POTSDAM -- Three SUNY Potsdam staff members are among 312 State University of New York faculty and staff to receive 2012-13 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.

They include Kirk Severtson, associate professor at the Crane School of Music and accompanist/chair of the Performance Department; Patricia Stone, secretary in the Provost & Academic Affairs department; and Victoria Klawitter, associate mathematics professor.

"SUNY employs an exemplary body of faculty and staff across the state and the annual presentation of these awards underscores our deep appreciation for those who serve SUNY campuses, students, and communities with the highest levels of distinction,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher.

The awards are presented annually to faculty and staff in six categories: Faculty Service, Librarianship, Professional Service, Scholarship and Creative Activities, Teaching, and Classified Service.

The honor provides system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence. Through these awards, SUNY publicly proclaims its pride in the accomplishment and personal dedication of its instructional faculty, librarians, and staff across its 64 campuses and System Administration.

A certificate and a Chancellor’s Excellence Medallion are also bestowed upon each honoree to commemorate selection. Recipients are honored by their respective campuses during commencement exercises, at academic convocations, or other special events hosted in their honor.