SUNY Potsdam's Bicentennial Reunion Weekend Broke All Records for Attendance

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Alumni from Greek organizations gathered for a group photo at Minerva Plaza during SUNY Potsdam’s Bicentennial Reunion Weekend (Photo credit: Jason Hunter).

• The Class of 1966, celebrating its 50th Reunion, gathered for a photo during Reunion Weekend 2016.
• Alumni admire the keepsakes that were collected for the bicentennial time capsule, which the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association dedicated during Reunion 2016.

POTSDAM, NY (07/22/2016)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam broke all previous records for attendance during the College's Bicentennial Reunion Weekend. In celebration of the College's 200th anniversary, more alumni and guests visited campus for Reunion 2016 than ever before.

More than 1,000 registrants returned to campus from July 14 to July 17. That's a 29 percent increase over the College's last Reunion registration record, which was set in 2013, with 775 people attending.

"What an exciting way to celebrate our bicentennial. When I meet with alumni, I am amazed to hear their stories of perseverance, generosity, tenacity and camaraderie. Their unwavering dedication to each other and to the College reminds us of the legacy our alumni are all a part of -- stretching back to those that came before us to make all of this possible, 200 years ago," said President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.

It was a generous year for class giving as well. SUNY Potsdam alumni and friends gave a total of $1,446,868 in honor of 2016 class reunions this year.

The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association was proud to unveil a special time capsule in honor of the bicentennial, which was dedicated during Reunion Weekend 2016. Alumni gathered keepsakes from all eras of College history to be buried in the capsule, which will be buried under a specially marked stone near Satterlee Hall. The time capsule is meant to be opened in 50 years, so that future students, staff and alumni can see the memories from today.

Generous gifts from alumni show the great value they place on the education they received at SUNY Potsdam, and the College's important role in preparing them for success in life.

For more information about Reunion Weekend at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni/reunion.

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 4,100 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 raised $33.5 million for scholarships and programs.

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