POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam honored more than a thousand graduates in a historic Bicentennial Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 21.

With Satterlee Hall and its iconic clocktower as the backdrop, members of the Class of 2016 crossed the stage to receive their baccalaureate and master's degrees. The Academic Quad was filled with family, friends and sunshine. "Graduates, today you make history not only as our first and only Bicentennial

Class, but also as the most diverse graduating class in our history to walk this stage. You have made our campus and our community stronger and more vibrant, in the face of adversity and constant change. Your passion for making Potsdam a better place is truly remarkable," SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg said.

"As excited as we are to celebrate our 200 years of history, we are even more excited to see what the third century hold for SUNY Potsdam and for you."

In keeping with the North Country region's long heritage as being located in traditional Mohawk territory, there was a new greeting to open the ceremony this year. Chelsea Sunday '16 recited the Ohen:ton Karikwatekhwen ("The words before all else") in the Mohawk language and in English translation to bring together the minds of all the graduates and guests.

SUNY Chancellor Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher delivered the keynote speech to the graduates, who have the honor of being a part of the first Bicentennial Class in the State University of New York system.

"Be proud of your time here. Carry it with you, and always know that you as much a part of this College's noble history as it is a part of yours. Know that 200 years of graduates and faculty stand behind you -- and that you have succeeded, in large part, because of what happened here," Zimpher said.

Calling Potsdam the "eldest sibling" of the 64 SUNY campuses, the Chancellor spoke about her pride in hearing how the campus has responded in the face of challenge over the past year, and marveled at the institution's leadership in the arts, education and applied learning.

"Time and time again, Potsdam -- our eldest sibling and I dare say, our best role model -- makes us proud," Zimpher said. "Through all the staggering change that has happened in the world over two centuries, there has been here, in what was at its beginning a wild frontier, an institution of higher learning that has evolved from a one-building school into a thriving, dynamic force of world-class creativity."

Drawing on vignettes from Robert Fulgham's "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," Zimpher also encouraged the graduates to remember the importance of sticking together -- taking collective action to solve problems.

"We need to not only recognize that we are all in this together, but we need to act as though we are all in it together. And no matter your chosen path, your mission, your work, it is that which must be accomplished together that will make the most difference in the world," she said.

Student Government Association President Shawn Ramos '16 wished his classmates the best of luck and promised to keep his comments brief as they prepared to turn their tassels.

"Being one of the final things standing between you and your degrees, I want to leave you with this message: You are going to hear 'no' a lot," he said.

"Opportunity does come more than once in a lifetime. Just work hard, and do not throw away your shot."

In her remarks, Alumni Association President Amy Kellogg '99 welcomed the Class of 2016 into the ranks of the College's 37,000 alumni worldwide. As graduates crossed the stage to accept their diplomas, she handed out "PDAM" bumper stickers to share their SUNY Potsdam pride with the world.

"Every graduating class is special, but yours is even more so, as you are the last class of the second century at SUNY Potsdam. You officially close one chapter of our history, as we look forward to the third century at Potsdam," she said. "No matter where you land or what you end up doing, you will encounter fellow SUNY Potsdam alumni who will help support you in your career, motivate you to challenge yourself and inspire you to be the best that you can be."

College Council Chair June O'Neill presented the 2016 Leadership Through Service Award to Judge Eugene L. Nicandri, the vice chair of the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees, in recognition of his many years of committed and dedicated service in the North Country.

Michael Galane '74, the national co-chair of the Take the Lead Campaign and vice president of the Potsdam College Foundation Board of Trustees, was also recognized as the recipient of the 2016 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award.

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of more than 1,000 master's and bachelor's degrees. During Commencement, the College recognizes all students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate between December 2015 and December 2016.

To find out more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit

www.potsdam.edu/commencement.