Longtime Supporter Richard F. Stradling Jr. of Cincinnati is Given Honorary Lifetime Membership in the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association
The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored longtime supporter Richard F. Stradling Jr. of Cincinnati with Honorary Lifetime Membership during the College’s Reunion Weekend.
Honorary Lifetime Membership is presented to non-alums who have made exceptional contributions to the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association and/or the College. Stradling was recognized for his visionary generosity to SUNY Potsdam.
About the recipient:
Richard F. Stradling Jr. (St. Lawrence University Class of 1964) and his wife, Gail (Haynes) Stradling ’64, have transformed how audiences experience performances at her alma mater, SUNY Potsdam.
In 2013, the Stradlings donated the funds to outfit both the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall and the Sara M. Snell Music Theater at The Crane School of Music with state-of-the-art live video capture and streaming equipment. They also established a $300,000 endowment to perpetuate the lifecycle of the equipment and the intended purpose of their gift. Their visionary gift makes watching Crane School of Music performances and presentations possible for anyone in the world with an internet connection.
Over the past five years, thousands of individuals have taken advantage of what the Stradlings’ gift has made possible. Without their desire to ensure others can experience the wonderful performances and presentations at Potsdam, the College simply would not have the funds to make streaming possible.
Their gift has proven to be so much more than just a link to Crane. The live videostream and archived recordings have become important recruiting tools for prospective students and faculty. The streaming also provides internship experiences and hands-on training for students working with Douglas McKinnie, the audio and video streaming engineer for The Crane School of Music. This experience is invaluable because students are not only trained to broadcast concerts online; they also work directly with the director, conductors and musicians to discuss how best to capture their movement and performance, and how to coordinate score reading and transitions between the multiple video cameras in each hall.
Recently, The Crane School of Music broadcast the world premiere of the Domenic J. Pellicciotti Opera Composition-commissioned opera, “Mayo.” Due to popular demand, the livestream was offered for the second night’s performance.
The Stradlings have forever transformed SUNY Potsdam’s scope of reach and influence. By providing the ability to remotely see and hear the artistry taking place, they make it possible for family and friends to see students they know perform at Crane as a part of the institution’s larger audience.
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.