Introduction
The State University of New York at Potsdam is an exciting and vibrant college campus located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. With a rich history and a vibrant student body, it is one of the most popular universities in the country. From its roots as a small teacher-training school to its current status as a nationally-recognized liberal arts college, SUNY Potsdam is an institution that has seen tremendous growth and success over the years. What makes the university so special? Here are some fun facts about SUNY Potsdam that you may not know.
History
SUNY Potsdam was founded in 1816 as the St. Lawrence Academy, a small teacher-training school. The school was renamed the Potsdam Normal School in 1867 and became part of the State University of New York in 1948. In 1962, the school was renamed the State University of New York College at Potsdam. In 1987, the college was granted university status and was officially renamed the State University of New York at Potsdam.
Campus
The campus of SUNY Potsdam is located on a sprawling 200-acre tract of land in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. The campus features a variety of buildings, including the historic Old Main, which was built in 1866. The campus also features a large lake, a nature preserve, and a variety of outdoor recreational facilities.
Academics
SUNY Potsdam offers a wide range of academic programs, from traditional liberal arts majors to specialized programs in the sciences, business, and the performing arts. The university also offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The most popular majors at SUNY Potsdam include psychology, biology, business, and music.
Student Life
SUNY Potsdam is a vibrant and active campus, with a variety of student organizations and activities. The university has more than 100 student clubs and organizations, ranging from academic and professional groups to religious and recreational clubs. The university also offers a variety of intramural sports and outdoor recreational activities.
Notable Alumni
SUNY Potsdam has produced a number of successful alumni, including former New York governor Mario Cuomo, former US Senator Hillary Clinton, and actor Alan Alda. Other notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz, filmmaker Ken Burns, and television host Carson Daly.
Athletics
SUNY Potsdam is home to the Bears, the university’s NCAA Division III athletic teams. The university fields teams in a variety of sports, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. The Bears have won numerous conference and regional championships over the years, and have produced a number of successful athletes, including former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly.
Location
SUNY Potsdam is located in the small village of Potsdam, New York, just a few miles from the Canadian border. The village is situated on the banks of the Raquette River and is surrounded by the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. The university is just a short drive from the city of Ottawa and is within easy reach of Montreal and Toronto.
Conclusion
SUNY Potsdam is a vibrant and exciting university with a long and storied history. From its roots as a small teacher-training school to its current status as a nationally-recognized liberal arts college, SUNY Potsdam has seen tremendous growth and success over the years. With its beautiful campus, its diverse academic programs, and its vibrant student life, SUNY Potsdam is an institution that is sure to continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
