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SUNY Potsdam Alumni Honor Sally Farrell Partner '78 of Rochester, N.Y., with Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award

Sally Farrell Partner '78 of Rochester, N.Y., Honored with 2026 Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award from SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association

Potsdam, NY (07/14/2026) — The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Sally Farrell Partner '78 of Rochester, N.Y., with the Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award during Reunion 2026.

The Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award is presented to alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the Alumni Association and/or the College. It was renamed in 2022 in honor of former Alumni Association Trustee Donald Tompkins '68.

Partner was honored for her extraordinary leadership, generous spirit, and years of dedicated service to the College and its alumni.

About the recipient:

For more than a decade, Sally Farrell Partner '78 has served as a dedicated, visionary and influential leader within the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. Shortly after joining the Alumni Board, she was recognized for her insight, leadership skills and collaborative spirit, and quickly advanced through the ranks of the Executive Committee. Over the years, Partner has served in every Executive Committee position, a remarkable testament to her versatility, institutional knowledge and unwavering willingness to lead wherever she is needed most.

Partner's service extends far beyond the board. As a trustee for more than 10 years, she has provided strategic guidance and steadfast advocacy for SUNY Potsdam. Her tenure as President of the Alumni Association during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly impactful. In a time of unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, Partner led with clarity, resilience and compassion. She helped reimagine alumni engagement through virtual and innovative programming, ensuring that alumni, and the board, remained connected to one another and to the College. Under her guidance, the board not only sustained its work, but emerged stronger, more engaged and more innovative.

Those who have served alongside Partner have witnessed firsthand her extraordinary generosity of time, talent and spirit. Whether mentoring students, volunteering for committee assignments, sponsoring events or leading strategic initiatives, she approaches every responsibility with enthusiasm and purpose. For many years, she has spearheaded the Alumni Association's silent auction, raising scholarship funds -- an undertaking requiring tremendous organization, persistence and care.

Even after serving in every formal leadership capacity, Partner continues to step forward to serve again. Her enduring commitment, authentic love for her alma mater, and dedication to its students and alumni exemplify the very essence of distinguished service.

To find out more about SUNY Potsdam's committed alumni, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.

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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Sally Farrell Partner and Suzanne Smith pose with the Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award.

Sally Farrell Partner ’78 of Rochester, N.Y., seen at right, is the recipient of the 2026 Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award from SUNY Potsdam’s Alumni Association. SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith (left) presented the award at Reunion 2026.

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