POTSDAM — The Stewart's Foundation has made a major gift to elevate engagement between SUNY Potsdam students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.

The foundation has committed $125,000 over the next five years, to establish the SUNY Potsdam/Stewart's Foundation Community and College Engagement Fund.

"Stewart's and the Dake family are committed to helping provide a college education to students, as well as enhancing our shop communities by giving everyone in the Potsdam community access to college enrichment," said Stewart's Foundation President Susan Dake.

The gift will support ongoing programming that brings together the campus and community, in an effort to deepen connections between students, faculty, staff, alumni, families and the broader region. SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Suzanne Smith made "elevating engagement" the theme of her inauguration and is working with campus shared governance to incorporate that ethos into the College's new strategic plan.

"I am thrilled to announce this major ongoing gift commitment from the Stewart's Foundation. Since joining the SUNY Potsdam family, it has been my goal to strengthen ties between our campus and the community. We know that if students fall in love with our area, they will have more fun and be more successful while they're here -- and they'll also have more chances to meet alumni, local business leaders and mentors while they're at it," said Dr. Smith. "At the same time, this fund will allow us to invest in even more community programming, to help our regional community experience our vibrant campus and all we have to offer as well."

The ongoing funding will support the campus's participation in events such as Potsdam Palooza, a partnership between SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University and the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce, which encourages new and returning students to visit downtown businesses and get to know the community.

It will also help start new traditions, like the "Sundaes with Suzanne" reception that recently opened Welcome Weekend 2024, which was designed to help acclimate freshmen and transfer students and their loved ones to what the College and the area has to offer. During the event, the President and her leadership team scooped Stewart's Shops ice cream with all the toppings for new students and their families -- followed by a campus activities fair, with tables from various campus offices and community organizations.

"This major gift is going to help ensure that our students can engage with the community, and feel welcomed in true partnership. These events are often where students find new friends, take a step inside a local shop for the first time, try a new activity, or meet new people. Ultimately, it will help with the recruitment and retention of our students, and support local businesses and organizations at the same time, while we build that sense of community," said SUNY Potsdam Director of Strategic Alliances John Wicke.