POTSDAM -- SeaComm has given $25,000 to establish a scholarship fund to help local students earn their degree at SUNY Potsdam.

The federal credit union recently established the SeaComm Scholarship, which will award $1,000 annually to an incoming first-year student chosen by the college's Office of Admissions. Recipients must reside in St. Lawrence or Franklin counties. SeaComm's generous gift will establish an endowment for the scholarship fund.

"Higher education plays a vital role in not only helping to shape the minds of young people, but also as a significant economic driver in the North Country," said SeaComm President and Chief Executive Officer Scott A. Wilson. "SeaComm is committed to SUNY Potsdam's mission and the noble work they provide in developing educated talent that we as an employer depend on to fill our human resource needs. This perpetual SeaComm Scholarship, in partnership with SUNY Potsdam, will ensure that resource is available for many years to come."

Wilson recently presented the check to establish the fund to SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller, alongside SUNY Potsdam alumni SeaComm Member Operations Manager Donna Deruchia '84 and Call Center Representative Sean Lynch '99.

SUNY Potsdam awarded almost $2.3 million in scholarships to 960 recipients last year -- and plans to do more this year.