SUNY Potsdam: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
The State University of New York at Potsdam (SUNY Potsdam) has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1816. Over the years, it has fostered a diverse community of students who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. This article explores some of the notable alumni who have emerged from SUNY Potsdam, leaving their mark on the world.
A Foundation of Education and Music
Originally established as the "St. Lawrence Academy" by Benjamin Raymond, SUNY Potsdam's early focus on teacher education laid the groundwork for its future success. By 1886, the Potsdam Normal School distinguished itself as the first institution in the United States to offer a formal training course for public school music teachers, thanks to the vision of Julia E. Crane. This pioneering spirit continues to resonate today, as the Crane School of Music remains a cornerstone of the university's identity.
Arts and Entertainment
SUNY Potsdam has produced a remarkable array of talent in the arts and entertainment industries.
- T. Coraghessan Boyle: An acclaimed American novelist and short story writer, Boyle has published numerous novels and short stories, earning the PEN/Faulkner Award in 1988 for his novel "World's End."
- Stephanie Blythe: An internationally recognized American mezzo-soprano, Blythe has graced the stages of renowned opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera. She is also the Artistic Director of the Graduate Vocal Arts Program at Bard College Conservatory.
- Chuck Lorre: The legendary TV producer, known for creating iconic sitcoms, returned to SUNY Potsdam in the Fall of 2024, sharing his experiences and donating $1 million to support future students.
- Stephan Savoia: A two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for the Associated Press, Savoia has captured historic moments, including the aftermath of 9/11 and numerous presidential campaigns.
- Daniel Decker: A Puerto Rican composer, singer, and recording artist, Decker blends musical influences from various cultures in his work.
- Keisuke Hoashi: Pushing creative boundaries from Potsdam to Hollywood.
- Katherine Beck: Hailed by the Boston Globe for her “uniformly excellent” performances.
- Melanie Shank: After getting her Master of Music degree in vocal performance from SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, Melanie Shank landed a job at the most prestigious performing arts center in the world.
- Vita Ayala: A fresh new voice in the world of comics.
- Mike Rogge: Leads a successful career as the editor The Ski Journal and the founder/owner of the media production company, Verb Cabin.
- Brian Dougherty: Landed his first job in the music industry immediately after graduation.
- Emma Simon: Recently returned to campus as an actor in the Pendragon Theatre’s touring production of “Pride & Prejudice” during the Fall 2018 semester.
- Claudia (Kaufmann) Mengel: Has always had a passion for art, exploring the world around her through an abstract expressionist lens.
- Lisa Casalino: An American jazz singer and songwriter.
- Michael Eric Robinson: An American composer associated with both contemporary classical music and computer music.
Public Service and Leadership
SUNY Potsdam alumni have also distinguished themselves in public service and leadership roles.
- William Buell Richards: Served as the first Chief Justice of Canada.
- Patty Ritchie: Represented the 48th district in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2022.
- Ludvik Toplak: A Slovenian law professor, academic administrator, and former politician, ambassador, and member of the Parliament. He is the rector of the Alma Mater Europaea university and former rector of the University of Maribor.
- Edward A. Everett: Was an American politician and lawyer. As a member of the New York State Assembly from the Second District of St. Lawrence County, he chaired the Everett Commission.
- Clarence Page Townsley: A career United States Army officer who became Superintendent of the United States Military Academy.
- Fire Captain William F. Burke Jr.: Remembered for his heroism on Sept. 11, 2001, Burke's life exemplified compassion, learning, and community. He graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 1977.
Science and Technology
The field of science and technology has also benefited from the contributions of SUNY Potsdam graduates.
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- Guoping Feng: A Chinese-American neuroscientist, Feng is the Poitras Professor of Neuroscience at MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research. He is known for his research on the synaptic mechanisms underlying psychiatric diseases.
- NASA Computer Engineer Jamie Szafran: Has played an integral role in the development of the Artemis program, which will put the first woman, first person of color and next crews on the moon.
Athletics
- Chris Lee: A Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman.
Education
- Ralph Hastings: Had a 34-year career as a music teacher at Malone Central School District and served as the organist at Malone First Baptist Church.
- Tony Betrus: Has continued to have a positive impact on his students, promoted a passion for learning, and emphasized the importance of technology.
Other fields
- Saad Hajidin: A Senior Director at Polo Ralph Lauren, got his start in a printmaking studio at SUNY Potsdam’s Brainerd Hall three decades ago.
- Adam Smith: Through the wilderness education program, he gained leadership skills that set the stage for a successful career in outdoor education.
- Dr. Jeffrey Milroy: Has built his career around promoting physical activity and safety in collegiate sports.
- James W. Dornemann: Thinks of himself as a problem solver at heart.
- Mark Manske: Owner of Adirondack Raptors, is dedicated to educating the public about birds of prey.
- Romi Sebald: Came to SUNY Potsdam as a freshman in 1981 and never left.
Recent Graduates Making an Impact
The legacy of SUNY Potsdam continues with recent graduates who are already making a difference in their respective fields.
- Jessie Vallejo: Took her passion for mariachi music from the Crane School of Music to global stages, performing at venues like Dodger Stadium and the Latin Grammy Awards.
- Brett Bull: His music has continued to gain traction.
- Sydney O’Melia: Launched her career as an archaeologist.
- Emma Hyde: Began a promising job as a park ranger at Selkirk Shores State Park.
- Laura Smith: Completed SUNY Potsdam’s fully online MST in Childhood Education while living in Canada.
- Travis Crickard: Achieved his goal of becoming a head coach in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL).
- Wilber Parada: Realized his dream of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
- Kyle Peters: Has thrived as a composer, educator, and percussionist.
- Elira Mavraj: Is mastering instrument repair this summer at Crane.
- Hong Hong: Has parlayed her undergraduate experiences into an impressive career as an artist and professor.
- Adam Kelley:
- Brogin Van Skoik: Puts his degree from SUNY Potsdam to the test.
- Miryam Veliz Calderon: Quickly landed a job back home on Long Island after commencement.
- Onolee Stephan: Has dedicated her life to helping others.
- Maribel Flores: Graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a singular vision for her future-to help people dealing with trauma through dance movement therapy.
- Rajeski:
- Jennifer Hutchins: Is out ahead of the curve.
- Latesha Fussell:
- Sara Behuniak: Found herself playing the role of a lead defense attorney in high school.
- Natalia Buitrago: Went the extra mile, recently graduating with a double major in music performance and music business.
- Kate-Nicole Hoffman: Has continued to excel academically.
- Jordan Olinsky: Is already making a name for himself in the music business industry.
- Daniel Mertzlufft:
- Marla Jacobs: Drew strength from her Mohawk heritage to overcome daunting challenges and finish an archaeology degree with three minors.
- Susan Vroman Cavanagh: Has often been reminded of the strength and synergy of the SUNY Potsdam family.
- Whitney Callaghan: Has used her knowledge to help fight the spread of diseases in Northern New York.
- Bridgid Bergin: Paved the way to a career in ethnomusicology.
- Monica Montero: Just wrapped up her senior year with an internship like no other-working for the American Red Cross to assist asylum seekers in Texas.
- Tasia White: Has a newly minted Ed.D. and passion for transforming how people view their own professional success.
- Isaac Griffith: Developed an interest in global learning and social justice on an international level during an undergraduate trip to Cambodia in 2014, part of a SUNY Potsdam travel abroad class examining the origins and impacts of human trafficking.
- Serena Rockingster: Sees herself as a professor and clinical psychologist far down the road of her future.
- Natasha Brooks: Has discovered just one of many ways to see the world after graduating from SUNY Potsdam.
- Zoe Walders: Has refused to let a pandemic quash her creative spark.
- Christine Haile and Kadiatou Balde: The pair’s connection stems from SUNY Potsdam, their shared alma mater.
- James Wilkes: After receiving three degrees from SUNY Potsdam, he went on to an impressive career at IBM.
- Cameron Hewes:
- Neishja Ransom: Never expected to be bushwhacking through the Adirondacks or dangling from rock climbing walls, but that all changed when she came to SUNY Potsdam.
- Jeanne Kimmich Roberts: Earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics, along with a minor in economics and a grade 7-12 teaching certificate.
- Laura Wessing: Graduated summa cum laude with a double major in computer science and mathematics, as well as getting a master’s degree in math through the BA / MA program.
- Mary Catherine Sawyer: Landed her first job just months after graduating from SUNY Potsdam this year.
- Jillian Dolder: That came to fruition literally two days after Commencement.
- Alaina Dochylo: Completed an AmeriCorps program where she helped Floridians recover from Hurricane Michael.
- John Alleyne: Has found great success since graduating with a B.F.A. in studio art five years ago.
- Jessica Petersen: Landed a job as a musician on Carnival cruise ships.
- Megan Bowdish: Stumbled onto a completely different career.
- Elizabeth Hudson: Knew that she wanted to be a teacher from a young age.
- Erin Wagner: Was studying geology behind…
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