SUNY Potsdam Marks College’s 210th Anniversary with History Exhibit & Birthday-Themed Celebration
The State University of New York at Potsdam will celebrate the 210th anniversary of its founding with special Charter Day events on Wednesday, March 25.
Originally founded as the St. Lawrence Academy, the institution known today as SUNY Potsdam marked its official beginning when its charter was signed in Albany on March 25, 1816—making it one of America’s first 50 colleges. Today, it remains the oldest institution within the State University of New York.
Explore: SUNY Potsdam's original charter
To celebrate the students who are making SUNY Potsdam history through their achievements now, the College will mark the day with the opening of a new exhibition and other sweet surprises.
From 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., there will be free donuts, coffee and hot cocoa in the Barrington Student Union Lobby.
At 3 p.m., President Suzanne R. Smith will lead a short ceremony to mark Charter Day, in the Satterlee Hall lobby. A new exhibit featuring items from a time capsule placed in the cornerstone of Dunn Hall will be on display. Dr. Smith and College Archivist Emerita Jane Subramanian ’72 first opened the time capsule in a special ceremony this fall.
Since then, College Archives staff and volunteers have lovingly scanned and reviewed the contents, and created an exhibition of all the items so they can be viewed up close and appreciated by the public. The items all focus on the vibrant history of The Crane School of Music. A reception with cupcakes will follow the exhibition opening.
The reception is free and open to the public. Alumni and community members are welcome to join for the brief celebration.
Learn more: Dunn Hall time capsule
Charter Day also marks the conclusion of Charter the Future, SUNY Potsdam’s Giving Day efforts, a campaign focused on supporting the needs of today’s students. Gifts made through Charter the Future provide flexible support for scholarships, academic programs, student experiences, and essential resources across campus.
Early giving will be open from March 16 to 24, building momentum for Giving Day on March 25. Every gift made during this time will help advance the campaign.
Give back: Charter the Future
To close the day, PACES Dining Services will offer a birthday-themed dinner menu in the Bear Cave at Lehman Hall. Stewart’s ice cream sundaes will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m. for all diners, while supplies last.
To learn more about SUNY Potsdam history, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/history.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.