SUNY Potsdam Honors 905 Bachelor's Graduates at Commencement

POTSDAM, NY (05/17/2015)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam honored 905 undergraduates as they completed their baccalaureate studies, during the 2015 Bachelor's Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 17.

In the shadow of the Satterlee Hall clock tower, speakers marveled at all the students had accomplished in their time at SUNY Potsdam and all of the opportunities and challenges both they and the institution will face in the years ahead.

"This is an extraordinary graduating class, not only for its academic achievements, but for its creative and athletic performances, its creation of a vibrant campus culture and its willingness to be of service on campus and in the community," SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said. "We are eager to see the change that you -- the Class of 2015 -- will make in this world."

Stephanie Blythe '92, an internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano and opera star, addressed the graduates. The co-founder and artistic director of the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminar, which is in residence at The Crane School of Music, Blythe is also the honorary chair of SUNY Potsdam's Take the Lead Campaign for her alma mater. She is a previous recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Music degree, which was presented to her in recognition of her many artistic achievements in 2006.

In her keynote address, Blythe talked about the rocky path she took while an undergraduate at SUNY Potsdam, switching majors and seeking a path for herself. She began as a music education major but switched to English after discovering a passion for writing and realizing she didn't want to teach. After completing that bachelor's degree, she returned to Crane for another year to complete a second baccalaureate degree, this time in music.

"I am here because of what I learned in those writing classes, what I found out in those practice rooms and in the listening rooms of the music library. I discovered a passion to be me -- to allow my talents and brain and heart to define me, and above all, to live a life that helps others to find the same in themselves," Blythe said.

She recounted the uncertainty she felt before finally discovering her calling in opera. Just two years after she completed her music studies at Crane, Blythe won the Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions -- and this year marks her 20th as a principal artist with the Met.

"I believe that every one of us is born with a personal manual explaining everything about us, and how and why we will do everything in life, and that somewhere between the womb and that first breath of air, we forget it all," she said. "It is in finding that life technique that you reveal your fervor, your joy, your direction."

Allan P. Newell, a community philanthropist and founder of the Sweetgrass Foundation, joined the ranks of the Class of 2015, as he was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the bachelor's ceremony. The degree was presented in recognition of his legacy of service to the North Country community.

Academic honoree Daniel Mertzlufft '15 spoke to his classmates before accepting his Bachelor of Music degree, summa cum laude, in music education and musical studies.

"The possibilities of the different lives you can lead are endless, but we are all here today because of one thing: our choices," he said. "Forget the regrets, the could'ves, the should'ves, the would'ves and the what if's. Out of the billions of possibilities, we are here right now, celebrating this day. Dream for yourself, because today, you start a new journey to be the person who you choose to be."

Student Government Association President Marcus Frisbee '15 wished the undergraduates the best of luck as they all bade Potsdam farewell -- for now.

"I wish for you all nothing but the best of luck as your enter life after college. You have the world laid at your feet, and you have all the tools necessary to conquer that world," Frisbee said.

In her remarks, Alumni Association President Amy Kellogg '99 welcomed the Class of 2015 into the ranks of the College's 37,000 alumni worldwide. As graduates crossed the stage to accept their diplomas, she handed out "PDAM" bumper stickers to share their SUNY Potsdam pride with the world.

"We have the most dedicated and supportive alumni that anyone could ever ask for. Once a member of the Potsdam family, always a member of the Potsdam family. No matter the field you name or geographic location you pick, I can guarantee that we have an alumna or alumnus who is ready and willing to help," Kellogg said.

College Council Chair June O'Neill had the audience snapping its fingers in unison as she sang a ditty to the tune of "The Addams Family."

"Your families are waiting, you've been anticipating, and though you're graduating, you'll always be part of the Potsdam family," O'Neill sang.

Donald L. Tompkins '68, a longtime trustee and volunteer for the College's Alumni Association, was also honored with the 2015 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award over the Commencement weekend.

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of baccalaureate degrees, including the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. During Commencement, the College recognizes all students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate between December 2013 and December 2014.

SUNY Potsdam also honored 184 master's graduates this weekend, in its tenth annual Master's Commencement Ceremony, held on Saturday, May 16, in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at The Crane School of Music.

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

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community recently launched Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which aims to raise $32 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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Posted Sunday May 17, 2015 at 02:52 pm by SUNY Potsdam
Last Updated Wednesday May 27, 2015 at 03:58 pm