SUNY Potsdam Celebrates Generous Record of Giving in 2023-24, Supporting Academic Programs, Scholarships & More
Thanks to steadfast support from its donors, SUNY Potsdam raised more than $5.2 million in new gifts and pledges in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Alumni giving increased by 82 percent from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, showing SUNY Potsdam graduates’ strong commitment to their alma mater.
“We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering generosity of our donors. Their remarkable support not only reflects a deep commitment to SUNY Potsdam, but also empowers us to provide transformative educational experiences for our students. This record of giving is a testament to the enduring bond between our alumni, friends, and the College. Together, we are building a brighter future for our community and beyond,” said SUNY Potsdam Vice President for Advancement David Davin.
Despite being one of the smallest SUNY comprehensive colleges, the Potsdam campus continues to rank among the top institutions for fundraising among its SUNY peers, recently ranking second in endowment fundraising, for example.
The Potsdam College Foundation, which stewards private giving in support of SUNY Potsdam, received gifts from 2,606 donors to the College in 2023-24, of whom 310 were President’s Club members (giving $1,000 or more in one fiscal year). In addition, the number of Raymond Legacy Society members grew to 387, celebrating those who make an estate gift, establish an endowed fund or name a physical space on campus.
The impressive total doesn’t even include the recent headline-grabbing surprise donation by legendary television producer Chuck Lorre ’74, who pledged $1 million to support SUNY Potsdam during a recent public talk on campus. Details for that gift are still being finalized with the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation.
“It’s amazing to see our alumni and friends show their support for a place that we hold so dear. Our donors know the transformational impact that SUNY Potsdam is able to provide for our students and how that support ripples out into their futures, into our community, and into the world beyond. Every gift, no matter the size, has a transformation impact for Potsdam and for our students,” said Potsdam College Foundation President Amy Kellogg ’99.
Overall, among the outright gifts received in 2023-24, donors provided more than $1.27 million in support of academic programs, to support learning experiences which ensure academic success and innovation. Scholarships were the second highest giving priority among donors, receiving $898,231 in gifts to fill gaps in financial aid for deserving students.
Flexible unrestricted giving totaled $585,000 for the fiscal year, supporting emerging needs, exciting unforeseen opportunities and strategic priorities, thanks to the Potsdam Promise and Fund for Potsdam initiatives. Enhancements to campus facilities and learning spaces garnered $131,540, and gifts to support Potsdam Bears athletics brought in an additional $118,661.
The Foundation’s endowment market value now stands at approximately $54.9 million. On top of direct giving, endowed program funds generated $1,020,000 for departments and programs across campus, and endowed scholarships generated $1,060,000 for direct student support in 2023-24.
Recent gifts of note included:
- $20,000 from the Alcoa Foundation in support of WISER programming to increase community resilience and food biodiversity
- An estate gift commitment of $540,000 to establish the Don ’59 and Janice Egry ’58 Scholarship at The Crane School of Music
- A $31,000 gift to establish the Royce and Evelyn (Aldrich) Miller Scholarship, also for Crane students
- A $26,000 gift from the President to create the Suzanne Smith and Brett Lloyd Presidential Scholarship
To learn more about giving to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving.
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. For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving/pcf.
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.