Alumni from Greek organizations gathered for a group photo at Minerva Plaza during SUNY Potsdam’s Bicentennial Reunion Weekend last year.
SUNY Potsdam is preparing for another Reunion Weekend filled with milestones and memories. Alumni from all class years are invited to return for this year’s festivities, which will be held from Thursday, July 13 to Sunday, July 16.
Reunion Weekend 2017 will feature several special celebrations, including the first-ever reunion for the Center for Diversity and Office of Multicultural Affairs, a mathematics alumni and department party in honor of Dr. Clarence Stephens’ 100th birthday, a 50th anniversary celebration for the WRPS/WAIH campus radio station and the second Crane Alumni Band Weekend, among others.
The Campus Learning Center will hold another gathering for alumni and friends, and several Greek organizations will mark anniversaries, including the 135th anniversary since the founding of the Calliopean Literary Society, the precursor to the Agonian Sorority, the 111th anniversary of Phi Kappa Pi and the 56th anniversary of Omega Delta Phi.
With a jam-packed schedule of events, plenty of opportunities to catch up with classmates and meet alumni from all class years, plus an array of family-friendly activities, Reunion Weekend at SUNY Potsdam has something for everyone. It’s not too late to register to join in the fun. All alumni and friends are invited to join in the festivities. To find out more, call (315) 267-2120 or visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion.
Reunion Weekend will kick off with the Early Bird Gathering on Thursday, July 13, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., in Becky’s Place at Pratt Commons, located adjacent to the Raymond Hall lobby. Entertainment will be provided by Alex Vangellow (Hon. ’14), sponsored by the Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association.
The highlights for Friday, July 14 include yoga and drumming classes, walking tours of campus, the Performing Arts Center, Maxcy Hall, The Crane School of Music and the WISER Greenhouse, plus an open house at the Center for Applied Learning. Alumni are invited to visit with some of their favorite retired professors at the annual Emeriti Luncheon from noon to 1:30 p.m. Math alumni will hold a celebration honoring SUNY Potsdam Professor Emeritus Dr. Clarence F. Stephens from 2 to 4 p.m.
On Friday night, there will be a welcome reception in the PAC for all alumni and friends from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by a food truck-style backyard barbecue dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Live music will be provided by Andy VanDuyne ’75 and Michael Welch, sponsored by PACES Dining Services.
On Saturday, July 15, attendees can start off their day at the annual Bear Walk/Run, or join in a walking tour of Bayside Cemetery. Former students, teachers and parents of the Campus Learning Center are invited to attend a reunion reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by the School of Education Alumni Association.
Guests won’t want to miss the Campus Block Party, returning again this year from 12:30 to 2 p.m., behind the Barrington Student Union. All alumni and friends are invited to attend this celebration, which will include a lunch buffet, wine and beer tastings, a photo booth and live music.
The annual choral reading for Crane alumni will feature alleluias of Crane’s past, conducted by a special guest, concluding with a singing of “Annie Laurie.” The choral reading will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Ralph Wakefield Recital Hall. From 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a 50th anniversary reception for alumni involved with the WRPS and WAIH campus radio stations, including a tour of the new station facilities.
Later in the afternoon, a gala reception, donor recognition ceremony and silent auction will be held in Thatcher Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. The class dinner and alumni award presentations will be held immediately following, in the Barrington Student Union Multi-Purpose Room.
This year’s Alumni Association award recipients will all be honored and recognized as follows:
- Minerva Award: Robert Christianson ’72 and John T. O’Shaughnessy ’88
- Distinguished Service Award: Joyce “Jackie” Tantillo Aab ’71 and Joyce Barnholt Yianoukos ’71
- Rising Star Award: Erin Wagner ’13
- Honorary Lifetime Membership: John Priest and Wendy L. Wagner
- St. Lawrence Academy Medal: Col. Leon L. Robert Jr. ’77
- Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award: Carol “Kickie” Holloway Britt ’69
Following the class dinner and award ceremony, The Crane School of Music will host the Crane Alumni Band concert, hosted by Director of Bands Dr. Brian Doyle, with special guest conductor Dr. Rebekah Covell (Hon. ’15). The performance will begin at 8:30 p.m. in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall. This event is free, and the public is invited to attend.
The College will offer a farewell breakfast on Sunday, July 16, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. in Thatcher Hall.
To view the full schedule of events for SUNY Potsdam’s Bicentennial Reunion Weekend, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion/schedule.
SUNY Potsdam’s Reunion Weekend 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 throughout the weekend for walk-in guests. The public is invited to attend Reunion Weekend events. For more information or to register for the weekend, please call (315) 267-2120 or visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.
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.