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SUNY Potsdam Alumni Present 2026 Minerva Award to Stephan Savoia '75 of Pembroke, Mass.

Stephan Savoia '75 of Pembroke, Mass., Recognized with 2026 Minerva Award, Highest Honor Bestowed by the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association

Potsdam, NY (07/13/2026) — The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently presented the Minerva Award, its highest honor, to Stephan Savoia '75 of Pembroke, Mass., during Reunion 2026.

The Minerva Award is presented annually to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in his or her field. It is the highest honor that a SUNY Potsdam graduate can receive from the association. Savoia was recognized for his extraordinary achievements in photojournalism, his contributions to the art of visual storytelling and a career of exceptional impact and service.

About the recipient:

Stephan Savoia '75 discovered his passion for photography at SUNY Potsdam after enrolling in a photography class as an elective. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong calling. In 1974, The Racquette published his first photograph, marking the beginning of a remarkable career dedicated to visual storytelling and documenting the human experience.

Graduating in 1975 with a degree in sociology, Savoia developed a deep understanding of people, communities and social dynamics -- insights that would later bring depth, empathy and perspective to his work behind the lens. He went on to earn a master's degree in photojournalism, further refining the technical skill and journalistic instincts that would define his career path.

Savoia built an extraordinary career with the Associated Press, becoming one of the organization's most accomplished and respected photographers. For more than four decades, he documented some of the most significant events of our time, capturing moments of triumph, tragedy, resilience and transformation. His work earned two Pulitzer Prize honors, among journalism's highest distinctions, recognizing not only his exceptional talent but his courage, integrity and unwavering pursuit of the truth.

Throughout his career, Savoia's photographs have informed, inspired, and moved audiences around the world. Whether covering major political events, breaking news, natural disasters or intimate human stories, he consistently revealed the emotional core of each moment with authenticity, compassion and clarity. His images stand as powerful reminders of photography's unique ability to connect people, illuminate truth and deepen understanding across cultures and communities.

Savoia's achievements reflect the strong foundation built during his time at SUNY Potsdam, where early mentorship and academic exploration encouraged both creativity and critical inquiry. Through his work, he has helped shape the field of modern photojournalism. Savoia's legacy continues to inspire aspiring journalists, photographers and storytellers to approach their craft with excellence, integrity and humanity.

His accomplishments bring great distinction to his profession, his community, and his alma mater. A retrospective of his photojournalism career, titled "F4 and See It: An Exhibition of Photojournalism," opened in time for Reunion and is now on display in SUNY Potsdam's Gibson Gallery through July 31.

To find out more about how SUNY Potsdam connects with its devoted 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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Media Attachments

Stephan Savoia accepts the Minerva Award from SUNY Potsdam President Suzanne Smith.

Stephan Savoia ’75 of Pembroke, Mass., is the recipient of the 2026 Minerva Award from the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. He is seen here accepting the honor from SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith at Reunion 2026.

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