Inauguration Program

1801 University of South Carolina 
Rosemarie Suniga, Alumna  

1856 St. Lawrence University 
Kathryn Morris, President

1889 SUNY Oneonta 
Alberto Cardelle, President  

1889 SUNY Plattsburgh 
Alexander Enyedi, President 

1906 SUNY Canton 
Zvi Szafran, President 

1908 SUNY Alfred State 
Steven Mauro, President 

1911 Clarkson University 
Marc Christensen, President 

1911 SUNY ESF 
Scott Gray, Alumnus 

1961 Jefferson Community College 
Jerilyn Fairman, Provost 
 
1967 Herkimer County Community College 
Nicholas Laino, Officer in Charge 
 
1967 Purchase College 
Milagros (Milly) Pena, President 
 
1971 Empire State University 
Lisa Vollendorf, President 

Max C. Bear
Agonian Sorority
Campus Life
Crane Student Association
Cross Country
Emerging Leaders
Environmental Club
ESports
Gaming Club
Madstop Records
Men's Basketball
Men's Ice Hockey
Men's Lacrosse
Men's Rugby
Men's Soccer
Men's Volleyball
Music Educators
New York Stage Band Directors Association
Peer Counselors
Photography Club
Psychology Club
Resident Advisors
Sigma Alpha Iota
Students of Caribbean and Latinx Origins, Cultures, and Associates
Teacher Education Student Association 
University Police Dispatchers
Women's Basketball
Women's Ice Hockey
Women's Lacrosse
Women's Soccer
Women's Volleyball






 

Dr. Suzanne Smith is SUNY Potsdam's 18th president, and joined the campus in April 2023. She was appointed to the position by the SUNY Board of Trustees at the recommendation of Chancellor Dr. John B. King, following a nationwide search. 

Dr. Smith comes to SUNY Potsdam from Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Ga., where she had served as provost and vice president for academic affairs since 2018. Prior to GSW, Dr. Smith served at Washington State University Vancouver from 1997 to 2018, ultimately being named the director of academic planning and special assistant to the vice chancellor of academic affairs. As a professor, Dr. Smith has more than 25 years of experience teaching sociology and human development at the university level. 

Dr. Smith received her Ph.D. in child and family development from the University of Georgia, her Master of Science degree in family and child development from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in behavior science from Erskine College. She has completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education Management Development Program and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Millennium Leadership Institute.  

Learn more about President Smith.  

More than 200 years ago, in 1816, the residents of Potsdam, N.Y., founded the St. Lawrence Academy – one of America’s first 50 colleges. Over the next two centuries, the college became a public university, eventually joining the new State University of New York system upon its founding. From our humble beginnings in a one-room schoolhouse, The State University of New York at Potsdam has grown to become a leader in creativity, applied learning and educational excellence. 

Learn about SUNY Potsdam and our rich history. 

President Smith has asked that those who wish to make gifts in her honor, join her in supporting the Potsdam Promise. Together, we can elevate engagement throughout our entire community, fortifying Potsdam’s success well into our third century. 

"Your gift to this fund will provide versatile support for collaborative efforts to recruit and retain students, unique educational experiences, reimagined community connections and partnerships, hands-on learning, training and development of in-demand programs."  

~ President Smith

SUNY Board of Trustees 
The SUNY Board of Trustees is comprised of 18 members, 15 of whom are appointed by the Governor, with consent of the NYS Senate. View members. 

SUNY Potsdam College Council 
Each state-operated campus of the SUNY system has a College Council, appointed by the Governor. The College Council plays a significant role in the presidential search with the Chair serving as the search committee chair. View members. 

President's Council
Presidents Council is comprised of senior administrators from across campus who advise the President on College policies, procedures, finances, personnel and planning. View members.

Potsdam College Foundation Board of Trustees 
The Potsdam College Foundation is a non-profit corporation, established in 1968 to steward the continued growth of private giving in support of SUNY Potsdam. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. View members.

SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association Board of Trustees
Building upon the proud history and tradition of the State University College at Potsdam, the Association will strive to cultivate, build and maintain strong relationships on behalf of the College. The Association is led by a volunteer Board of Trustees. View members. 

Presidential Inauguration Committee 
Eric Duchscherer, Co-Chair 
Lynne Durant 
Maria Freitas Ladouceur 
Katey Fuller 
Dave Fullerton 
Keitha Ladison
Katie Logan 
Blair Madore 
Sherry Paradis, Co-Chair 
Terri White 
Kylie Wilkins 

We extend our gratitude to the many members of the campus community who assisted the Inauguration Committee in preparations for inauguration.

Academic Regalia
Although originating in the Middle Ages, the use of academic dress in the United States has been continuous since colonial days. The most distinctive feature of American academic dress is the hood, which indicates by its color and design its wearer’s degree and the institution which conferred the degree. Hoods vary in length according to degree and are lined with the color of the college or university granting the degree. They are faced with a color indicating the subject of specialization. 

The Mace
In academic ceremonial processions the mace is used as a symbol of leadership. The grand marshal who carries the mace is thought to be the seer, who lights the path of wisdom to those who follow. The mace used in today’s ceremony was designed by Harry Doelger and first used in the College’s 1990 presidential inauguration. It is carved in cherry wood and features a pewter orb, upon which is emblazoned the university seal and the engraved motto, “A Tradition of Excellence.”

The Medallion
The medallion, or chain of office, signifies the authority and corresponding responsibility that is vested in the Office of the President. The silverwork chain includes a trove of garnets, and its pewter orb is emblazoned with the State of New York coat of arms. The coat of arms depicts Liberty and Justice standing on either side of a shield, upon which is engraved a rising sun behind a range of mountains. Beneath the shield is the same motto as that found on the mace, “A Tradition of Excellence.” The president’s medallion is worn with academic robes on official College celebrations and formal convocations. 

Malcom MacVicar: 1869-1880 
Thomas J. Morgan: 1881-1883
E. H. Cook: 1884-1889 
Thomas B. Stowell: 1889-1909
Jeremiah M. Thompson: 1909-1919 
Randolph T. Congdon: 1919-1939 
Clarence O. Lehman: 1930-1945 
Frederick W. Crumb: 1946-1967 
H. Austin Peck: 1967-1969 
Thomas M. Barrington: 1970-1978 
James H. Young: 1978-1982 
Humphrey Tonkin: 1983-1988 
William C. Merwin: 1989-1996 
Jean A. Scott (Interim): 1996-1997 
John Kalas (Interim): 1997-1998 
John A. Fallon III: 1998-2005 
Robert L. King (Interim): 2005-2006 
John F. Schwaller: 2006-2013 
Dennis L. Hefner (Interim): 2013-2014 
Kristin G. Esterberg: 2014-2021 
John L. Graham: 2021-2021 
Philip T. Neisser (Officer-in-Charge): 2021-2023 
Suzanne R. Smith: 2023-