SUNY Potsdam Opens Newly Expanded Center for Diversity

SUNY Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Carlos Medina Joins Potsdam Students and Officials for Grand Opening Ceremony

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Dr. Carlos Medina, the senior associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion for the State University of New York, visited SUNY Potsdam to help open the renovated Center for Diversity.

POTSDAM, NY (02/25/2016)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam celebrated the grand opening of the College's expanded Center for Diversity with a ceremony and campus reception in the newly renovated space this afternoon.

SUNY Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Carlos Medina traveled to Potsdam to speak at the ceremony and join in the festivities.

"The word that comes to mind as I look around this room is engagement. This is a space where we can come together, culturally, socially and academically," Medina said. "We are doing as much work as we can to make SUNY a place where we can all thrive."

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg thanked all the Physical Plant employees who worked long hours over winter break to complete the renovation project, which has been in the making since May 2015. She and Center for Diversity Interim Director Louise Tyo also recognized the hard-working staff in the CFD and its affiliated programs.

"The Center for Diversity staff have already begun to decorate and make this feel like home. No home is complete without a family, and we are very glad to welcome our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to this refreshed and revitalized space," Esterberg said. "We want everyone to feel radically at home here at SUNY Potsdam. That's what the CFD is all about. It's a resource for every student who needs a safe space and a friendly face."

Last spring, SUNY Potsdam began the design process in order to renovate and expand the Center for Diversity, in response to increased demand for space and services. The student body at SUNY Potsdam is more diverse than ever, with nearly 30 percent of students self-identifying as students of color.

Construction began over winter break, and concluded at the beginning of the Spring 2016 semester.

"It's hard to imagine that this space was a major construction site just six weeks ago," Tyo said. "Where do we go from here? The CFD remains committed to offering student internship opportunities and we plan to continue to work closely with our Student Affairs colleagues to offer creative, supportive, educational and inclusive programs and events."

In its new home on the second floor of Sisson Hall, the expanded Center for Diversity is now 1,900 square feet larger, with a brand-new computer lab, new staff and student offices, work stations, an improved student lounge, new countertops, ceilings, lighting, carpet and freshly painted and renovated spaces.

The Center for Diversity exists to assist all students in their educational and personal transition and development at SUNY Potsdam, with an emphasis placed on students of color and students from diverse backgrounds. In its continued effort to afford students empowering opportunities, the CFD provides academic and personal advising, as well as referral to other campus services. The office also coordinates diversity training sessions, skill development workshops and leadership opportunities to assist in the college-wide appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity.

SUNY Potsdam's Center for Diversity includes the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), the North Country Science and Technology Entry Program (NCSTEP) and Native American Affairs, including the Native American Teaching Initiative. The Center for Diversity also supports student groups, including the Black Student Alliance, SOCA LOCA, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, the Potsdam Association for Native Americans, Voices of Victory, the Bear Witness Step Team and Team NV.

To learn more about SUNY Potsdam's Center for Diversity, please visit www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/diversity.

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 4,200 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 $32 million for scholarships and programs.

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