Reconnect & Celebrate: SUNY Potsdam Gears Up for Reunion 2023

SUNY Potsdam Alumni & Friends Invited to Join in Reunion Fun from July 12 to 16 

SUNY Potsdam is preparing to welcome back 500 alumni, emeriti and supporters for Reunion 2023, from Wednesday, July 12 to Sunday, July 16.  

Reunion will feature a diverse lineup of events and activities, including campus tours, engaging discussions, live performances, alumni awards, a “Taste of Potsdam” reception 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 special time for our SUNY Potsdam community to come together, reconnect, and celebrate the lasting impact our alumni have made. It's an opportunity to honor the shared experiences and lifelong connections that were forged here. I look forwarding to meeting more of our alumni and friends at this special celebration,” 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/alumni/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 2023 will kick off with virtual events, so alumni all over the globe can join in the fun. On Wednesday, July 12, 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 noon, all are welcome to “Christmas in July,” presented on Zoom by SUNY Potsdam alumni and Food Network guests Bill Makin ’10 and Bryan Rivera ’12. The two talented young alumni will discuss their baking journeys and their experiences appearing on Food Network competitions this year. Bill was a finalist on “Holiday Baking Championship” this season, and Bryan was a member of the winning team, Rebels without a Claus, on “Holiday Wars.” On Thursday, July 13, the award-winning and bestselling author T.C. Boyle ’68 will take part in a discussion of his writing and his 30th book, “Talk to Me,” also via Zoom. All are welcome to join, whether you have read the novel or not! 

The in-person celebrations will kick off at 4 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, with a welcome reception in Becky’s Place. 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 14, with campus walking tours and visits to the HEARTH (Handcrafted Experiential Archaeological Research and Teaching Hub), and the newly renovated expansion to The Crane School of Music. The Gibson Gallery will host an exhibition of artwork by accomplished alumni, including ceramics, painting, sculpture and other media. Scott Miller ’10 will offer a presentation on the famous unicorn tapestries of the Cloisters, while Gary Galo ’73 will offer an audio presentation of historic performances from the Crane Class of 1973. 

The event line-up for Saturday, July 15, includes a walking tour of Bayside Cemetery, a special session on leadership and healing led by Jennifer Kensler-Lehman ’02, a 95th birthday celebration for SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus Dr. Frank Revetta (Hon. ’05), and a 50th anniversary reception for the Crane Youth Music program. 

Reunion will also bring together donors and supporters for two ceremonies dedicating spaces on campus, including the dedication of the Petercsak Percussion Studio and the Goodman Percussion Alley at The Crane School of Music (on Friday at 1:30 p.m.), and the dedication of the Prometheus Alumni Food Pantry (on Saturday at 10 a.m.).  

Alumni can mingle at two signature events on Friday and Saturday evening. On Friday, the Taste of Potsdam dinner will allow alumni to enjoy their favorite nostalgic foods, from a Sergi’s pizza roll to the campus’s Seattle Sizzler, during an outside picnic dinner with cash bar and entertainment. On Saturday, the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association will honor the 2023 award recipients in a special celebration, featuring live music, a silent auction, a photo booth and more.  

This year’s Alumni Association award recipients will be honored and recognized as follows: 

• Minerva Award: Burt Mason ’97 

• Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award: June O’Neill (Hon. ’99) 

• Rising Star Award: Jack Dring ’16 and Edith Grossman ’15 

• Honorary Lifetime Membership: Dr. Edwin Portugal, Susan Portugal and Brooks Washburn 

• St. Lawrence Academy Medal: Thomas Burns ’92 

• Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award: Marjorie Hawthorne ’92 

• Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award: Jacqueline McLean ’06 

Throughout the weekend, alumni will have multiple opportunities to enjoy “The Addams Family,” the Community Performance Series (CPS) summer musical, which runs from Thursday, July 13, to Sunday, July 16. Tickets can be purchased at www.cpspotsdam.org.  

Several of SUNY Potsdam’s Greek organizations are gathering for reunions, including Agonian Sorority (141 years), Omega Delta Phi Sorority (62 years), Phi Kappa Pi Sorority (117 years), Prometheus Fraternity (55 years) and Psi Phi Delta Fraternity (77 years). 

SUNY Potsdam’s Reunion is held in conjunction with Clarkson University’s Reunion Weekend and the Village of Potsdam’s Summer Festival. 

Registration headquarters will be located in the Raymond Hall lobby again this year. The public is invited to attend Reunion 2023 events, but must register. For more information or to register for the weekend, please call (315) 267-2120 or 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.