SUNY Potsdam to Celebrate Ongoing Success of Nation-Leading ACE Program
SUNY Potsdam Helps Students Gain and Maintain Academic Momentum So They Can Graduate on Time
Potsdam, NY (10/16/2026) — SUNY Potsdam will host a special event on Monday, Oct. 19, to celebrate the ongoing success of Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE), a transformative program that helps students gain and maintain academic momentum so they can graduate on time.
The event will highlight how ACE has directly impacted SUNY Potsdam students and look ahead to the role it will play in improving academic outcomes in 2026-27. The event will include remarks from SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith, New York State Assemblyman Scott Gray and SUNY's University Director for ASAP/ACE Dr. Jennifer Bashant, as well as participating students.
Through this highly successful program, launched by SUNY in 2024, eligible students can access funds to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation, and other costs of attendance, as well as academic assistance, comprehensive personalized advisement, and career development activities to help overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining a degree.
In the FY2026-27 Enacted State Budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature included an additional $8 million in to bring ASAP|ACE to 10,000 SUNY students at 44 campuses by the Fall 2026 semester, demonstrating their commitment to improving student success across New York. At Potsdam, ACE has served 385 students since it launched in Spring 2024. The programs are part of the SUNY Board of Trustees' and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.'s vision of advancing student achievement and upward mobility within the SUNY system.
WHAT: Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Program Announcement
WHO: SUNY Potsdam President Suzanne Smith, Assemblyman Scott Gray & SUNY University Director for ASAP|ACE Jennifer Bashant
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 19 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Satterlee Hall boardroom, 44 Pierrepont Ave., Potsdam, NY 13676
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alexandra Jacobs Wilke
Director of Public Relations
(315) 267-2918
RSVP:
Please RSVP to Alexandra Jacobs Wilke (info above) or to news@potsdam.edu.
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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