SUNY Potsdam President Suzanne Smith Welcomes Major General Michel Natali for Ribboncutting & Signing Ceremony for Campus New York Army National Guard Office
SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith, center, walks across campus with Maj. Gen. Michel Natali after formal signing and ribboncutting ceremonies to celebrate the launch of a New York Army National Guard recruiting office on campus.
SUNY Potsdam officials welcomed New York Army National Guard Major General Michel Natali for a ribboncutting and formal signing ceremony celebrating its new campus recruiting office, on Monday, March 24.
President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith joined with Maj. Gen. Natali and members of the New York Army National Guard, as well as local partners, students, faculty and staff, to mark the occasion. During the visit, they held formal signing and ribboncutting ceremonies for the new office, visited the veteran student lounge, and joined a tabling takeover in the Barrington Student Union.
“This event marks an important step forward in SUNY Potsdam’s commitment to serving military-affiliated students, service members, and veterans. This endeavor was made possible through strong collaboration and shared vision,” Dr. Smith said. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to College Council member and Army National Guard Capt. Alex Hammond, Interim Provost Dr. Alan Hersker, and Staff Sgt. Jake Seguin for their leadership and commitment in bringing this initiative to life. Their dedication to expanding opportunities for military-affiliated students has been truly inspiring.”
Since the Guard opened its doors for the local recruiting office in its new Morey Hall location in November, Sgt. Seguin has recruited 10 new members and met with many more individuals about the opportunity to become an enlisted soldier or commissioned officer. The office is open to anyone interested in a career with the Guard.
Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jake Seguin, left, shakes hands with a student in front of an Army National Guard recruiting table on Monday, March 24 inside SUNY Potsdam’s Barrington Student Union.
“Thanks for taking the opportunity this morning to sit down with us to formally execute this memorandum of understanding. Thanks on behalf of Major General Raymond Shields, the adjutant general, and all of our membership—all 11,700 soldiers of the New York Army National Guard, who call New York home. A lot are students in the SUNY System, and having our presence here on campus, not only sustains and helps to build our strength for the future, but also ensures that we stick by our commitments to our local communities. So, I just want to say thanks for accommodating our presence here, and making this a resource to our soldiers and to our veterans,” Maj. Gen. Natali said.
Thanks to a new guaranteed acceptance program with SUNY Potsdam, Guard members also have the additional opportunity to receive tuition assistance, access student loan repayment programs, receive paid skills training and benefit from low-cost family healthcare plans—allowing them to study and serve at the same time.
Participants in the program are able to substantially reduce the cost of attendance, thanks to generous benefits, including free tuition and additional G.I. Bill benefits of up to $385 per month for signing a six-year National Guard contract. The Guard also offers signing bonuses of up to $20,000 for critical career fields. Participants may also choose to cross-register to complete the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program through neighboring Clarkson University, to receive an additional $420 per month and put themselves on a career path to become an officer.
Army National Guard Spc. Daniel Nadelen, center, works at an Army National Guard recruiting table on Monday, March 24 inside SUNY Potsdam’s Barrington Student Union after formal signing and ribboncutting ceremonies to celebrate the launch of a New York Army National Guard recruiting office on campus.
Army National Guard Spc. Olivia Krytus, center, speaks with Pvt. Andrew Favreau, left, at an Army National Guard recruiting table on Monday, March 24 inside the Barrington Student Union.
“SUNY Potsdam has long been committed to strengthening our partnerships with the military and veteran community. Our recent visit to Fort Drum underscored the many ways we can work together to provide educational pathways, workforce development, and support networks for service members and their families. This ribboncutting today is just one step in that ongoing effort, and we are proud to play a role in expanding access to education and career opportunities for those who have served. I also want to thank Major General Michel Natali and our guests from the New York Army National Guard for their continued partnership and dedication. It is through these collaborations that we can truly make a difference,” Dr. Smith said.
In addition to the guaranteed admission program with the New York National Guard, SUNY Potsdam also has a longstanding Army and Air Force ROTC partnership along with Clarkson University, and special benefits for veterans and military-affiliated students, such as priority class registration, possible credit for military training/experience, in-state tuition, free parking, recreational facilities fee waivers, free printing, a dedicated lounge, and more.
To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/military.
For more information on the New York Army National Guard, visit www.nationalguard.com/new-york.
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 2,500 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.
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