POTSDAM - SUNY Potsdam conferred master's degrees upon 138 graduate students at the eighth annual Master's Commencement Ceremony on Saturday in Hosmer Concert Hall.

Families and friends cheered, as professors laid scarlet and blue hoods over the graduates' shoulders to signify their new academic degrees. Dr. Edward S. Marschilok '74, retired supervisor of the state Department of Education's Curriculum, Instruction and Instructional Technology Team, was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the State University of New York at the ceremony.

In his address to the graduates, Marschilok choked up as he remembered his close relationship with faculty such as Professor C. Robert Reinert and Elizabeth Baritaud, which began on his audition day at Crane. "They were the first in a long line of Potsdam people who played important roles in supporting my personal and professional development. You see, Potsdam people are very special people, who have real expertise and genuinely care about the people with whom they meet and work," he said.

Marschilok, who worked as an instrumental music teacher before joining the state education department as a curriculum specialist, went on to oversee curriculum development to benefit millions of K-12 students across New York State.

"Since most of us gathered here today have benefited from outstanding public educational institutions, it strikes me that we should openly encourage good government, not only for the benefit of future generations, but also for the continuance of our democracy," he said.

SUNY Potsdam Pres. John F. Schwaller marked his final Master's Commencement Ceremony by noting achievements of the Class of 2013.

"As Potsdam nears the close of her second century, you will take the lead in shaping her third," Schwaller said.

" Go out into the world, and let everyone know how valuable your Potsdam degree has been to you."

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of 138 Master of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Science in Education and Master of Science in Teaching degrees.

Families, friends and faculty members streamed out into the bright sunshine to congratulate the graduates at a reception following the ceremony on the Crane Plaza.

SUNY Potsdam's Commencement celebration continues this morning when the College awards degrees to 753 undergraduates at the 2013 Bachelor's Commencement Ceremony in the Academic Quad.