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SUNY Potsdam Alumni Name Shavon Lloyd '19 a 'Rising Star'

SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association Honors Shavon Lloyd '19 of Middletown, N.Y., with 2025 Rising Star Award

Potsdam, NY (07/15/2025) — The State University of New York at Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Shavon Lloyd '19 of Middletown, N.Y., with the College's Rising Star Award, during Reunion 2025.

The Rising Star Award is presented to SUNY Potsdam alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in the first decade following graduation. Lloyd was recognized for his outstanding achievements as a young musician, and the prospect of even greater contributions ahead.

About the recipient:

Shavon Lloyd '19 is an award-winning composer, performer, conductor and music educator who exemplifies the brilliance and versatility fostered by The Crane School of Music. After earning his Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Crane, he completed a Master of Music degree in vocal performance at The Juilliard School in 2024.

As an undergraduate, he was an active member of the Crane Men's Ensemble -- serving as section mentor, conductor and soloist. His performances, lauded by Associate Professor Dr. Deborah Massell for their "rich, vibrant tone and passionate presentation," made him a standout presence on campus and in the concert hall.

Following graduation, Lloyd taught at Indian River High School and led numerous All-County and Honor Choirs throughout New York State. His compositions have been performed across North and South America and commissioned by ensembles at every level, including by the Crane Chorus for the 2023 Candlelight Concert. His works are now sung by some of the nation's leading collegiate choral programs.

Lloyd's recent accomplishments include soloist debuts at Victoria Hall in Geneva, Switzerland, performances with Opera Saratoga and the Harlem Opera Festival, and a featured appearance at Carnegie Hall in "Serenade to Music" by Ralph Vaughan Williams. He currently serves as senior associate conductor for the National Children's Chorus in New York City.

A dedicated advocate for equity in music, he is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education, contributing to both organizations' diversity and composition initiatives. In 2022, he received the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association's Dr. Lonel Woods Peace and Love Award for his commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

For more information about SUNY Potsdam's Alumni Association, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.

About The Crane School of Music:

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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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Shavon Lloyd ’19 (left) of Middletown, N.Y., is a recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award from the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association. He is seen here with SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith (right), who presented him with the honor at Reunion 2025.

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