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Reconnect and Celebrate: SUNY Potsdam Gears Up for Reunion 2025

SUNY Potsdam Alumni and Friends Invited to Join in Reunion Fun from July 8 to 13

Potsdam, NY (06/26/2025) — SUNY Potsdam is preparing to welcome back more than 500 alumni, emeriti and supporters for Reunion 2025, from Tuesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 13.

Reunion will feature a diverse lineup of events and activities, including campus tours, engaging discussions, live performances, alumni awards and much more. Attendees will have the chance to reconnect with classmates, friends, faculty and staff, while also exploring campus and downtown.

"Reunion is a cherished tradition that brings our community together to reflect on our legacy, reconnect with our incredible alumni and celebrate our future. I love seeing our campus and all of downtown buzzing with energy and joy, as we welcome all of our visitors," said President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.

It's not too late to register to join in the fun! All alumni and friends are invited to join in the festivities. To learn more, view the full schedule of events, or register, call (315) 267-2120 or visit www.potsdam.edu/reunion.

"Whether you graduated five years ago or fifty, Reunion is your chance to come home. We're thrilled to welcome alumni back to campus to reconnect, reminisce, and make new memories," said SUNY Potsdam Director of Alumni Relations Mona Ouimet Vroman '85.

Reunion 2025 will kick off with virtual events, so alumni all over the globe can join in the fun. On Tuesday, July 8, the New York Times bestselling author Tracey Lange will host a Zoom chat about her new novel set in Potsdam, N.Y., titled "What Happened to the McCrays?" Lange is also set to travel to campus for a special visit and book discussion in the fall.

On Wednesday, July 9, there will be a Reunion 5K Kick-Off at 10 a.m., live on the SUNY Potsdam Bears Alumni Facebook page, before participants embark on their 3.1 mile walk or run, wherever they are located. This year's event is being held in memory of Roland Moquin '73. At 10:15 a.m., all are welcome to watch a live virtual campus tour led by Victoria Fitch '19 & '23.

The in-person celebrations will kick off on Thursday, July 10, at 4 p.m., with a welcome reception in Fireside Lounge in the Barrington Student Union. Alumni are invited to mingle with friends, and enjoy live music by Alex Vangellow (Hon. '14) and Rob Zolner (Hon. '14).

Reunion will hit full swing on Friday, July 11. The day will be packed with activities, including a:

  • Coffee sampling with Conor O'Brien '16, owner of St. Lawrence Valley Roasters
  • Campus walking tour and tour of renovations at Crane
  • Crane School of Music retrospective exhibit and presentation on historic performances of the Class of 1975
  • Drop-in lunch, with a "decades DJ" setting a retro vibe
  • Coffee and conversation event at the Prometheus Alumni Food Pantry (donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products are welcome!)
  • 46th anniversary celebration for the Blueline Literary Magazine
  • Behind-the-scenes tour of the Community Performance Series production of "Something Rotten!"
  • Fireside chat with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Stephan Savoia '75, opening an exhibition of his work spanning the globe in the Gibson Gallery
  • "Thanksgiving in July" dinner hosted by President Smith and her husband Brett Lloyd
  • Dessert reception for the Class of 1975 and the 50-Year Club at the President's House
  • Potsdam Bears Wrestling Team reunion with Dr. Neil Johnson (Hon. '01)

All are welcome to take in a performance by Double Axel at Maxfield's in downtown Potsdam that evening to close out Friday night.

The event line-up for Saturday, July 12 is no less busy. The slate of activities includes a:

  • Reunion 5K Walk/Run, also in honor of Roland Moquin '73
  • Will and estate planning seminar hosted by Roger B. Linden, Esq. '74
  • Walking tour of Bayside Cemetery led by Frank Leavitt '89.
  • Bears Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring the 1978-79 Men's Basketball Team, and both the 1976-77 and 1977-78 Men's Swimming and Diving Teams,
  • Dedication ceremony for the "Doc" Mark S. Hartman Practice Room, made possible thanks to Jessica Moquin '00 and Christian Vischi '98, in honor of Professor Emeritus Hartman's legacy at Crane

Throughout the afternoon, Reunion attendees can join in yard games, a game of pool at Pete's Place, enjoy lunch on campus, check out Summer Festival activities downtown, or join affinity group events.

The SUNY Potsdam Reunion 2025 celebration will culminate with a reception and awards presentation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, including a silent auction and live music by Double Axel. This year's Alumni Association award recipients will be honored and recognized as follows:

  • Minerva Award: Robert Wagner '75
  • Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award: Peter Galloway '83
  • Rising Star Award: Shavon Lloyd '19
  • Honorary Lifetime Membership: Dr. Alan Hersker
  • St. Lawrence Academy Medal: Kristie Farr '92 & '95
  • Helen M. Hosmer Excellence in Music Teaching Award: Jane Morale '80
  • Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award: Heather Osowiecki '11

The crowd can stick around for a 25th anniversary celebration at Hurley's Coffeehouse, with a special open mic night and a standup comedy set by Brenda Henry '83, starting at 7 p.m. The Crane Alumni Trombones (CATS) Concert will also be held that evening at 7:30 p.m., in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall, hosted by Dr. Mark Hartman and Dr. Christopher Hernacki. Reunion guests are welcome to head downtown after all the festivities for the Potsdam Summer Festival fireworks, starting at sunset in Ives Park.

The celebrations will close with a farewell brunch on Sunday, July 14, followed by a SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association meeting.

Throughout the weekend, alumni will have multiple opportunities to enjoy "Something Rotten!," the Community Performance Series (CPS) summer musical, which runs from Wednesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 13. Tickets can be purchased at www.cpspotsdam.org/summer-musical. The show features a creative team partnership of more than 40 SUNY Potsdam faculty, staff and students working alongside local alumni, professionals and educators.

SUNY Potsdam's Reunion is held in conjunction with the Village of Potsdam's Summer Festival, sponsored by the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce.

Registration headquarters will be located in the Barrington Student Union lobby this year. The public is invited to Reunion 2025 events, but must register to attend. For more information or to register for the weekend, please call (315) 267-2120 or visit www.potsdam.edu/reunion.

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 will welcome back alumni and friends for Reunion 2025, from July 8 to 13. For a full schedule and to register, visit www.potsdam.edu/reunion.

Reunion at SUNY Potsdam will feature receptions and affinity group gatherings, along with campus tours and special events. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/reunion.

The Crane Alumni Trombones (CATS) will perform a free concert as part of Reunion 2025, on Saturday, July 12, at 7:30 p.m., in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music.

SUNY Potsdam will welcome back alumni and friends for Reunion 2025, from July 8 to 13, in conjunction with Potsdam’s Summer Festival.

Reunion at SUNY Potsdam will feature award ceremonies, dedications and receptions. To find the schedule and learn more about all those being honored, visit www.potsdam.edu/reunion.

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