POTSDAM -- The State University of New York at Potsdam celebrated the successful conclusion of its Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam with stories and song recently, the 200th anniversary of the first day of classes at the college.

The Take the Lead Campaign raised more than $33.5 million to support scholarships and programs, surpassing its final goal by $1.5 million and breaking all previous records for campaign giving at the college. In keeping with this historic achievement, the celebration was held on the 200th anniversary of classes first beginning at St. Lawrence Academy -- SUNY Potsdam's predecessor institution -- in 1816.

During the celebration, students, faculty, alumni and community members took to the stage at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music to thank donors.

"I am thrilled to think of what opportunities these gifts have and will create -- all made possible because one person, and then another, and then many others, cared enough to give back. Thank you so much for taking the lead for Potsdam," said Campaign National Co-Chair Lisa Vroman, the famed lyric soprano and a 1979 graduate.

The celebration featured 15 student speakers, who spoke about the opportunities they have been able to take advantage of at SUNY Potsdam thanks to donor support.

Following the campaign celebration, which also streamed live online, campus community members wnt to the college's new Performing Arts Center for a reception with live music.

A new sculpture marking the successful conclusion of the Take the Lead Campaign was unveiled before the audience. Created by Professor of Art F. Douglass Schatz and student Ashley Goff, the metalwork maple tree sculpture was inspired by the campaign's artwork, and will have a permanent home in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center.

That evening, a special dinner was held for campaign donors and volunteers. National Campaign Co-Chair Michael Galane a vice president for HP, was honored during the dinner with the 2016 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the college.

Through the Take the Lead Campaign, SUNY Potsdam raised:

$8.4 million for scholarships,

$5.2 million for transformational student experiences,

$11.3 million for academic excellence, and

$8.1 million for the Annual Fund for Potsdam.

In addition, 38 percent of all gifts, representing $12.7 million, also supported the arts in these categories.

The acclaimed bestselling novelist T.C. Boyle '68 served as Campaign Honorary Co-Chair, along with Metropolitan Opera star Stephanie Blythe '92. The National Co-Chairs were Lisa Vroman '79 and Michael Galane '74. The rest of the Campaign Steering Committee included: Lynne Boles '74, William Flynn '70, Deborah Diefendorf Hind '75, Gary Hind '77, Janice Rowlands Johnson '56, Christine Meda '70 and J. Richard Munro.