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.
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.
From exploring the Adirondacks to hands-on research in geoarchaeology, SUNY Potsdam student Makenzie Kuntz ’26 is embracing every moment of her college journey. Discover how she combines her passion for geology with unique learning experiences on campus.
“Haitian first, Cuban in the mix, African forever”
A deep sense of justice drives SUNY Potsdam alumna Nyasha Saint Arromand-Wells ’16 to shed light on inequities through her true crimes podcasting, and her striving for excellence has led to a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force.
Sifting through history and shaping her future—Emmalee Clements ’25 is making her mark in the world of archaeology. With the support of the Gilchrist Award, she was able to offset the costs of field school last summer, and is building on those experiences in the labs on campus as she prepares for an exciting career.
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.
From mentoring young hawks to shaping the next generation of musicians, Sasha Truax’s journey blends hands-on experience with a deep commitment to both her studies and her community. Check out her story and see how the SUNY Potsdam senior is flying toward a bright future.
Anthropology meets law enforcement in a unique hands-on training session at SUNY Potsdam, where students dive into the world of forensic anthropology to solve mock crime scenes. Led by Katelin Babbitt '26, this immersive experience with the Law Enforcement Training Institute highlights the power of applied learning in criminal justice education.
