Salvatore (Sal) Cania Jr. ’79 & ’82 has been named as the next vice president for advancement at SUNY Potsdam.
After a national search, SUNY Potsdam has named Salvatore (Sal) Cania Jr. ’79 & ’82 as the institution’s vice president for advancement and executive director of the Potsdam College Foundation.
A graduate of The Crane School of Music, Cania will be a familiar face to many in the campus community. After completing both his bachelor’s and his master’s degrees at the College, he held multiple positions at the campus, including as executive director of the Community Performance Series, and as director of gift planning and donor relations. Cania’s career in development later brought him to positions at other local higher education institutions. He was most recently the associate vice president for development and alumni relations at Clarkson University.
“I know that Sal’s 39 years of experience will bring exceptional results to SUNY Potsdam and a positive addition to the President’s Council. I look forward to working with him to build and strengthen relationships with alumni and supporters, as we seek to advance the College and its mission,” President Kristin G. Esterberg said.
Cania brings with him a philosophy of education and service, helping individuals explore their philanthropy and make the most of their giving for themselves and Potsdam. He has a particular expertise in gift planning, a customer-oriented approach to his work in advancement.
“I am honored to return to my alma mater in support of the faculty, staff and students at SUNY Potsdam and the North Country community. I look forward to supporting President Esterberg, our great Advancement team and our many volunteers, as we develop the philanthropic spirit of alumni and friends, so they may join us to transform the lives of others,” Cania said.
Crane School of Music Dean Michael Sitton chaired the search committee, which also included members of the Potsdam College Foundation Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, along with faculty and staff members from across campus.
Established in 1968, the Potsdam College Foundation is a non-profit corporation dedicated to stewarding the continued growth of private giving in support of SUNY Potsdam. Its mission is to ensure a quality future for the College and its people, by establishing endowments to support scholarships and programs to ensure campus needs are met. To learn more about giving to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving.
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.