SUNY Potsdam Recognizes 184 Master's Graduates at Commencement

POTSDAM, NY (05/16/2015)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam recognized 184 candidates for master's degrees at the College's tenth annual Master's Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

Excitement was in the air in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. Families and friends cheered, as professors laid scarlet and blue cowls over the graduates' shoulders to signify their new academic degrees.

Potsdam Town Supervisor Marie C. Regan '77, who is also a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emerita, addressed the Class of 2015 master's graduates at her alma mater. The civic leader congratulated the graduates on their achievements, and reminded them that "to whom much has been given, much is expected," as U.S. President John F. Kennedy once said.

"Not many of us will be leaders of nations, but we can be moral leaders within our families, our circle of friends, on the job and in our communities. This is where most of us will make our mark, through our conduct and our example," Regan said.

After earning her bachelor's degree in American and British literature from the University at Albany, Regan earned her Master of Arts degree in English from SUNY Potsdam in 1977. She was a member of the faculty at SUNY Canton for more than 25 years, where she was a professor of English and the humanities, and went on to be named a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor. She has been a member of the Potsdam Town Council since 1997, and has served as the supervisor since 2004.

"You are now going out into a complex and diverse world; in our society, you will have the freedom and the burden to contend with and to discuss unpopular and unconventional ideas. Don't be afraid of hard choices," Regan said. "Alone, we can try to battle injustice and work to improve the quality of life -- but united, can we can achieve those goals."

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg congratulated the graduate students on the completion of their master's studies, during her first Commencement leading the College.

"This has been an extraordinary year for our campus and for our students, with incredible highs as well as deep challenges. As we look back over this year, I am struck by the indomitable spirit of our students," she said. "Graduates, as you leave here today, you have the power to change the world. Know that you have already made your mark on our campus."

College Council Chair June O'Neill shared a parable with the graduates about how different people deal with adversity, and urged them to be agents of change even when times are tough.

"Commencements are very special times. They are the end, but also the beginning. We celebrate your accomplishments and also look forward to what you will do next," she said.

Outgoing Student Government Association President Marcus Frisbee '15 spoke to his fellow graduates, just before he walked the stage to accept his Master of Science in Education degree in curriculum and instruction.

"Whatever path we choose, we can look back at our time at Potsdam for guidance on the road ahead. The skills we've learned, the discussions we've had, the friends we've made -- all shape us towards the best iteration of ourselves," he said.

SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association President Amy Kellogg '99 welcomed the Class of 2015 into the ranks of the College's 37,000 graduates worldwide.

"No matter where you end up or what you end up doing, I have no doubt that you will encounter other Potsdam alumni who will help support you in your career, motivate you to challenge yourself and inspire you to be the best that you can be," Kellogg said.

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Music, Master of Science in Education and Master of Science in Teaching degrees.

Families, friends and faculty members flooded outside, in a sea of hugs and smiles. Guests gathered in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center to congratulate the graduates following the ceremony.

SUNY Potsdam's Commencement celebration will continue tomorrow, on Sunday, May 17 at 10:15 a.m. in the Academic Quad. Nearly 700 undergraduates are expected to turn their tassels and earn their bachelor's degrees at the ceremony.

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 Saturday May 16, 2015 at 01:37 pm by SUNY Potsdam
Last Updated Wednesday May 27, 2015 at 03:59 pm