SUNY Potsdam Honors 27 College Retirees
The State University of New York at Potsdam Thanks 27 Employees for Years of Service to the College, Upon Their Retirements
Potsdam, NY (05/22/2026) — SUNY Potsdam recently honored 27 longtime employees who retired during the 2025-26 academic year. Together, the faculty and staff members had collectively dedicated an incredible 628 years of service to the institution throughout their careers.
"As we honor the retirement of these distinguished individuals, we celebrate the legacy they leave behind -- one defined by dedication, excellence and a deep commitment to our students and community. Their contributions have strengthened SUNY Potsdam in countless ways. We are profoundly grateful for their service and extend our very best wishes for their next chapter," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith.
This year's SUNY Potsdam retirees included:
- Bette Bergeron, Teacher Education: 10 years of service
- Tammy Brockmiller, Custodial Services: 31 years of service
- Todd Canedy, Theatre & Dance: 16 years of service
- Walter Conley, Biology: 26 years of service
- Gary Crosbie, Maintenance: 20 years of service
- David Curry, Philosophy: 35 years of service
- Caroline Downing, Art: 36 years of service
- Claudia Ford, Environment & Sustainability: 7 years of service
- Patricia Gilmer, Athletics & Physical Education: 17 years of service
- David Gingrich, Chemistry: 26 years of service
- Laura Grabowski, Computer Science: 10 years of service
- Holly Hammond, Psychology: 35 years of service
- Victoria Hayes, Teacher Education: 36 years of service
- Wendy Horton, Custodial Services: 38 years of service
- Glenn Johnson, Biology: 28 years of service
- Brian Ladd, Computer Science: 20 years of service
- Joseph Murphy, Custodial Services: 17 years of service
- Deborah Murray, Student Health Services: 25 years of service
- Rhea Noseworthy, College Advancement: 27 years of service
- James Pecora, Theatre & Dance: 20 years of service
- Edwin Portugal, Business Administration: 33 years of service
- Caroline Rushforth, Student Health Services: 9 years of service
- Kevin Smith, History: 25 years of service
- Lisa Stewart, Teacher Education: 24 years of service
- Debra Ward, Admissions: 10 years of service
- LaDonna Wilson, Custodial Services: 23 years of service
- Michael Yeomans, Art: 24 years of service
To find out more about employment at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/offices/hr.
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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SUNY Potsdam
Alexandra Jacobs Wilke, (315) 267-2918, news@potsdam.eduShare this Story
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