SUNY Potsdam Donors Contribute Over $3 Million Throughout 2020-21 Fiscal Year
SUNY Potsdam Looks Back on Year of Remarkable Generosity from Alumni & Supporters
Potsdam, NY (08/06/2021) — At the end of June, SUNY Potsdam and the Potsdam College Foundation celebrated a successful end to the College's 2020-21 fiscal year. In total, 5,058 donors contributed almost $3.1 million to support the campus and its students.
"At a time when our nation, and the world around us, looks to heal and move forward, I can't tell you how meaningful it has been to witness the generosity to Potsdam from our loyal donors," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.
The College's chief giving priority in recent years has been scholarship support -- the need for which was further augmented by the global pandemic. During 2020-21, scholarships garnered the most support from donors, with $1.58 million contributed. The investment earnings from scholarship endowed funds, plus outright gifts to scholarships, allowed the College to award 752 scholarships totaling almost $900,000.
Donors gave more than $850,000 in support of academic programs and applied learning experiences for Potsdam students, including $60,000 for the campus libraries. An additional $118,000 was designated to support campus life programs and student services, including much-needed emergency support for students.
In April 2021, the Division of Athletics completed its first-ever annual campaign, Bears Roaring Back, to support Potsdam Bears Athletics. The campaign raised more than $70,000.
Over 330 alumni and friends gave $1,000 or more this year, resulting in their membership in the President's Club. Additionally, 400 individuals hold membership in the Raymond Legacy Society, which celebrates donors with endowed funds and/or provisions in their estate plans.
The SUNY Potsdam family also gave back through their time and talents. Alumni volunteers assisted with COVID testing and food distribution for local families in need. They also served as mentors to students, hosted virtual events with alumni, organized fundraising initiatives, and participated in new-student recruitment activities.
"SUNY Potsdam remains grateful to the many alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends who continue to support the success of our students and programs. Their contributions have enhanced the learning environment on campus and empowered the College to move forward in the year ahead," said Vice President of Advancement Sal Cania '79 & '82.
About the Potsdam College Foundation:
Established in 1968, the Potsdam College Foundation is a non-profit corporation charged with receiving gifts on behalf of SUNY Potsdam, and stewarding the continued growth of private giving in support of the College. Its mission is to ensure a quality future for the College and its people by encouraging gifts of all types and stewarding endowments to support scholarships and campus programs. To learn more about giving back to SUNY Potsdam, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/giving.
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 3,600 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 http://www.potsdam.edu.
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SUNY Potsdam
Alexandra Jacobs Wilke, (315) 267-2918, news@potsdam.eduShare this Story
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