The State University of New York at Potsdam Turns 200

POTSDAM, NY (03/25/2016)(readMedia)-- The State University of New York at Potsdam marked its 200th anniversary with a bicentennial bash for the ages today. The celebration took place two centuries to the day since the charter founding the institution was signed.

"Today is certainly a momentous and exciting occasion -- the 200th anniversary of the signing of the St. Lawrence Academy charter, known today as SUNY Potsdam. We are the oldest institution in the SUNY system, and we are one of the 40 oldest colleges in the country," President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate our 200th birthday."

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members flocked to the Barrington Student Union to take part in the Charter Day Birthday Bash. With live music, historic displays and craft tables, there were many activities to choose from.

SUNY Potsdam mascot Max C. Bear donned a birthday hat and roamed the room with guest mascots from other campuses, including SUNY Canton, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Brockport and Clarkson University.

Representatives from student clubs and organizations came to the stage to read out important events from each decade of the College's 200-year history, ceremonially placing placards on a timeline along a window.

Members of several SUNY Potsdam a cappella choirs, including the Potsdam Pointercounts, the A-Sharps and the Potsdam Pitches, led the crowd in singing the "Alma Mater" and finally, in a rendition of "Happy Birthday."

Following a countdown, Dr. Esterberg blew out the candles on the birthday cake and the crowd popped confetti canons, unleashing a shower of glittering maroon and silver confetti.

Fitting for any birthday party, the true highlight was the display of desserts. A fully stocked sweets station included all kinds of candy in College colors, as well as cupcakes. A show-stopping 3D sculpted cake in the shape of Satterlee Hall, the College's landmark clocktower building, was at the center of the room. In addition, there were three special decorated cookies inspired by campus architecture commissioned and designed by Rebecca Weld, otherwise known as the Cookie Architect.

At the celebration, SUNY Potsdam officials also unveiled a newly created historic replica of the St. Lawrence Academy charter. The Potsdam Public Museum and the SUNY Potsdam College Archives and Special Collections recently partnered to have the original charter (a document too delicate for display) specially restored by a historic preservation firm, as well as creating exact reconstructions that can be viewed and enjoyed by the public.

Live music was provided by the Caramelo Trio, featuring Dr. Oscar Sarmiento, professor of modern languages, alongside Beth Robinson and Stephen Farina. A special video celebrating the College's 200th birthday produced by Doyle Dean and Deborah Dudley was also presented at the party.

On March 25, 1816, the New York State Board of Regents signed the document that established the St. Lawrence Academy in Potsdam, N.Y. Two centuries later, the institution has traced a path through every system of higher education in New York State -- first joining the ranks of the Normal Schools and then the State Teachers Colleges, before finally joining the State University of New York upon its founding in 1948.

For more information about SUNY Potsdam's bicentennial celebration and to learn more about College history, visit www.potsdam.edu/200.

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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Posted Friday March 25, 2016 at 04:41 pm by SUNY Potsdam
Last Updated Saturday March 26, 2016 at 08:38 am