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SUNY Potsdam Honors 23 College Retirees

June 15, 2023

The State University of New York at Potsdam Thanks 23 Employees for Years of Service to the College, Upon Their Retirements 

SUNY Potsdam recently honored 23 longtime employees who retired during the 2022-23 academic year. Together, the faculty and staff members had collectively dedicated an incredible 557 years of service to the institution throughout their careers. 

It is with great admiration and gratitude that we acknowledge the remarkable contributions of these 23 retiring employees. Throughout their tenure at SUNY Potsdam, they have exemplified dedication and commitment to our institution and its students. Their unwavering service and steadfast support have shaped the lives of countless individuals. On behalf of the entire College community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes as they embark on a new chapter in their lives, said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith. 

This year’s SUNY Potsdam retirees included: 

  • Gunnar Anderson, Modern Languages: 22 years of service 

  • Peter Austin, Physical Plant: 30 years of service 

  • Margaret Ball, Crane School of Music: 10 years of service 

  • John Bard, PACES: 11 years of service 

  • Christine Bradshaw, PACES: 40 years of service 

  • Mylene Catel, Modern Languages: 22 years of service 

  • Patrick Cavanaugh, Custodial Services: 12 years of service 

  • Daniel Clarke, PACES: 15 years of service 

  • Irene Haverstock, Computing and Technology Services: 21 years of service 

  • Abigail Lee, PACES: 18 years of service 

  • Donald McNutt, English and Communication: 19 years of service 

  • Philip Neisser, President’s Office: 30 years of service 

  • Laura Person, Mathematics: 34 years of service 

  • James Petercsak, Crane School of Music: 55 years of service 

  • Donna Planty, College Communications: 37 years of service 

  • Geraldine Powers, PACES: 21 years of service 

  • Laurie Russell, Physical Plant: 22 years of service 

  • Liliana Sarmiento, Modern Languages: 31 years of service 

  • Donald Straight, Secondary Education: 20 years of service 

  • Janet Sussman, Theatre and Dance: 11 years of service 

  • Robert Vadas, Secondary Education: 26 years of service 

  • Gregory Wanamaker, Crane School of Music: 26 years of service 

  • Toby White, Center for Applied Learning: 24 years of service 

To find out more about employment at SUNY Potsdam, visit http://www.potsdam.edu/offices/hr. 

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. 

For Media Inquiries

Alexandra Jacobs Wilke

jacobsam@potsdam.edu 315-267-2918

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