SUNY Potsdam Offers Second Annual Potsdam Academy on July 9

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The second Potsdam Academy will allow participants to relive the student experience at SUNY Potsdam, on July 9. For more information, visit potsdam.edu/academy.

POTSDAM, NY (05/28/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam's second annual Potsdam Academy will offer the public a chance to relive the student experience and return to the classroom for a day, with a full day of interesting arts and sciences courses.

Professors will offer a full day of exciting, hands-on classes to kick off the College's Reunion Weekend again this year.

The Potsdam Academy will be offered on Thursday, July 9. Alumni, friends, staff and community members are all welcome to attend.

"We have an incredible variety of topics offered for the second Potsdam Academy. There really is something for everyone," said Kathryn Deuel, the associate director for regional alumni relations and engagement for SUNY Potsdam.

The registration fee of $30 includes breakfast, a full day of classes, materials and lunch. The Potsdam Academy kicks off Reunion Weekend at the College, but anyone can attend the day of classes.

On July 9, check-in and breakfast will be offered from 8:30 to 9 a.m. at Becky's Place. Registrants can then choose between two classes for each of the four sessions, as follows:

9 to 10:15 a.m.

• "What is Sustainable Agriculture, Exactly?": Raymond Bowdish, a university instruction specialist in the College's biology department, will discuss sustainability and how you can incorporate sustainable practices in your own life, by starting to grow your own food, from window sills to backyard gardens.
• "Making Music Mobile: Exploring Apps for Phone and Tablets": Peter McCoy, an associate professor of music education at The Crane School of Music, will introduce fun and useful apps that can turn your mobile device into a music production studio. He will examine a variety of software for music notation, sequencing, sharing and inspiration.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

• "Chemistry Hacks, In and Around the Kitchen": John Proetta, an instructional support association in the chemistry department, will teach you how to enrich your life through chemistry. He will give an overview of science in the kitchen and around the household, as well as ways to master some clever daily "life hacks."
• "Watercolor Painting": SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Joe Hildreth will offer a tutorial to introduce you to the fun of painting. Participants will paint outside (weather permitting) and create watercolor landscapes to take home. All supplies are provided.

Noon to 1 p.m.

• Lunch on campus is included with registration.

1 to 2:15 p.m.

• "The Origin of Life": Gordon Plague, an associate professor of biology, will speak about the living organisms that existed on Earth at least 3.5 billion years ago. Explore how life may have arisen on our planet in this fascinating session.
• "On Stage: Acting in a Short Play": Kimberley Bouchard, an associate professor of theatre and dance, will introduce basic principles of acting for the stage. Using a simple script, participants will be paired and will create characters and a scene, to be performed at the end of the session. No prior acting experience is necessary.

2:30 to 3:45 p.m.

• "What is the World Really Like?": Heather Beauchamp, an associate professor of psychology, will lead a discussion about sensation and perception. The session will explore the array and overlap of the senses and sensory capabilities. Determine whether you are a supertaster or if your perception of taste is altered, and learn about visual sensory memory, as well as some disorders that allow us to reexamine abilities we may not realize that we possess.
• "Yoga: It's Not Just About Pretzels!": Donald Borsh, an associate professor of theatre and dance, will speak about the rich and ancient history of yoga, which is rooted in Eastern philosophies. You may be familiar with the physical practice of hatha yoga, but don't know about the philosophical underpinnings of the practice. Learn more and end with guided practice to relax at the end of the day. Yoga mats will be provided.

The Potsdam Academy concludes with a "graduation" ceremony and happy hour at the Early Bird Gathering, which officially opens Reunion Weekend 2015 at SUNY Potsdam. The gathering will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., also in Becky's Place, and will include live music, appetizers and a cash bar.

For more information or to register, contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at (315) 267-2120, or visit www.potsdam.edu/academy.

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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