SUNY Potsdam Names Dr. G. Michael and Barbara Maresca Honorary Alumni

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Dr. G. Michael and Barbara Maresca were recently named honorary alumni at SUNY Potsdam.

POTSDAM, NY (07/23/2014)(readMedia)-- The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored G. Michael and Barbara Maresca with Honorary Lifetime Membership.

Honorary Lifetime Membership is presented to non-alums who have made exceptional contributions to the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association and/or the College. The Marescas were recognized for their unwavering support of the College and commitment to improving the quality of life for the entire region.

Michael and Barbara Maresca have touched many people through their kindness and generosity, which can be felt throughout the community, particularly at SUNY Potsdam. Supporting their belief that audiences of all ages should have access to world class performances, the Marescas have partnered with SUNY Potsdam for over a decade to expand arts offerings in the North Country.

Michael and Barbara were first introduced into the Potsdam family through the teaching practicum program at St. Mary's Elementary School, which their son attended. There, they saw first-hand how much the children were enriched by having students from The Crane School of Music as instructors. They also had the opportunity to experience the Community Performance Series Meet the Arts program, where young children are able to see world-class artists performing at their local school and at Crane.

The Marescas were inspired to advance these opportunities, and in 2003 established the Maresca Family Endowment for Music and the Arts to provide financial support for the CPS Meet the Arts Series. In addition to their own generous gift, they invited others in the community to join them. Recently, as part of the College's Take the Lead Campaign, the Marescas have created the Community Performance Series Guest Artist Fund. Through this very generous gift in support of visiting artists, they continue to provide invaluable experiences that will instill in young people a love of the arts that will last a lifetime.

The Marescas are very thankful for the culture of the arts that SUNY Potsdam brings to the North Country. Beyond their philanthropic support, Michael and Barbara are always among the first to volunteer for special art events, near and far, even providing private transportation for staff or ensembles.

Committed to further strengthening SUNY Potsdam, Michael joined the Potsdam College Foundation Board of Trustees in 2006. He is an active participant in the board, lending a valuable voice as a local business owner and community member to the foundation's work to secure and manage private donations in support of the College.

For more information about the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni.

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 $27 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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