POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam’s new Center for Applied Learning -- the first within the SUNY system -- is aiming to ensure that every student completes a research project, internship, study abroad program or “service learning” before graduation.

The college says it created its first endowed position and established the new Center for Applied Learning, with support from alumni Joy MacDonald Dorf and her husband, Richard Dorf, a Clarkson University graduate.

The Dorfs have created a $1 million endowment and a gift of start-up funding for the new center.

"It is our hope that before each SUNY Potsdam graduate crosses the stage at Commencement, they will have had the opportunity to engage in one or more intensive educational experiences that connect classroom studies with hands-on practice," the Dorfs said.

"As the college prepares to enter its third century, we are proud to support future generations of Potsdam students."

The center will bring the offices of experiential education, international education and student research together under one umbrella, offering internships, study abroad, service learning and research opportunities to all students. The center is overseen by the new Dorf Endowed Director for Applied Learning, Jenica Rogers, who also directs the college libraries. This is the first-ever endowed position to be established at the college.

"SUNY Potsdam is grateful for the extraordinary support that we have received from Joy and Dick Dorf. Their vision of making applied learning central to the SUNY Potsdam student experience has the potential to be nothing short of transformative for our campus, our community and most important, for our graduates," said Kristin G. Esterberg, SUNY Potsdam president.

The Dorfs' gift allows the college to take the lead within SUNY on applied learning. Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher has called for every SUNY graduate to have access to applied learning opportunities, while this year Governor Andrew Cuomo also urged SUNY to provide experiential learning programming for all students as well.

The Center for Applied Learning will be advised by a think tank including faculty from across the disciplines, which will help to develop a unique approach to applied learning that fits the College's liberal arts and sciences curriculum. A new "Yes Fund" will seed innovative and experimental ideas for building capacity for applied learning.

In addition to their support for SUNY Potsdam, the Dorfs provided support to Richard's Clarkson University, where they have also endowed a faculty position.

For more information about giving back to SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/giving.