The State University of New York at Potsdam Presents Alumnus Eugene Olczak ’89 with Honorary Doctor of Science Degree
SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith (right) presents Eugene Olczak ’89 (left) with Honorary Doctor of Science Degree
SUNY Potsdam alumnus Eugene Olczak ’89 of Pittsford, N.Y., was recognized for his success as an innovative engineer and as an entrepreneur focused on sustainability, in a special ceremony at his alma mater on Friday, July 7.
The State University of New York, through SUNY Potsdam, awarded Olczak with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in the intimate ceremony held in the Barrington Student Union. Immediately afterward, the inventor and culinary entrepreneur provided inspiring remarks to incoming students in the Educational Opportunity Program—a program that he credits in part for his own success.
“Gene Olczak’s unique story demonstrates an inspiring realization of potential—potential that was recognized and stewarded by the community at Potsdam during his undergraduate years. He offers an exceptional example to current students, showcasing the limitless possibilities that await them beyond the Commencement stage,” SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith said. “In reviewing all that Gene has accomplished, we are honored to know that SUNY Potsdam has been a pivotal part of his story and cannot think of a better way to laud his achievements than to award him an Honorary Doctor of Science degree.”
About the recipient:
Eugene “Gene” Olczak ’89 came to SUNY Potsdam as a first-year student in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). Gene notes that were it not for those programs, he probably would not have been able to attend college, and if he did, he might not have succeeded to graduation.
As a physics major, Gene took many mathematics classes, some of which were taught by the renowned Dr. Clarence Stephens. Gene recalls those classes fueling his enthusiasm for and expertise in the STEM disciplines. Gene was also intentional in taking music classes at The Crane School of Music, and he also took the time to engage with the greater College community, for example, by cooking for peers in the residence halls and by connecting with brothers in the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.
“I think it was an interesting combination, especially at that time, to combine a liberal arts background and STEM. Having that broad, liberal arts background really does make you open to more things,” he said.
After graduating from SUNY Potsdam, Gene earned a Master of Science degree in electro-optics at the University of Dayton and went on to an impressive career in optical engineering, securing nearly 50 patents as an inventor. Gene has excelled in roles at several well-known technology and engineering companies, including General Electric, Harris Corporation and Kodak. Among his many career accomplishments, perhaps the most notable is his contribution to the creation of the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest optical telescope in space, making possible NASA images of some of the first galaxies ever to form—due in part to Gene’s integral role in the development of the telescope’s Center of Curvature Optical Assembly, designing sensor technology, analytic models, and critical tests to guarantee the telescope’s success.
For this work, Gene has worked in a broad range of industries and has been recognized with many accolades for excellence in photonic technologies, having received the Innovator of the Year Award from General Electric Research Labs, a Harris Corporation Technical Achievement Award and NASA’s Team Spirit Award. Gene’s accomplishments also include founding his own engineering company, Photonic Partners LLC, where he works with organizations to develop inventive strategies and better utilize existing technologies to serve their goals.
His success in engineering is also matched by his passion for cooking, especially in the realm of farm-to-table condiments. In 2009, he founded the Karma Sauce Company, an award-winning indie food business based in Rochester, N.Y., specializing in unique hot sauces and other condiments. What started as a fun personal challenge to create a hot sauce out of local ingredients (like winter squash, honey and apple cider vinegar) turned into his creation of a successful brand known throughout the country for its high quality and spice level, success that has been recognized by a multitude of awards, resulting in the company becoming the most decorated hot sauce company in New York State in 2013.
Karma Sauce products are regularly featured on “Hot Ones,” a popular YouTube show in which celebrity guests answer questions while eating increasingly hot chicken wings. The company's mission is to provide healthy and delicious products made from the highest quality ingredients, to support local farmers, and to remain committed to sustainability even as the company grows. Karma Sauce sources most of its ingredients from within 50 miles of the Karma Sauce Farm (many on the farm itself). It also partners with Foodlink, a Rochester-based nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and building healthier communities.
To learn more about SUNY Potsdam’s incredible alumni network, 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 3,000 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.