POTSDAM — Regional business owners, higher education leaders, and area college students gathered at Clarkson University on Wednesday evening for a collaborative panel and networking mixer focused on building partnerships beyond standard internships.

The event, "Beyond Internships: Building Stronger Connections Between Students & Our Community," took place Oct. 7 at Clarkson’s Schuler Educational Resource Center. Co-hosted by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, and the Associated Colleges of the St. Lawrence Valley, the program explored new avenues for local enterprises and campus organizations to work together.

The highlight of the evening was an interactive student panel moderated by St. Lawrence County Chamber Executive Director Ben Dixon. Panelists included Clarkson Student Association President Charlie Grove, SUNY Potsdam Student Association President Natalie Blair, St. Lawrence University Thelmo Society President Alex Santana, and SUNY Canton Women’s Lacrosse Captain and Pre-Veterinarian Club Secretary Sydney Dunn.

The student leaders shared firsthand perspectives on campus life and discussed practical ways local businesses can engage with student groups, sponsor activities, and foster community integration.

Ahead of the panel, attendees toured Clarkson’s Maker Space, which gives students free access to high-tech tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers, glass fusion equipment, vinyl heat presses, and soldering equipment.

A networking reception followed, featuring remarks from area university leadership, including Clarkson President Dr. Michelle B. Larson, SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith, SUNY Canton President Dr. Zvi Szafran, and St. Lawrence University Vice President for Student Life Dr. Jon Duraj. The administrators highlighted existing community integration opportunities while encouraging local business leaders to take an active role on regional campuses.