Q&A with the President

A conversation with Debbie Hind ’75, President of the Alumni Board, and President John F. Schwaller. August 2007.

Hind: As you have looked around the campus this last year, you have probably made lots of observations about what is good and what can be even better. So what sort of imprint do you hope to make on the College?

Schwaller: Well, I hope it will be varied. I think one of the contributions that people will look back on is that we have improved the infrastructure and enhanced the beauty of the College. Part of that is going “greener” and being responsible in our growth both economically and ecologically. I would very much like to see the construction of our proposed performing arts building come to fruition. It will capture the artistic spirit that is so much a part of the Potsdam culture and history. I would like to see us continue to grow in enrollment. I think a 5,000-student goal is feasible. It will take us to a level where some of the financial challenges that we currently have will be lessened by economies of scale. Five thousand seems to be the logical break point in maintaining the personalized education and student/faculty relationships that are so much a part of the Potsdam tradition but also being financially sound. I would also like to see the College’s excellence broadcast on a larger stage so that when our alumni in California say “I went to SUNY Potsdam,” there will be a nod of recognition and appreciation. It will take time, but it can be done.

Hind: And what can our alumni do to help you make it all happen?

Schwaller: Our alumni are loyal and faithful in their support and good advocates for the College. I anticipate that this will continue and be further enhanced. Alums also let us know what is important to them and stay in touch. Alumni are what make Potsdam the best of the SUNY comprehensives. Alumni, such as yourself, who volunteer and lead are critical. The volunteer efforts of our alumni are absolutely astounding. Debbie, what keeps you excited as a volunteer having served Potsdam so much?

Hind: What keeps me excited? We have had so many projects in the pipeline through the years and to see our hard work realized makes a difference and re-energizes me. Implementing Alma Matters, the monthly electronic newsletter, for example is something that we have talked about for so long. To finally have it and see projects just blossom 10-fold because of improved communication is phenomenal.

Schwaller: That is an excellent example. Part of what I have wanted to do in my first few years here is to help people realize that most of the things we aspire to at SUNY Potsdam are not pie-in-the-sky sorts of things. Most of the things are very concrete and real and if we work together with alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and students almost all of this is achievable. Campus beautification, enhancing the student experience, building an exciting legacy, yes, it takes money, but we can make it work. Having the plan and vision is the key. We are building on a “can do” spirit of nearly 200 years. We just have to get ourselves energized and go after it. I’m thrilled to be part of it.

Check out Alma Matters at

www.potsdam.edu/alum/newsletter