POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam alumna and College Council member Molly Clough '92 was recently honored with the 2015 National TRiO Achievers Award at the Council for Opportunity in Education's conference in Atlanta.

"This is an historic occasion for both SUNY Potsdam and TRiO, as Molly is the first TRiO participant to have won this award in the program's 34-year history," said Mark Millward director of TRiO Student Support Services.

Clough is a law partner at Carrothers and Clough PLLC of Ogdensburg. As a freshman at SUNY Potsdam, she described herself as "a scared girl entering an unknown world." She credits student support services with putting her on the right path and engaging her in "learning to learn."

"Sometimes the best lessons are the ones you learn from when you are in the darkest hour. For that I will be forever grateful," Clough said of her experience.

After earning her bachelor's degree in English literature, summa cum laude, from SUNY Potsdam, Clough went on to graduate from the Syracuse University College of Law with her Juris Doctorate.

An attorney, Clough is also an advocate for local charities including United Helpers, the Red Cross, Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. Her law firm regularly offers consultations and carries out pro bono work for those who are unable to afford legal representation. She is an appointed member of the SUNY Potsdam College Council, and a supporter and volunteer for her alma mater.

"We are so proud of Molly Clough's incredible achievement. Molly's outstanding body of work at her legal firm, her service on the SUNY Potsdam College Council, her involvement in assisting with judicial nominations in Northern New York and her work in the local community are exemplary," President Kristin G. Esterberg said.

The National TRiO Achievers award was created by the Council for Opportunities in Education as a tribute to the success and outstanding endeavors of TRiO students and the programs that supported them in their journey to accomplished careers. To win the award, the candidate must be a person of high stature within his or her profession who has received recognition for outstanding academic achievement. Additionally, they must have made significant civic, community or professional contributions.

TRiO Student Support Services has been offered at SUNY Potsdam since 1984. The program provides academic assistance, financial literacy and planning guidance, graduate school and career preparation assistance and personal development support.

The federal TRiO programs are national outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information about TRiO Student Support Services at SUNY Potsdam, please visit www.potsdam.edu/support/ssc/sss.