SUNY Potsdam & Clarkson University Regretfully Announce Cancellation of Reunion Weekend 2020
In a message relayed to alumni earlier this month, due to the changing regulatory environment with the COVID-19 crisis, Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam have decided to delay this year’s Reunion Weekend to July 8 to 11, 2021.
Reunion Weekend would have been held from July 9 to 12 this year. Even though the North Country region has begun reopening under the New York Forward plan and guidelines, it would still be difficult to plan a large event welcoming hundreds of alumni from across the country to the campuses and maintain the character of the events while following all needed public health guidelines.
“It is with regret that SUNY Potsdam has made the difficult decision to cancel our Reunion celebration this year, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We are looking forward to connecting with alumni virtually this summer, and hope to welcome back alumni and celebrate our milestone classes with an expanded Reunion Weekend in 2021,” said SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg. “We are committed to working with community leaders to find ways to continue to support local businesses that will be impacted by the loss of visitors this year.”
“The COVID-19 crisis has caused everyone to pivot and change plans, and we are no exception. Like every year, the health, safety, and well-being of all of the Reunion participants and our greater Clarkson community are our highest priorities,” said Clarkson President Tony Collins. “With Clarkson celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2021, we are committed to making it one of the best ever reunions and extending our reach into communities around the country throughout the year!”
Reunion Weekend is typically held in conjunction with the Potsdam Summer Festival. The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Potsdam Summer Festival has also been canceled this year, due to the pandemic.
Both Clarkson and SUNY Potsdam’s Offices of Alumni Relations will work with this year’s milestone anniversary class years and affinity groups to celebrate them during next year’s Reunion Weekend, which will be held from July 8 to 11, 2021. They are also making plans to honor the recipients of the 2020 Alumni Awards from afar this year and will be offering a select number of virtual events during the week of July 6.
The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association meeting will still take place that week as well.
“While this was not an easy decision to make, and one that was made with a heavy heart, we believe it was necessary to protect the health and safety of our alumni, staff and the entire Potsdam community,” said SUNY Potsdam Director of Alumni Relations Mona Ouimet Vroman ’85. “We hope that alumni understand our decision and that they and their loved ones remain safe and healthy. We look forward to the time when we can see all of them and celebrate in person.”
“Current restrictions on gatherings of any size in New York State combined with the comprehensive preparations we are undertaking to welcome students back in the Fall would limit our ability to provide the level of experience we hold ourselves accountable to delivering this year,” said Clarkson University Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Matthew Draper. “This was not an easy decision as the University has diligently followed the guidance provided by the CDC, New York State, and local authorities throughout this crisis. We also appreciate the expertise and perspectives that many alumni have shared with us.”
To stay connected with SUNY Potsdam and find out about upcoming virtual events, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.
For more information about upcoming virtual events at Clarkson, visit https://engage.clarkson.edu/.
About Clarkson University:
As a private, national research university, Clarkson is a leader in technological education and sustainable economic development through teaching, scholarship, research and innovation. We ignite personal connections across academic fields and industries to create the entrepreneurial mindset, knowledge and intellectual curiosity needed to innovate world-relevant solutions and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow. With its main campus located in Potsdam, N.Y., and additional graduate program and research facilities in the New York Capital Region, Beacon, N.Y., and New York City, Clarkson educates 4,300 students across 95 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, the arts, education, sciences and health professions. Our alumni earn salaries that are among the top 2.5% in the nation and realize accelerated career growth. One in five already leads as a CEO, senior executive or owner of a company. To learn more, visit www.clarkson.edu.
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 3,600 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.