SUNY Potsdam Bicentennial Commencement Ceremony Announced

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SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher will be the keynote speaker at the 2016 Bicentennial Commencement Ceremony at SUNY Potsdam.

• SUNY Potsdam's 2016 Bicentennial Commencement Ceremony will be held outdoors in the Academic Quad.

POTSDAM, NY (05/11/2016)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam will honor the Class of 2016, as hundreds of students earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees, during the College's Bicentennial Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 21.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher will deliver the keynote address to the graduating class, as the College marks its 200th anniversary with a Commencement celebration to remember. Founded in 1816, SUNY Potsdam is the oldest institution in the State University of New York system.

"It is truly an honor to welcome Chancellor Zimpher for Commencement, to address our bicentennial graduates of the SUNY Potsdam Class of 2016. As the College marks our 200th year, we are proud to honor the alumni and emeriti who have gone before, and celebrate the graduating seniors who represent our future. We look forward to a truly unforgettable Commencement celebration," said SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg.

This year, all bachelor's and master's graduates will cross the stage in one momentous ceremony. In honor of the College's anniversary celebrations, graduates will have special gowns with embroidered SUNY Potsdam logos to mark their status as members of the bicentennial class.

SUNY Potsdam has organized a few surprises for this year's celebration, including an aerial flyover with a special message for the graduates before the ceremony, and new banners in the College colors hanging from the backdrop of the clocktower building, Satterlee Hall.

In keeping with the North Country region's long heritage as being located in traditional Mohawk territory, there will be a new greeting to open the ceremony this year as well. The Ohen:ton Karikwatekhwen ("The words before all else") will be recited in the Mohawk language and English translation by Chelsea Sunday '16.

Commencement ceremony details

The 2016 Commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 21 at 10:15 a.m. in the Academic Quad. More than 850 undergraduates and graduate students are expected to turn their tassels and earn their degrees.

For family and friends around the world, SUNY Potsdam will stream the Commencement ceremony live on the College's YouTube channel again this year. The link for the livestream, which begins at 10 a.m. on May 21, is available at www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam recognizes the more than 1,000 students who have either completed their degree or were eligible to graduate between December 2015 and December 2016. Of those, about 870 are scheduled to walk during the ceremony.

SUNY Potsdam will hold its Bicentennial Commencement Ceremony outside in the Academic Quad, rain or shine. Guests are asked to dress appropriately for the weather conditions, and bring umbrellas, blankets or sunscreen if needed. There will be an option for guests who are uncomfortable with weather conditions to watch the ceremony live on a large screen inside, in the Barrington Student Union Multi-Purpose Room.

Emergency weather plan details

There is an emergency weather plan for the Commencement ceremony, in the case of extreme conditions like lightning or freezing temperatures. Under the emergency plan, there would be two ceremonies, which would be held back-to-back in the Maxcy Hall Ice Arena.

Under the emergency plan, Ceremony A would be held at 10:15 a.m., and would recognize all master's graduates, as well as bachelor's graduates earning degrees in art, business administration, community health, music, theatre and dance. All other graduating students would attend Ceremony B, to be held at 3 p.m., also in the Maxcy Hall Ice Arena. Each graduate has been given five tickets for the emergency plan; all other guests are welcome to view the ceremonies via live video in the Maxcy Hall Jerry Welsh Gymnasium.

Commencement awards

During Commencement, the College will also recognize the recipient of its most prestigious award. Michael Galane '74, a vice president for the Hewlett-Packard Company and national co-chair of the Take the Lead Campaign, will be honored with the 2016 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award. Judge Eugene Nicandri, the vice chair of the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees, will receive the 2016 Leadership Through Service Award.

To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

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. As the College marks its bicentennial in 2016, SUNY Potsdam will celebrate a 200-year legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 4,100 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 leadership in the arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community is nearing the completion of Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which has already raised $33 million for scholarships and programs.

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