Potsdam College Foundation Announces Broadened Scope of ‘Mr. C’ Scholarship, In Honor of the Late William J. Champney ’64
The donors behind a special commemorative scholarship fund at SUNY Potsdam have updated its scope, as they seek to fulfill the legacy of its namesake. The “Mr. C” Scholarship honors the memory of the late alumnus and Professor Emeritus William Champney ’64, a beloved long-time educator at his alma mater.
Established in 2010 through the generosity of former students, family, and friends, the Mr. C. Scholarship honors the legacy of Professor William Champney, affectionately known as “Mr. C.” A beloved educator at SUNY Potsdam, Mr. C was remembered for his warmth, his hearty laugh, and his remarkable ability to make learning come alive for his students.
“We are honored that William Champney’s loved ones are dedicated to continuing to support students at SUNY Potsdam through the ‘Mr. C’ Scholarship. The Potsdam College Foundation is grateful for the incredible continued support from alumni, friends and donors, whose philanthropy is creating opportunities and direct support for our students,” said David Davin, Vice President for College Advancement.
A graduate of SUNY Potsdam, Champney began his career teaching high school history before returning to his alma mater in 1968, where he helped establish drama as a major and spent more than two decades shaping the College’s theatre program. His love of history, storytelling and education left a lasting impression on generations of students.
Originally created to support students in theatre, the scholarship reflected Mr. C.’s profound impact on the dramatic arts community at SUNY Potsdam. The fund continued to support students in the program who completed their degrees as the theatre and dance majors were phased out through a campus realignment over the past few years.
Now, in recognition of Champney’s lifelong passion for teaching and his appreciation for history and the ways institutions evolve over time, the scholarship has evolved as well. Moving forward, the fund will now support students preparing to teach high school history or social studies, carrying forward his legacy by helping future educators inspire curiosity and bring the past to life for the next generation.
Mr. Champney’s wife, Kathleen Champney ’58, met with campus representatives earlier this summer to discuss updates to the scholarship, accompanied by her daughter, Megan Champney Meagher. A fellow educator, Mrs. Champney recalled how she used to sit with her husband at the end of each day to swap stories from the classroom.
“For both of them, their time was spent with students. Knowing that this scholarship will now support North Country students looking to become teachers was important to her. For their family, Potsdam was home,” said Senior Director of College Advancement Sherry Paradis ’00. “We are honored to carry that legacy forward.”
The “Mr. C” Scholarship is awarded to juniors or seniors who demonstrate an intention to pursue a career in history or social studies education, with preference being given to students from St. Lawrence County or the North Country.
To learn how you can make a difference for SUNY Potsdam students, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving.
About the Potsdam College Foundation:
Established in 1968, the Potsdam College Foundation is a non-profit corporation charged with receiving gifts on behalf of SUNY Potsdam, and stewarding the continued growth of private giving in support of the College. Its mission is to ensure a quality future for the College and its people by encouraging gifts of all types and stewarding endowments to support scholarships and campus programs. For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving/pcf.
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.