SUNY Potsdam is Top-Rated for Alumni Giving and Educational Fundraising in 2018-19
SUNY Potsdam raised more than $3.76 million to support scholarships and programs at the College in 2018-19, continuing the College’s successful fundraising track record.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated and generous supporters at SUNY Potsdam. Our alumni and friends show their Potsdam pride every year, as they come together to support students today, while also building a strong endowment for tomorrow,” said Vice President of Advancement Sal Cania ’79 & ’82.
As of June 30, 2019, SUNY Potsdam had received gifts of $3.76 million in the 2018-19 fiscal year, once again surpassing the institution’s annual fundraising goal. It’s becoming an annual tradition, one that puts the College among the top small public institutions in its sector for fundraising.
The latest Voluntary Support of Education (VSE) Survey showed that, despite being the smallest campus in its SUNY peer group of comprehensive colleges, SUNY Potsdam is now ranked No. 1 for total alumni giving and No. 1 for dollars raised per student. Additionally, Potsdam is ranked second for endowment per student, and third for its overall giving among its SUNY peers.
In recognition of the College’s efforts, SUNY Potsdam was also recognized with a 2019 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). CASE bases these awards on institutions’ performance in the VSE survey. SUNY Potsdam was a first-time winner this year in the overall performance category, which recognizes colleges and universities that show solid program growth, breadth in the base of support, and other indications of a mature, well-maintained program.
Overall 2018-19 giving to SUNY Potsdam included:
- $1.78 million for academic programs: Donors supported departments and programs across campus and for a variety of disciplines again this year. SUNY Potsdam’s largest gift came from Joy (MacDonald) Dorf ’58 and Richard Dorf (Hon. ’58), who gave more than $1 million. In 2015, the Dorfs established the Dorf Endowed Director for Applied Learning position. Recognizing the impact of this gift, they have now created a dedicated fund specifically for applied learning opportunities. Alumni often choose, with great pride, to support the academic department where they studied as a student, creating opportunities for future professionals in their fields. This year, graduates from SUNY Potsdam’s computer science program are well on their way to raising $50,000 for the Computer Science 50th Anniversary Fund, which will provide needed resources for the department and its students.
- Over $800,000 for the Fund for Potsdam: This unrestricted fund supports the greatest needs of SUNY Potsdam, giving departments flexibility to support their most pressing needs and create extraordinary opportunities.
- Nearly $730,000 for scholarships: The need for scholarships continues to inspire donors at all levels. While some donors choose to endow named funds that can support students in perpetuity, many choose to make annual gifts to the overall scholarship fund. As SUNY Potsdam looks to recruit and attract the very best students and provide access to education, scholarship gifts of all sizes remain the College’s top priority.
- More than $450,000 for other priorities: Donors also made gifts to support the missions of specific areas of campus, including funds for arts and humanities, The Crane School of Music, teacher education and professional studies, math and science, student services, the libraries and athletics.
About the Potsdam College Foundation:
Established in 1968, the Potsdam College Foundation is a non-profit corporation charged with receiving gifts on behalf of SUNY Potsdam, and stewarding the continued growth of private giving in support of the College. Its mission is to ensure a quality future for the College and its people by encouraging gifts of all types and stewarding endowments to support scholarships and campus programs. To learn more about giving back to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni/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.