Immerse yourself in a campus culture that's as eclectic as you are.
‘Sufferfest’
What does it take to paddle 90 miles through the heart of the Adirondacks? For SUNY Potsdam students, it’s more than a race—it’s an immersive learning experience in leadership, endurance, and community. Joined by alumni and staff, this year’s crew took on the Adirondack Canoe Classic with grit, teamwork, and support from a dedicated student-led Pit Crew.
From move-in day memories to cheering on the Bears under the lights, and all the in-between moments that make campus life special, there's a renewed energy everywhere you look. Swipe through for a snapshot of the first few weeks, full of fresh starts, familiar faces, and unforgettable moments.
SUNY Potsdam students are on the front lines of mosquito surveillance, tracking viruses like EEE and West Nile to help keep the North Country safe. Supported by the Presidential Internship Program, their research is making a real impact—one trap at a time.
Margo Neth ’26, a flutist and Music Business major at Crane, spent her summer interning at Brick and Mortar Music—helping local schools get instruments into students’ hands and gaining hands-on industry experience along the way.
At 51, veteran firefighter John Liebfred knows that strength and stamina save lives—and thanks to students in Tanya Hewitt’s Intro to Exercise Science class, he’s got a new fitness plan to stay ready for action.
Jessie Vallejo ’07, a SUNY Potsdam alumna, has taken her passion for mariachi music from the Crane School of Music to global stages, performing at venues like Dodger Stadium and the Latin Grammy Awards. After earning her Ph.D. in ethnomusicology, she now teaches at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, while also returning to Potsdam to support the college’s mariachi program, Los Osos del Norte.
Stephan Savoia ’75, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, first caught the photojournalism bug at SUNY Potsdam in 1974. From capturing historic moments like the aftermath of 9/11 to numerous presidential campaigns, his career has spanned decades as he shaped history through his lens. Now retired, Savoia reflects on his extraordinary journey and will return to his alma mater this summer to share his stories and showcase his remarkable work.
Chuck Lorre’s return to SUNY Potsdam in the Fall of 2024 was candid and heartfelt. The legendary TV producer reflected on his journey, from humble beginnings to creating iconic sitcoms, while sharing lessons learned and an inspiring $1 million donation to support future students. Don’t miss this glimpse into the mind of the man behind “The Big Bang Theory” and “Two and a Half Men.”
Dr. Page Quinton is bringing paleontology to life in the brand-new Environmental Science Lab, where students are getting hands-on experience learning how fossils are formed, studying mass extinction events, and examining evolutionary patterns based on the fossil record.
