Immerse yourself in a campus culture that's as eclectic as you are.
A Healthy Direction
Shortly after Alex Hartmann ’26 arrived at SUNY Potsdam, he was preparing to transfer. Instead, one conversation helped him discover a passion for exercise science, nutrition and helping others live healthier lives. From studying abroad in Australia to completing a nutrition-focused internship, Hartmann's journey transformed both his career goals and his sense of purpose.
Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Kelly Smith ’20 turned her greatest challenge into a lifelong mission to help others succeed. Now, the SUNY Potsdam M.S. in Literacy graduate is leading innovative professional development opportunities focused on dyslexia and the Science of Reading, empowering educators and strengthening literacy instruction across the North Country.
Sara Cantwell '14 & '17 discovered her passion for storytelling right here at SUNY Potsdam. Today, she's helping students find their own creative voices as a lecturer in the Department of English. From her role as coordinator of the Creative Writing program to editor-in-Chief of “Blueline” magazine, Cantwell provides her students with mentorship and applied learning experiences while emphasizing a sense of community.
After a life-changing cancer diagnosis at 19, Megan Mills ’26 returned to SUNY Potsdam determined to keep going—on the ice, in the classroom, and beyond. Now in remission, she’s channeling her experience into helping others through fitness, proving the power of resilience, community and purpose.
It starts with a single word—but it’s part of a larger transformation in literacy education. Through the Reading Ready program, SUNY Potsdam students are working one-on-one with local children to build foundational reading skills and confidence.
From the training room to the weight room, SUNY Potsdam exercise science students are turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact. Through hands-on internships across Northern New York, they’re building skills, confidence and connections that will power their careers.
From the classroom to the national stage, Jaidan Kertenis ’26 turned preparation into performance—earning top honors in a business ethics competition with a standout 90-second pitch. Drawing on her confidence as both a musician and student-athlete, she delivered a powerful, polished presentation under pressure.
Through immersive field experiences—from the Bears Literacy Program to full-time student teaching—Emily Jordan ’26 is gaining the skills, confidence and compassion to help young learners grow, one lesson at a time as she prepares for a career in early childhood education.
Music education major Ryan Godfrey ’28 has already composed more than 30 works—and this semester, the Crane Wind Ensemble premiered his original piece, "More Than This.” Blending creativity, teaching, and performance, he’s building a future where composing and music education go hand in hand.
A 13-year partnership between SUNY Potsdam and the New York State DEC has helped return endangered spruce grouse to the Adirondacks—strengthening ecosystems, launching careers, and leaving a lasting legacy of research, mentorship and applied learning. Dr. Glenn Johnson and alumna Angie Ross ’02 have completed the Spruce Grouse Translocation Program, a landmark effort to increase population numbers and improve genetic diversity by relocating birds from remote regions of Ontario and Maine to New York’s boreal forests.
SUNY Potsdam alumnus Fire Captain William F. Burke Jr. ’77 is remembered not only for his heroism on Sept. 11, 2001, but for a life rooted in compassion, learning, and community. From the friendships he formed at Potsdam to the scholarship created in his name, Billy’s impact continues to shape lives.
From classroom to career, SUNY Potsdam geology grads hit the ground running. Ty Paddock ’25 and Jesse Bullock ’25 used the hands-on training and mentorship of Dr. Mike Rygel to pass the NY State Fundamentals of Geology exam—and landed jobs right out of school in the North Country.
