POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam celebrated the grand opening of its expanded Center for Diversity with a ceremony and campus reception in the newly renovated space on Thursday.

SUNY Chief Diversity Officer Carlos Medina traveled to Potsdam to speak at the ceremony and join in the festivities.

"The word that comes to mind as I look around this room is engagement. This is a space where we can come together, culturally, socially and academically," Medina said. "We are doing as much work as we can to make SUNY a place where we can all thrive."

SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg thanked all the physical plant employees who worked long hours over winter break to complete the renovation project, which has been in the making since May.

She and Center for Diversity Interim Director Louise Tyo also recognized the hard-working staff in the CFD and its affiliated programs.

"The Center for Diversity staff have already begun to decorate and make this feel like home. No home is complete without a family, and we are very glad to welcome our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to this refreshed and revitalized space," Esterberg said. "We want everyone to feel radically at home here at SUNY Potsdam. That's what the CFD is all about. It's a resource for every student who needs a safe space and a friendly face."

Last spring, SUNY Potsdam began the design process in order to renovate and expand the Center for Diversity, in response to increased demand for space and services. The student body at SUNY Potsdam is more diverse than ever, with nearly 30 percent of students self-identifying as students of color.

Construction began over winter break and concluded at the beginning of the spring semester.

"It's hard to imagine that this space was a major construction site just six weeks ago," Tyo said. "Where do we go from here? The CFD remains committed to offering student internship opportunities and we plan to continue to work closely with our Student Affairs colleagues to offer creative, supportive, educational and inclusive programs and events."

In its new home on the second floor of Sisson Hall, the expanded center is now 1,900 square feet larger, with a brand-new computer lab, new staff and student offices, work stations, an improved student lounge, new countertops, ceilings, lighting, carpet and freshly painted and renovated spaces.

“The center exists to assist all students in their educational and personal transition and development at SUNY Potsdam, with an emphasis placed on students of color and students from diverse backgrounds,” the school said in a prepared statement. “In its continued effort to afford students empowering opportunities, the CFD provides academic and personal advising, as well as referral to other campus services. The office also coordinates diversity training sessions, skill development workshops and leadership opportunities to assist in the college-wide appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity.”

The new facility includes the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), the North Country Science and Technology Entry Program (NCSTEP) and Native American Affairs, including the Native American Teaching Initiative. The Center for Diversity also supports student groups, including the Black Student Alliance, SOCA LOCA, the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, the Potsdam Association for Native Americans, Voices of Victory, the Bear Witness Step Team and Team NV.

More about the center is at www.potsdam.edu/studentlife/diversity.