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SUNY Potsdam Names Tim Dempsey of Portsmouth, N.H., an Honorary Alumnus

Tim Dempsey of Portsmouth, N.H., Granted Honorary Lifetime Membership in the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association

Potsdam, NY (07/13/2026) — The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Tim Dempsey of Portsmouth, N.H., with Honorary Lifetime Membership, during a ceremony at Reunion 2026.

Honorary Lifetime Membership is presented to non-alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association and/or the College. Dempsey was recognized for his unwavering dedication and support for SUNY Potsdam.

About the recipient:

For more than two decades, Tim Dempsey has provided exceptional service and unwavering commitment to SUNY Potsdam, as investment advisor to the Potsdam College Foundation. A trusted advisor and steadfast partner, Dempsey has helped guide the Foundation through periods of both opportunity and uncertainty, always with a focus on the long-term interests of the College and its students.

Dempsey's expertise has been instrumental in strengthening the Foundation's financial position and ensuring its continued ability to support SUNY Potsdam's mission. His leadership was particularly valuable during the transition from active to passive investment management nearly a decade ago, a strategic shift that enhanced performance, reduced costs and positioned the Foundation for sustained growth and stability.

Under Dempsey's guidance, the Foundation's invested assets have more than doubled. He played a key role in advancing sound governance and investment practices, which have helped ensure reliable support for the College even during periods of significant market volatility, including the Great Recession. His thoughtful counsel, detailed reporting, and willingness to engage deeply with the Foundation's Investment and Finance Committee, have strengthened decision-making and enhanced fiduciary oversight.

What distinguishes Dempsey's service most is the extraordinary generosity with which it has been provided. For more than 20 years, he has charged the Foundation fees substantially below market rates, motivated by loyalty to and gratitude for the institution that first placed its confidence in him early in his career. This generosity has enabled additional resources to be directed toward scholarships, academic programs and other institutional priorities, amplifying the impact of every dollar entrusted to the Foundation.

A native of Potsdam and a devoted supporter of the College, Dempsey has also demonstrated his commitment through philanthropy, including his support of the 2022 documentary, "The Bodacious Bears." His contributions have had a lasting and transformative impact on SUNY Potsdam, making him eminently deserving of honorary membership in the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association.

For more information about the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association, 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

Tim Dempsey and Suzanne Smith pose with the Honorary Lifetime Membership Award.

The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association has named Tim Dempsey of Portsmouth, N.H., an honorary alumnus. He is seen here after accepting the award from SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith (right) at Reunion 2026.

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