Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher poses with SUNY Potsdam art education student Cashlynn Jaggers ’20 and her commissioned work.
SUNY Potsdam art education student Cashlynn Jaggers ’20 was only a freshman, but she was chosen last semester to create a commissioned artwork by none other than the SUNY Board of Trustees, to honor Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.
The 18-year-old from Massena, N.Y., spent the Spring 2017 semester working on a watercolor depiction of the historic State University of New York Plaza in downtown Albany.
She received guidance every step along the way from SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of Art Dr. Joseph Hildreth, who is the longtime curator of the SUNY Student Art Exhibition Series, and has also worked with Chancellor Zimpher as a University Faculty Senate Fellow.
Jaggers traveled to Albany on June 20 for a formal reception at Kiernan Plaza honoring Chancellor Zimpher, as she prepares to resign after eight successful years of dedicated service to SUNY. During the ceremony, Chairman Carl McCall presented Jaggers’ painting on behalf of the SUNY Board of Trustees.
“I am a self-taught watercolor artist, but prefer acrylic and oil painting. The painting took about a month to complete, and I was meeting with Joe consistently to check on my progress and keep the board informed,” Jaggers said. “The watercolor painting was unveiled during the Chairman’s speech and I was recognized as the student artist. It was such a major honor.”
Jaggers was joined at the ceremony by her father, SUNY Potsdam alumnus William Jaggers ’99, and her boyfriend, Judson Colbert, who will begin his studies at SUNY Canton this fall.
“Chancellor Zimpher has provided visionary leadership throughout her tenure, and it has been an honor to work alongside her for the betterment of SUNY Potsdam and the entire SUNY System. It is gratifying to have a rising SUNY Potsdam student artist take part in honoring the Chancellor for her service. We couldn’t be more proud of Cashlynn,” SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg said.
“A highlight of serving as chancellor has been meeting with and advocating for students of SUNY,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “I am truly grateful that the Board of Trustees would honor my work with a painting by one of our students. This will be displayed prominently and will serve as a reminder to me of the talent of our students and the great future they have ahead.”
SUNY Potsdam art graduates have gone on to pursue professions in the fine arts, art administration, art therapy, digital design, K-12 and university teaching, museum curation, audio/visual administration, publishing, gallery ownership, interior design, architecture, commercial printing, pattern making, photojournalism and studio ceramics. For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/art.
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 4,000 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.