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SUNY Potsdam Alumni Honor Laura Stevenson (Hon. '07) with Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award

Laura Stevenson (Hon. '07) of Norwood, N.Y., Honored with 2022 Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award from SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association

Potsdam, NY (07/20/2022) — The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Laura Stevenson (Hon. '07) of Norwood, N.Y., with the first Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award during Reunion 2022.

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 Board Trustee Donald Tompkins '68.

About the recipient:

Known by countless alumni as the first friendly face to greet them at Reunion, Laura Stevenson (Hon. '07) has played an integral role on SUNY Potsdam's College Advancement team for over 30 years.

As the secretary for the Office of Alumni Relations, Laura worked closely with other members of the division to connect graduates with the College and their fellow Potsdam Bears. She always went above and beyond to secure the success of the Alumni Relations program, whether compiling a complex mailing, organizing event registrations, assisting alumni with campus inquires, or lending a hand wherever and whenever she could.

In March 2022, Laura retired to spend more time with her first granddaughter, Averie, yet she continued to help prepare for Reunion 2022, demonstrating her diligence and commitment to the Alumni program and campus.

Laura is known throughout the College Advancement Office for her loyalty, kindness and breadth of knowledge. She has an acute attention to detail, and few alumni and donor relations publications were sent to constituents until after she had proofread them. Laura also exhibits a congenial and compassionate spirit and goes out of her way to make those around her feel appreciated -- whether on Boss's Day, a coworker's birthday or an ordinary Tuesday.

In 2007, Laura was granted Honorary Lifetime Membership in the Alumni Association in honor of all she had done to connect and advance the SUNY Potsdam family. This past May, in recognition of her years of exceptional service to SUNY Potsdam, the College honored Laura with the 2022 President's Award for Excellence in Clerical Service.

In honor of her profound impact on the Alumni Association and dedicated service to its programs, the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association is proud to present Laura Stevenson (Hon. '07) with the first Donald Tompkins Distinguished Service Award.

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 3,000 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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Laura Stevenson (Hon. ’07) of Norwood, N.Y., seen at center, is the recipient of the 2022 Donald L. Tompkins Distinguished Service Award from SUNY Potsdam’s Alumni Association. Laura is pictured with her daughters, Alex Stevenson (left) and Megan Stone (right).

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