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SUNY Potsdam Names David Cummings an Honorary Alumnus

July 21, 2022

David Cummings Granted Honorary Lifetime Membership in the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association 

The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association has named David Cummings (Hon. ’22), pictured at center, an honorary alumnus. David is pictured alongside his daughter, Cheryl Cummings Evans ’83 (right) and son-in-law, Lance Evans ’83.

The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored David Cummings of Watertown, N.Y., with Honorary Lifetime Membership during Reunion 2022. 

Honorary Lifetime Membership is presented to non-alumni who have made exceptional contributions to the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association and/or the College. 

About the recipient: 

As the father of loyal Alumni Board Trustee Cheryl Cummings Evans ’83 and father-in-law of Alumni Board Trustee Lance Evans ’83, David Cummings has witnessed the value of a SUNY Potsdam education firsthand. Decades after Cheryl graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education, he is still committed to her alma mater and the success of its students. 

David is a loyal and generous donor to the Evans-Cummings ’83 Scholarship, which was established by Cheryl and her husband, Lance. Both Cheryl and Lance were students in SUNY Potsdam’s School of Education and Professional Studies, which propelled them into successful careers. Cheryl is a retired kindergarten teacher, and Lance is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis (NY) Board of REALTORS. 

Cheryl inherited a commitment to community service and involvement from David himself. He is a pillar in the community of Watertown, N.Y., having served as a board member and volunteer for various philanthropic organizations, including the Watertown Salvation Army and a local soup kitchen. He is also the former Director of Operations of WWNY-TV, the company where he met his wife and loyally served for the majority of his career. The legacy of David’s community-focused commitment continues in the lives of his daughter and son-in-law and the many causes in which they gladly invest time and resources, including SUNY Potsdam. 

In part because of David’s annual contributions, the Evans-Cummings ’83 Scholarship at Potsdam has grown tremendously, enabling the family to support a growing number of students each year. David is very involved in stewarding the recipients of the scholarship, a sincere sign of his genuine dedication in making education possible for Potsdam students. David enjoys meeting the scholarship recipients each year—whether at a donor event on campus, via Zoom or in Watertown. 

For more information about the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association, visit www.potsdam.edu/alumni. 

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 3,600 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. 

For Media Inquiries

Alexandra Jacobs Wilke

jacobsam@potsdam.edu 315-267-2918

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