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SUNY Potsdam Celebrates Class of 2025 at Commencement

The State University of New York at Potsdam Honors Graduates at College's 205th Commencement Ceremony

Potsdam, NY (05/17/2025) — The SUNY Potsdam Class of 2025 braved a cloudburst and thundering skies as they lined up for Commencement, but were rewarded shortly thereafter with a welcome spot of sunshine to mark the conclusion of their studies.

As he opened the ceremony with the Ohen:ton Karikwatekhwen ("The words before all else"), Jake Thompson '25 of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation gave greetings to the four winds and the Grandfather Thunderers, who had just been there. Through the raindrops, Inca-Sole Picon '25 sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a hymn of liberation and hope, while her fellow Crane School of Music graduates Eddie Hayes '25 and Haleigh Vescio '25 led the crowd in the national anthems of Canada and the United States, respectively.

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith addressed the graduates, expressing her pride and excitement. "Today, we celebrate you -- all that you have accomplished here, and all that we know you will accomplish from this day forward," she said. She also introduced June O'Neill (Hon. '99), chair of the College Council, who urged graduates to express appreciation for their families and supporters, and embrace the future with optimism.

"This isn't a place that just educates. It's a place that shapes you and molds you in ways you may not even realize until much later, and that's what I think of when I hear 'Potsdam family.' It's not just a catchy phrase, but a promise. It's a promise that we'll show up for each other, even when the road gets tough. It's a promise that, no matter how different our paths might be, we'll root for each other, we'll encourage each other, and we'll always choose to care," said Student Government Association President Eve Borrelli '25. "There are a thousand more things I could say about my time here at Potsdam, and everything that I have learned -- yet the most important things are not what led to the degree, though of course they matter too. Instead, it's how SUNY Potsdam gave me more than a degree. It taught me about advocacy, community and leadership. It gave me the courage to speak up, the support to keep going, and the people who reminded me I didn't have to do it alone."

The clouds parted and the sun began to shine again just as keynote speaker Ronald Fishbeck '80 took to the podium. He told the crowd he was given two objectives when he was asked to address the graduates: "Give this speech, and bring weather from Virginia -- and here it is!"

Fishbeck, the retired CEO of Systems Made Simple and vice president of the Potsdam College Foundation Board of Trustees, choked up at points, as he spoke first about meeting his wife, Teresa Fishbeck (Hon. '19) as a student 44 years ago, and of the powerful gratitude the couple feel now in helping students complete their studies, through their endowed scholarships and support for their alma mater.

"As much as today is a celebration of your past accomplishments, it's even more important to recognize that now -- right at this very moment -- it's your time. It is your time to step forward, to make a difference, to shape your own future and make a positive impact on the world," Fishbeck said. "You've been preparing for your whole life, and it's time to use what you've learned to create something new, something better. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo, to break down barriers, and to reimagine what's possible. True opportunities only come around so often."

Fishbeck studied computer science at SUNY Potsdam and went on to a highly successful career, eventually co-founding a company, Systems Made Simple, that grew to become a $350 million firm. He finally retired in 2014, after Lockheed Martin acquired the company. He and his wife reside in Aroda, Va., where they have hosted a number of events to steward giving, on top of having generously given more than $700,000 to support scholarships and programs at SUNY Potsdam.

"You have the chance to influence change in ways that will affect not only your own lives, but the lives of others and the world to follow. Whether it's through your career, your community or your relationships, you have the power to make a lasting impact. So, as you move forward, remember that now is your time, not just to succeed, but to help others succeed, to lift them up. and to leave the world a better place than you found it," he said.

Alumni Association President Sarah Mack '04 led the graduates in the turning of their tassels after they had all finished crossing the stage, marking their transition from students to alumni.

"As we all navigate these uncertain times, embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and determination, knowing that you have the power to shape a brighter future for yourselves and your communities. And know that you are not alone. You may be leaving SUNY Potsdam today, but SUNY Potsdam will go with you," Mack said.

During the ceremony, President Smith honored the Stewart's Foundation with SUNY Potsdam's 2025 Leadership Through Service Award, one of the College's highest honors. The award was established to honor outstanding individuals and organizations for their unwavering support toward the betterment of the North Country through their dedicated service. Accepting the award on the foundation's behalf was Chuck Marshall '01, director of real estate for Stewart's Shops, who urged graduates to stay the course and not be deterred by all that life would throw at them.

Kaitlyn Cavallo '25 led the traditional singing of the "Alma Mater" to close the ceremony, accompanied by the Crane Commencement Band.

This year, SUNY Potsdam honored 1,280 candidates for graduation, including all students who earned their degree or were eligible to graduate in 2024-25.

Families and classmates cheered and embraced as the ceremony concluded, posing for photos with loved ones, friends and mentors, as they marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year. To learn more, view the ceremony video and read the program, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

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

SUNY Potsdam Class of 2025 graduates braved rain to open the Commencement ceremony on May 17, 2025.

Jake Thompson ’25 embraces a fellow graduate as he prepared to take the stage to open the 2025 Commencement ceremony at SUNY Potsdam with the Ohen:ton Karikwatekhwen (“The words before all else”).

The sun came out just as keynote speaker Ronald Fishbeck ’80 took the podium at SUNY Potsdam’s 2025 Commencement ceremony.

SUNY Potsdam Class of 2025 graduates celebrate as they cross the stage at Commencement.

Inca-Solé Picon ’25 sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem, as the rain falls to open the 2025 Commencement ceremony at SUNY Potsdam.

Student Government Association President Eve Borrelli ’25 addresses her classmates in the Class of 2025 at SUNY Potsdam’s Commencement.

SUNY Potsdam marked its 205th Commencement ceremony outdoors in the Academic Quad on Saturday, May 17, with thousands of graduates and guests.

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith addresses hundreds of graduates and their families and friends at SUNY Potsdam’s 205th Commencement ceremony, on May 17, 2025.

Early rain showers cleared for sunshine during the 205th Commencement ceremony at SUNY Potsdam on May 17, 2025.

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