SUNY Potsdam

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Potsdam to Host Event Honoring Late Professor Emeritus Dr. Clarence Stephens

SUNY Potsdam Remembers Legacy of the 'Potsdam Miracle' in Mathematics Education at Event Honoring Dr. Clarence Stephens on Feb. 19

Potsdam, NY (02/12/2025) — SUNY Potsdam will host a special event honoring the legacy of a pioneering faculty member, the late Professor Emeritus Dr. Clarence F. Stephens Sr. (1918-2018), on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m., in Kellas Hall Room 104.

The event is designed celebrate both Black History Month and mathematical excellence, reflecting on the incredible achievements of Dr. Stephens. The speakers include:

  • Dr. Cheryl Miller, professor of mathematics at SUNY Potsdam
  • Dr. Dan Voce '89, senior vice president and chief growth officer at Leidos Inc., and
  • Brian Mohr '25, a current student double-majoring in mathematics and computer science

Immediately following the event, a reception will be offered in the Kellas Lobby. Both events are free, and the public is invited to attend.

Stephens was the ninth African American to have earned a Ph.D. in mathematics, and also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to serve on the faculty at first Prairie View A&M University and then Morgan State University. He was awarded a Ford Fellowship to study at Princeton University's Institute for Advanced Study alongside Dr. Albert Einstein in 1953. In 1962, he joined SUNY Geneseo's mathematics department as chair, before later accepting a position at SUNY Potsdam in 1969, where he served as professor and chair until his retirement in 1987.

Stephens is perhaps best remembered for bringing about the "Potsdam Miracle," in which under his guidance, the College graduated a large number of accomplished math students. Many of those students were from underrepresented backgrounds and a significant number went on to graduate study. Over the years, he was presented with three honorary doctorates in recognition of his achievements, including one from SUNY. In 1983, he was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, as part of the Living History Project, recognizing Black Americans in the sciences. He passed away in 2018, at the age of 100.

To learn more about mathematics at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/math.

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.

###

Media Attachments

Dr. Clarence Stephens will be honored in a special event at SUNY Potsdam, home of his “Potsdam Miracle” in mathematics, on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m., in Kellas Hall Room 104.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out