As his tuition bills from Niagara University rapidly began mounting, Matthew Fuller decided early on in his college career that a state school would be a better option.

Fuller transferred into SUNY Potsdam — a college that had a good relationship with his high school in Fort Edward, NY, in Washington County. He recalls making quite an entrance.

“I showed up at Potsdam in the fall of 1993 on crutches, having torn cartilage in my knee from a summer job, which resulted in knee surgery,” Fuller said. “Then, the morning of our trek to Potsdam, I scratched my cornea in my eye while putting in a contact lens. So, I hobbled into Potsdam on crutches, largely blind, and car sick from the ride.”

Fuller quickly made up for his less-than- graceful entrance by making close friends while living both on campus and at his fraternity house. In fact, Fuller is convinced that the memories and antics of his time at Potsdam could fill up a book.

“I have a long list of dorm antics, and I often reflect on the poor resident assistant assigned to oversee us on the fifth floor of Bowman Hall,” he said. “You know the classics: doors tied to one another; ice cold buckets of water in the shower; stealing your clothes when you’re in the shower. The stories of pledging Phi Chi Epsilon and living in my fraternity house with my fellow brothers are really not fit to print. Somehow amongst all of that, I actually attended school and did rather well. I like to think I balanced work and play, which has come in handy with the schedule I have to keep now.”

Fuller, Class of 1997, fulfilled his passion of becoming a lawyer and became a partner with a Glens Falls law firm just four years after being hired. He credits Potsdam for helping him achieve his goals by providing the tools required to be a successful lawyer. “Tools to write effectively, to think on your feet, and probably equally important, tools to interact with other people,” he said. “You have to be comfortable with yourself before you can be comfortable with a client, partner or business associate.”

Fuller’s practice areas are generally municipal and business law, with an emphasis in zoning and planning matters. He often represents municipal planning boards, zoning boards of appeal, town and village boards. Fuller also volunteers for several nonprofit organizations, is the president and CEO of an organization that assists mentally disabled individuals with day to day life functions and serves as a director for a nonprofit that builds and manages senior- and low-income housing.

Besides the practical jokes and wild nights at the frat house, Fuller also remembers the professors who had a strong impact on his life, guiding and mentoring him toward his future profession. Professors such as Dr. John Massaro, a retired professor of politics, and Dr. Philip Neisser, professor and current chair of the Department of Politics.

“I can still remember the day when I was in Massaro’s office somewhat distraught at the thought that I might not have had the grades to get into the top tier law school that I wanted,” Fuller said. “Dr. Massaro helped me work through that. Both he and Dr. Neisser helped me land an internship in the New York State Assembly, which I firmly believe is what ultimately pushed my application to Albany Law into an acceptance letter. I’ve never forgotten that and will remain forever indebted to them for that assistance, as it is really what put me where I am today.”

Today, Fuller and his wife, Nancy, live outside Saratoga Springs. The couple enjoys skiing, golfing and backpacking, and he enjoys “hanging out” with fellow local Potsdam alumni.

Never to give up on your goals, Fuller would say to today’s college student, and never forget those who have remained close by.

“When you set a goal, don’t let anything dissuade you,” he said. “Adapt and overcome any obstacles that are in your way, and never forget your family or friends. They are likely the key to your ultimate success and happiness. Lastly, don’t get bogged down with small problems. Solve them quickly and move on.”