.m., Keisuke Hoashi ’89 will lead a fun information discussion of his journey from SUNY Potsdam to Hollywood, where he has a successful acting career, working in film, television, voice acting and more. The Reunion 2024 celebration will culminate with a reception and awards presentation from 4 to 6 p.m., including a silent auction and live music. The evening will close with a recital featuring Crane faculty, at 7:30 p.m. in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall.
The celebrations will close with a farewell breakfast on Sunday, July 14, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Thatcher Hall.
This year’s Alumni Association award recipients will be honored and recognized as follows:
- Minerva Award: Michael Deane ’74 and Rick Reagan ’90
- Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award: Carol Dumka ’75, David Vroman ’83 & ’91, and Toby White ’89
- Rising Star Award: Kris McCarthy ’14 and Cecelia Snow ’14
- Honorary Lifetime Membership: Katie Logan and Bill Mitchell
- St. Lawrence Academy Medal: Harry Brooks ’68
- Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award: Christine Vallas ’93
- Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award: Kyle Parker ’08
Throughout the weekend, alumni will have multiple opportunities to enjoy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the Community Performance Series (CPS) summer musical, which runs from Thursday, July 11, to Sunday, July 14. Tickets can be purchased at www.cpspotsdam.org/summer-musical. The show features a creative team partnership of more than 40 SUNY Potsdam faculty, staff and students working alongside local alumni, professionals and educators.
SUNY Potsdam’s Reunion is held in conjunction with the Village of Potsdam’s Summer Festival.
Registration headquarters will be located in the Barrington Student Union lobby this year. The public is invited to Reunion 2024 events, but must register to attend. For more information or to register for the weekend, please call (315) 267-2120 or visit www.potsdam.edu/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 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.