SUNY Potsdam Assistant Professor of Geology Dr. Michael C. Rygel (right) and junior Kyle Ashley examine a fossilized root at the world-famous fossil cliffs found in Joggins, Nova Scotia. .
RESEARCH
CBC Documents Research by Potsdam Prof and Students
The research that SUNY Potsdam Assistant Professor of Geology Dr. Michael C. Rygel and three students conducted over the summer was featured as part of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s series “Land and Sea.” The documentary examines the significance of the world-famous fossil cliffs at Joggins, Nova Scotia, being declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
Along with Dr. Rygel, juniors Kyle Ashley of Madrid, NY; Erin Sheldon of Mount Vision, NY; and Emily Stephan of Seneca Falls, NY, spent four weeks at the Joggins site measuring and describing the rocks exposed along the coast. After returning to campus, the students compiled their field notes and measurements to make a detailed graphical portrayal of the rocks that other geologists can use to locate themselves within the succession.
“This measured section will serve as a framework that allows us to interpret the depositional environments recorded in the strata,” said Dr. Rygel. “Our measured section represents a framework to which all future discoveries can be referenced. Our work represents the first detailed examination of these rocks.”
Dr. Rygel and three more students will return to the Joggins cliffs this summer to continue the research.
NEW INITIATIVES
Alcoa and Corning Donate Scanning Electron Microscopes
Alcoa and Corning International Company have each donated a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to SUNY Potsdam for use in the College’s science departments. The combined worth of the equipment is more than $125,000.
Peggy Barlow, instrument technician at SUNY Potsdam, said the donated SEMs offer capabilities that the College’s current one does not. The units expand the facilities used in the teaching and research of undergraduate majors in anthropology, archaeology, biology, chemistry, geology and physics in up-to-date methods of material analysis. The instruments allow users to determine the shape of microscopic objects and make an elemental analysis of their chemical composition.
“The SEM has become a central apparatus for researchers in all of our physical and natural sciences, but its expense makes it almost impossible for us to purchase one. Our students and faculty will make excellent use of this instrument for years to come,” said Dr. Galen Pletcher, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at SUNY Potsdam.
NEW INITIATIVES
Potsdam Garners $1.6M Grant to Enhance Undergrad Research
SUNY Potsdam recently was awarded a $1.6 million grant in the extremely competitive Title III Strengthening Institutions Development Grant Program from the United States Department of Education to enhance its undergraduate research initiatives. The funds will be utilized over the course of five years with the goal of increasing the number of seniors who participate in research with a faculty member from 24 percent to as much as 50 percent in some areas.
“The Title III funding is a significant testament to the current research being conducted on the campus by faculty and students and offers ample evidence of the College’s commitment to promote collaborative learning opportunities that both challenge and engage,” said Dr. Gerald Ratliff, associate vice president of academic affairs and grant project coordinator.
Support will include the establishment of an Office of Undergraduate Research at SUNY Potsdam, directed by Dr. Bethany Usher, associate professor.
“When we talk about research, we are broadly describing the one-on-one activities in which our faculty are involved,” said Dr. Usher. “Most people picture bench-hard sciences, but at SUNY Potsdam, this includes concerts, field archaeology, dance performances, art exhibits, classroom activities, historical archival work and a myriad of other fascinating opportunities, as well as the classical bench research.”
COLLEGE NEWS
Becky’s Place Dedicated
As part of the official dedication of SUNY Potsdam’s Becky’s Place at Pratt Commons, a portrait of Rebecca R. Pratt, a 1997 graduate who passed away in 2001, was unveiled. Located next to Raymond Hall in the space that was formerly The Greenery, Becky’s Place is unlike any other dining area at the College. The new facility includes several types of comfortable seating, a fireplace and wireless access to the Internet. There is an outdoor patio with a large grill, an after-hours coffee bar and a stone hearth oven for pizza and baked pastas. In addition, space for small-group meetings and special events is available to create opportunities for students and faculty to interact on an informal basis.
Becky’s Place is made possible through the investment of Potsdam Auxiliary and College Educational Services, Inc. (PACES), SUNY Potsdam’s five-year capital plan funds and the generosity of an anonymous donor. Pictured are (l to r) portrait painter Deborah Sapienza of Farmington, SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller, Becky’s father Gene Pratt of Victor, Becky’s grandmother Grace Parker of Fulton, Becky’s brother Greg Pratt of Victor and Becky’s mother Nancy Pratt of Victor.
DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
Potsdam Presents John D’Addario Jr. a SUNY Honorary Doctorate
John D’Addario Jr., the eighth generation of the D’Addario family involved in the musical instrument string business and president of The D’Addario Music Foundation, recently was presented an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from SUNY Potsdam, on behalf of the State University of New York. D’Addario received the award at a music education fundraising gala at Steinway Hall in New York City, featuring performances by Crane School of Music faculty members.
“John D’Addario has supported several dozen institutions and organizations all over the world, including SUNY Potsdam, both through the company’s foundation and personally, to make music education and access to music programs a reality for thousands of people,” said Dr. John F. Schwaller, SUNY Potsdam president.
“It is a privilege to receive this acknowledgment from such a widely recognized institution of higher learning,” expressed D’Addario. “As a company, D’Addario has strong relations with universities like SUNY that value the impact of fostering the arts and education. This is truly an honor for me both personally and professionally.”
COLLEGE NEWS
New Student Fitness Center Opened in Lehman Hall
In an age when it’s all too easy to find that excuse not to exercise regularly, SUNY Potsdam is helping its student population to take advantage of a workout solution close to home – right in the residence halls. Potsdam recently opened a new student fitness center in Lehman Hall to encourage resident students to adopt healthy lifestyles by providing an opportunity to exercise close to their dorm rooms.
This new center is an addition to the main exercise facility, the Shane T. Shaul Fitness Center, in Maxcy Hall.
“I’ve been very impressed by the College’s commitment to the health and well-being of our students. Fitness equipment is a very large investment and it’s nice to see that emphasis placed in this area,” said Tanya Hewitt, director of the fitness centers.
DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
Gibson Gallery Receives Gift of Warhol Art
SUNY Potsdam’s Roland Gibson Gallery recently was enriched with nearly 100 photographs worth more than $130,000 from the Andy Warhol Foundation’s Photographic Legacy program. The Andy Warhol Foundation announced an unprecedented gift of Warhol art to 183 college and university art museums across the United States in late 2007.
According to Director of the Gibson Gallery April Vasher-Dean, the gift from the Warhol Foundation has added value, both financial and aesthetic, to SUNY Potsdam’s collection.
“This is a contemporary art collection and by adding so many pieces by one of the premiere contemporary artists, its value as a teaching tool has drastically improved,” said Vasher-Dean. “Students will be able to really study the way Warhol worked. This collection will allow them in-depth analysis of the working relationship between artist and subject.”
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DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
Potsdam Celebrates Its Best Fundraising Year Ever
SUNY Potsdam closed the 2007-2008 fiscal year with its best fundraising year in the College’s 192-year history with more than $3.6 million raised. Potsdam’s successes also earned the institution a number of accolades giving the campus national recognition.
According to a national report, the “2007 Voluntary Support of Education” by the Council for Aid to Education, SUNY Potsdam ranked:
first in total alumni giving among its SUNY peer group;
second in alumni participation among its SUNY peer group;
17th in the nation among all reporting master’s degree granting institutions for alumni participation;
first in its SUNY peer group for the number of realized bequests;
third in the entire SUNY system, a total of 64 campuses, for realized bequests, behind only University at Buffalo and SUNY Upstate Medical University;
first in its SUNY peer group in terms of dollars raised per student, nearly 50 percent more than the next-highest SUNY peer; and
third for the size of its endowment in its peer group, even though Potsdam is the smallest of the comprehensive colleges.
“This is the second year in a row that we’ve broken our fundraising records. Success of this magnitude is only possible when an institution is fortunate enough to have the sincere commitment and support of its alumni, faculty, staff and community,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller. “Because of the vision and generous support of so many, SUNY Potsdam is well positioned to provide students an education that is tailored to meet their individual needs and enhance their experience inside and outside of the classroom.”
RESEARCH
Students Explore Marine Biology in the Mississippi Gulf Coast
SUNY Potsdam sophomore Emily Ball, junior Denianne Dow and senior Raymond Rossetti experienced the work of marine biologists this summer as they conducted research in the field at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS.
Marine biology may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of SUNY Potsdam, but thanks to the College’s partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi, biology students have the opportunity to spend their summers in the field at its Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, MS.
SUNY Potsdam sophomore Emily Ball of Alexandria Bay, NY; junior Denianne Dow of Potsdam, NY; and senior Raymond Rossetti of Carmel, NY, experienced the work of marine biologists under the supervision of Dr. Walter Conley, SUNY Potsdam professor of biology, at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory as part of “Marine Sciences II: Marine Biology,” a four-week course with a strong field component. Dow spent an additional four weeks at the lab to take “Marine Ecology.”
The courses at the research laboratory are hands-on, placing the students in the field to collect data almost every day, providing Ball, Dow and Rossetti with valuable field experience and basic skills required for marine biology research.
SUNY Potsdam is the only college in New York that offers marine biology courses through an affiliate agreement with the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory and has done so since 2004.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Fulbright Scholar Gets Down to the Serious Business of Clowning
SUNY Potsdam received an added bonus when Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance Kimberley Bouchard served as a Fulbright scholar in Spain. She collaborated with Miguel Cortazar, an actor and teacher, who came to Potsdam as a Fulbright scholar-in-residence training students in the art of comedy and clowning.
“This opportunity gives our students exposure and training from an internationally acclaimed artist,” said Bouchard. “They will come away from this experience with more skills and deeper knowledge that they can apply to their future work.”
The students said having an opportunity to work with Cortazar, who works at the University of the Basque Country and the University of Mondragon, has been an enriching opportunity.
They are exploring new areas of theatre and acting and are finding that turning yourself into “The Clown” is more challenging than it looks.
“It is a very difficult process to become an entirely different person,” said junior theatre major David Zwierankin of Pleasant Valley, NY. “We have all learned how to let go of our feeling of self-consciousness and learned several clowning techniques, acrobatics, walks, talks and emotions. Miguel builds so much confidence in each one of us and helps us through every step.”
COLLEGE NEWS
College Receives Environmental Stewardship Award
Hill & Markes Inc., Amsterdam, NY-based wholesale distributors, recently announced that SUNY Potsdam received its Environmental Stewardship Award. The award recognizes the responsible decisions that SUNY Potsdam has made regarding the products they select (Green Seal® Certified, EPA Registered, LEED Recognized, EcoLogo™, etc.) and the methods they employ to clean that contribute to a sustainable future.
COLLEGE NEWS
Potsdam Home to Five Chinese Students from Earthquake-Ravaged Region
Five college students from the Sichuan Province of western China, the site of a massive earthquake in May 2008, are attending SUNY Potsdam for the 2008-2009 academic year as part of SUNY’s China 150 initiative. SUNY Potsdam is among the 22 SUNY campuses participating in the China 150 program by opening its doors to these students, who come primarily from 40 counties around Wenchuan, the center of the quake.
“SUNY Potsdam is thrilled to be able to host these five Chinese students at a time when their country most needs young men and women to come forward and help with the rebuilding process,” said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller. “We are confident that the skills they learn and the abilities they strengthen here will go a long way toward helping their country after it was so tragically ravaged by the earthquake. Potsdam’s students will also benefit from these students, as their presence reinforces the desire for our students to become global citizens.”
DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
Scholarship Honors FDNY Firefighter Who Died in 9/11 Attacks
A SUNY Potsdam scholarship recently was endowed to honor Captain William F. Burke Jr. ’77, who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The Captain William F. Burke, Jr. Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance to SUNY Potsdam students who are from a New York City firefighter (FDNY) family.
Burke was a captain of Engine 21 of the New York City Fire Department who died in the line of duty when the second tower of the World Trade Center collapsed. The New York Community Trust through its Long Island Community Foundation affiliate has funded the scholarship at SUNY Potsdam through a fund established by Captain Burke’s siblings upon his death.
COLLEGE NEWS
SUNY Potsdam Voter Registration Drives Net 300 Forms
The efforts of several SUNY Potsdam groups in supporting the voter registration and
education programs led to approximately 300 voter registration forms and 350 absentee ballot applications, which totals 15 percent of the campus.
Through the collaboration of the Student Government Association, several resident assistants and mentors, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Faculty Senate Student Affairs Committee, several voter registration and voter education programs were offered in October.
To encourage students to follow through on their plans to vote, SGA and Student Involvement and Leadership sponsored free rides to the polling places in Potsdam and sponsored an Election Night Open House in the Student Union Dining Court for the campus community to celebrate the momentous occasion.
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DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
Scholarship Golf Classic 
Renzi Foodservice of Watertown was the top sponsor of the recent 20th Annual SUNY Potsdam Scholarship Golf Classic at the Potsdam Town & Country Club. Renzi Foodservice has generously sponsored the tournament for five consecutive years, with two Renzi scholars benefitting. Here, a group of Renzi Foodservice golfers is greeted by student scholars on the course. Pictured are (back, l to r) Tim Greene, Wheeler Maynard, Jude Renzi, Dean Johnston, Bernie Clary and George Arnold ’92, (front) Kylie Stenger, Jordan Kidder and Henrique Schembry. Thanks to the support of dozens of sponsors and a field of more than 150 golfers, the tournament raised more than $52,000 for SUNY Potsdam students.
DEVELOPMENT & AWARDS
Orientation Program Earns Two Awards
SUNY Potsdam’s Orientation Program earned two first-place awards in the Media Showcase Awards at the National Orientation Directors Association Conference (NODAC) in Boston.
Louise Tyo ’00, director of first year transitions, was recognized for SUNY Potsdam’s Summer 2008 Orientation Guide in the Outstanding Orientation Handbook for Three or More Colors category and nylon string bag students received at orientation in the Outstanding Novelty Item category.
The entries are judged on content, style and clarity, practicality and usefulness, graphic design and use of theme. Only those items that have been specifically designed and produced by the institution for their institution’s orientation, retention and transition programs are considered.
SPORTS
Women’s Hockey Makes Its Home Debut
To celebrate the return of SUNY Potsdam’s women’s hockey team after 24 years, the Department of Athletics held a ceremonial puck drop commemorating the return of NCAA varsity women’s ice hockey. Pictured are (front, l to r) Dayna Birch of the RIT Tigers, SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller, Monique Gagne of the Potsdam Bears, (back) former Women’s Hockey Associate Dan Hurley ’54, former Women’s Coach Brian Doran, Women’s Head Coach Jay Green, former Women’s Coach Bill Sloan and Athletic Director Jim Zalacca.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
475 Students “Make a Difference” with 850 Volunteer Hours 
Several SUNY Potsdam students made cards to cheer up children with terminal illnesses through the Make a Child Smile Program during the College’s incredibly successful Make a Difference Week.
When SUNY Potsdam and its students say they are committed to making a difference locally, regionally and nationally, they don’t mess around. Approximately 475 students contributed more than 850 hours – the equivalent of more than 35 days – of volunteer work during the College’s “Make a Difference Week.” The number of students volunteering this year showed an increase of more than 300 percent. Nearly 13 percent of the undergraduate student body took part in the endeavor.
Dozens of organizations benefited from the students’ work, including the Potsdam Neighborhood Center, St. Lawrence County NYSARC NEXUS Program, Potsdam Humane Society, Renewal House, CAVA, Make A Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, Campus Rescue Squad, Make a Child Smile, Potsdam Chamber of Commerce’s Fright Night, Melissa’s Closet, Potsdam Village Clean Up and United Helpers.
The students raised a total of $1,300, collected 50 pounds of food, donated more than 60 prom dresses and created 234 cards for terminally ill children and amassed more than 200 clothing items.
SPORTS
Roy Named to ECAC West Hockey List
Freshman defense player Breanna Roy of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, was named to the ECAC West Women’s Hockey Honor Roll after having a hand on all three Potsdam goals in the Bears 3-1 victory over SUNY Oswego.
SPORTS
Golf Finishes Second at ECAC Championship
The SUNY Potsdam men’s golf team continued its outstanding play in finishing second at the ECAC Upstate Championship, which was held at the Blue Heron Golf Club in Macedon, NY, in September. A total of nine teams competed in the event.
The Bears had three players finish in the top 10. Benton Sullivan of Massena, NY, came in second with an overall score of 150. Teammates Shane Laurie of Canton, NY, and Brad Shippee of Corinth, NY, both finished in 10th place with a score of 158.
SPORTS
Soccer Women Go to ECAC Semi-Finals
The Potsdam women’s soccer team set a school record after recording its 10th win and made their first post-season appearance in school history. They ultimately fell in the semi-final round to SUNYAC rival Brockport Golden Eagles.
Lacey Malbeuf of Harrisville, NY, led the women’s soccer team in scoring with 12 goals and eight assists for 32 points.
SPORTS
SUNYAC Honors Two Volleyball Players
The State University of New York Athletic Conference has chosen two SUNY Potsdam Volleyball players for 2008 honors. Senior outside hitter Sammie Pickering of Tupper Lake, NY, was named to the First Team, and freshman setter Courtney Falconer of Bayshore, NY, was named Rookie of the Year.
Pickering finished the regular season with 473 kills and averaged 4.01 per game. She was named Player of the Week in early October for her play at the Hartwick Tournament, where she was named to the All-Tournament Team. Falconer led the team in assists with 914 and averaged 8.31 a game.
The Lady Bears advanced to the SUNYAC tournament for the second straight year this season. Potsdam’s regular season record was 20-15 and 5-4 in the SUNYAC.
 THE BEAR PRIDE CLUB at SUNY Potsdam is committed to supporting the experience of student athletes by providing alumni, former athletes, businesses, friends and fans, the opportunity to support the Bears in their pursuit of excellence.
Donations are dedicated to efforts such as:
Enhancing athletic facilities * Supplementing team equipment needs
* Helping support special team trips * Providing technology upgrades
www.potsdam.edu/athletics/bearpride
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