SUNY Potsdam Celebrates Restoration of Iconic Satterlee Hall Clocktower

“For those of us fortunate enough to step foot on the SUNY Potsdam campus, the clocktower is the first thing we see. In fact, we see it before we arrive. It’s how we know we’re home,” President Dr. Suzanne R. Smith said. “For more than seven decades, the clocktower has kept watch over our campus and Academic Quad. Just think how many pages of our history it has witnessed! As we prepare for another Commencement celebration in just a few weeks, I am overjoyed to see our clocktower back to its full glory.”

President Smith recounted her adventurous climb to the top of the clocktower during its renovation last fall, accompanied by her husband Brett, the Physical Plant team, and project contractors. She also spoke about the importance of traditions held in and around the clocktower, to help people build ties and lasting memories. One newer tradition that she has developed is a ceremony for new incoming students, where they receive their challenge coins as they start their educational journey at SUNY Potsdam—held right in the Quad, where they will graduate at the end of their journey.

Alumnus Dr. Joel Satterlee ’92 traveled to campus to speak at the ceremony. He is the grandson of O. Ward Satterlee, for whom the building was named, and multiple generations of his family have attended SUNY Potsdam as well. In addition to his grandfather, Joel’s parents, David and Sharon, are also alumni, and his son Jacob is also a graduate.

“The town of Potsdam and SUNY Potsdam both hold an important place for me and for my family… Potsdam provided for me and many others a place for learning and personal growth,” he said. “For me, Potsdam also represents a connection with my grandfather, Ward Satterlee. You see, I never met my grandfather. He passed away in 1970, and I was born in ’71. It’s interesting that you can have a sense of loss for someone you’ve never met. Potsdam provided for me that connection that I otherwise would not have had. And for that, I am forever grateful. I remember as an undergrad, exploring Satterlee Hall, and discovering which office used to be his. And I recall hearing occasionally from faculty members or even community members who knew him. They always had good things to say. From what I gather, he cared deeply for his students and colleagues, and always had their interests in mind. So again, thank you to the College, and to President Smith for maintaining the tradition of the Satterlee Hall clocktower. It remains a symbol for me and my family, and hopefully for the entire Potsdam community, of the man and professional educator that Ward Satterlee was.” 

Alumni Association President Sarah Mack ’04 shared a series of stories and anecdotes that she had collected from fellow alumni and students about their memories of Satterlee Hall and the clocktower.

“I am excited to be here today to celebrate with our campus and represent the thousands of alumni who wrote their own stories under the watchful eye of our clocktower. The clocktower is more than a physical structure; it’s an icon. It symbolizes tradition, strength, and the long, proud history of our alma mater. It’s not just the backdrop for so many of our photos, but also countless memories,” Mack said. “To today’s students, I encourage you to look up as you enter the Quad. When the music plays and the bells chime, take a moment and reflect on your time here and what makes it special. Before you know it, time and years will have passed, and you’ll recall your own Potsdam memories. You’ll look forward to your own return trips to Potsdam and the clocktower welcoming you home.”

Following the remarks, everyone paused to hear the chime of the carillon playing the campus “Alma Mater” at noon. The rendition of the song recorded for the carillon was performed by Crane School of Music faculty member Rosemarie Suniga and recorded by Douglas McKinnie.

After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed refreshments in the Satterlee Hall lobby and explored the Mary English Commons to delve into the long and rich history of campus.

The project was made possible thanks to critical maintenance funding from the SUNY Construction Fund, ensuring the clocktower could be restored to its original beauty and functionality. The complete refurbishment of the clocktower began immediately after Commencement 2024. As part of the project, the clock itself was replaced, as was the carillon within. In the final step, new lights were installed to light the clock faces. The face and millwork were refurbished to preserve the beautiful structure, with materials designed to better withstand North Country weather. 

The architects for the project were LaBella Associates, including Brooks Washburn (Hon. ’24) and Corey Mousaw. The contractor was Northern Tier Contracting. The updated carillon was manufactured by Verdin Company.

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.