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SUNY Potsdam awards degrees to nearly 900 graduates

Posted 5/19/19

POTSDAM -- Nearly 900 students were recognized for earning their baccalaureate and graduate degrees at The State University of New York at Potsdam on Saturday, May 18. Student Government Association …

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SUNY Potsdam awards degrees to nearly 900 graduates

Posted

POTSDAM -- Nearly 900 students were recognized for earning their baccalaureate and graduate degrees at The State University of New York at Potsdam on Saturday, May 18.

Student Government Association President Kadiatou Balde opened her remarks by reciting a verse from the Koran, in recognition of Ramadan and her position as the first black Muslim female student body representative to take the stage at the college.

This year's Commencement ceremonies opened with an expanded celebration of diversity. The Potsdam Pointercounts, led by speech communication major Sekayi Williams '19, performed an original rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a hymn that is often called the "Black national anthem." The singers followed Chelsea Sunday '16, who recited the Ohen:ton Karikwatekhwen ("The words before all else") in the Mohawk language and in English translation.

Morganne McClement and Shavon Lloyd led the crowd in the national anthems of Canada and the United States, respectively.

SUNY Potsdam President Kristin G. Esterberg mused about where the students' journeys would take them next -- some with destinations known, and many unknown. No matter where they end up, she urged the Class of 2019 to always feel welcome at their alma mater.

"From here on, your paths will diverge. Although many of you will maintain lifelong friendships with your classmates, and many will stay in touch with faculty and staff. We hope that one day -- hopefully more than one day -- your paths will lead back to Potsdam again," Esterberg said.

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SUNY Potsdam graduates cheer as they cross the stage at commencement. Photo submitted by SUNY Potsdam.

Commencement speaker Donald Lougheed (Hon. '54) had a lifetime of memories and a long journey to reflect upon. In his keynote address, the entrepreneur and benefactor shared nuggets of wisdom from his long life -- and his hopes and dreams for each of the graduates.

"So, what can an old fella share with a bunch of young college graduates? I've honestly asked myself that very question many times. I know that the world you are entering is so, so different from the world I walked out into when I was your age. But I believe that these truths are universal, and can still have an impact on your life, as they did on mine," Lougheed said.

The generous benefactor and honorary alumnus shared several lessons, beginning with ones learned on his family farm, to his time at university, in the U.S. Air Force, and later in business. He also spoke lovingly about the life and legacy he has built with his wife, Kathy Kofoed Lougheed '54, who studied at The Crane School of Music.

The Lougheeds are the largest individual donors in SUNY Potsdam history, having committed a total of more than $7.5 million to the college. Last year, Don and Kathy pledged a historic gift commitment of $5.25 million to support applied learning initiatives at the College, on top of $2.3 million in previous giving to support scholarships and found the LoKo Arts Festival.

SUNY Potsdam also recognized the recipient of a major award during the ceremony, which was presented by College Council Chair June O'Neill (Hon. '99). Dr. Steven Marqusee (Hon. '19), who is retiring as dean of the College's School of Arts and Sciences, was presented with the Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award, the institution's highest honor.

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of 890 master's and bachelor's degrees, followed by the traditional singing of the "Alma Mater”.