SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association President Michael Paestella ’95 names longtime employee Maureen E. Taylor an honorary alumna of the College.
The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Maureen E. Taylor with Honorary Lifetime Membership during the College’s Reunion Weekend.
Honorary Lifetime Membership is presented to non-alums who have made exceptional contributions to the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association and/or the College. Taylor was recognized for her many years of outstanding service, dedication and commitment to the College and its students.
About the recipient:
Maureen E. Taylor has been an employee, mentor, adviser and friend of SUNY Potsdam since her arrival on campus more than 30 years ago. She has served as the longtime business manager for the Student Government Association, but more than that, she has been one of the most supportive and impactful people that the students of the College could ask for.
Students who have worked with Taylor over the years have gone on to become some of the College’s most prominent alumni, and she is one of the most notable figures for student leaders, both past and present. She never thinks twice about sacrificing her personal time to ensure that the students and organizations have what they need.
Through the years, Taylor has touched the lives of thousands of students. One former student leader described her as “always an expert at her work, a mentor to those learning to do theirs, and a friend to everyone she has met.” Another student wrote that “she acts as the motherly figure on a bad day. Other days, she is the drill sergeant telling us like it is.”
As a testament to her outstanding work with student leaders, many SUNY Potsdam alumni have gone on to successful careers in the field of student life in higher education. One such professional said that Taylor “is one of the best higher education professionals I have ever worked with. She always knew how to effectively support us in our roles, but also as people. The ability to build these relationships is a true gift, and she builds strong, real relationships with students.”
One of the most important lessons Taylor has imparted to students is the ability to lead during times of conflict. One student said that “she helped me navigate hot-button issues with grace, and taught me how to manage difficult personalities.” Another student appreciated her “helping us understand why certain things happened the way they did, and how to promote positive change.”
For more information about the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association, 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 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.
General News