LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the State
University of New York at Potsdam to be feted with a year-long cele-
bration

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose
exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate an enduring
pursuit of excellence in higher education for the youth of this noble
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the
200th Anniversary of the State University of New York at Potsdam, to be
celebrated with a myriad of events and festivities planned throughout
the year; and
WHEREAS, The State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam kicked off
its bicentennial celebration during Welcome Weekend in the Fall of 2015;
the college's 200th Birthday Party will take place in March of 2016,
highlighting the signing of the charter of St. Lawrence Academy in 1816;
and
WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings in a one-room schoolhouse, SUNY
Potsdam has grown to become a leader in creativity, applied learning and
educational excellence; and
WHEREAS, More than 200 years ago, settlers from the original colonies
began to migrate to Northern New York; in need of new places to settle
and farm, the New York Legislature posted lands which included Potsdam,
for sale in 1786, two years before the colony became a state by ratify-
ing the newly written United States Constitution; and
WHEREAS, In 1806, the Town of Potsdam was officially incorporated;
from that time on, the settlers and their families came, almost all from
Vermont, pushing their way westward through the woods; and
WHEREAS, The early settlers in Potsdam lived a difficult and uncertain
life, however, the urge for progress prompted an early movement for
education; in 1811, Benjamin Raymond paid for the construction of a
small one-room building, which would serve as a church, schoolhouse and
meetinghouse; and
WHEREAS, On December 1, 1812, the residents of Potsdam sent a formal
petition to the New York State Board of Regents to establish St.
Lawrence Academy; unfortunately, the movement for incorporation coin-
cided with the War of 1812; and
WHEREAS, Despite the uncertain times, residents were determined to
raise both funds and support for their academy; a subscription drive
continued through the war, raising "a liberal sum" by 1814, with 312
shares of $100 each invested in the enterprise; in addition, the town
set aside "literature lots," which could be leased for a fee, with the
proceeds intended for the benefit of the new college; and
WHEREAS, On March 25, 1816, the charter founding St. Lawrence Academy
was signed, and work could commence on the school; the trustees of the
new institution had plenty of tasks ahead, first and foremost, hiring an
instructor, as well as setting a curriculum, establishing tuition and
finding room and board for students; and
WHEREAS, Environmental hardships, brought on by a shorter than normal
growing season, coupled with economic hardship coinciding with a nation-
wide recession made for a meager first year for the new St. Lawrence
Academy; with only one teacher, the school opened its doors to students
for the first time on September 30, 1816; and
WHEREAS, Even though the people of Potsdam were struggling, they real-
ized the importance of education and who gave of their meager earnings
to make the endeavor a success; appreciating the sacrifice of the resi-

dents, New York State gave special funds to support its teacher educa-
tion program and to help construct a much-needed new building; and
WHEREAS, As New York began to follow the Prussian-style model of
Normal Schools, it was fitting that Potsdam (named after the capital of
Prussia) rallied to win designation for one of these institutions; from
there, the campus was absorbed into the State Teachers College system
and finally into the newly created State University of New York system;
and
WHEREAS, As one of America's first 50 colleges, St. Lawrence Academy
was at the vanguard of a new movement in education, as the curriculum
shifted to meet the needs of new generations and a growing country; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, SUNY Potsdam has always strived to be an
innovator, pioneering new curricula in teaching, music education, math-
ematics and computer science; the school has a proud history of educat-
ing New York's and the Nation's future teachers and exceptional musi-
cians; and
WHEREAS, Today, SUNY Potsdam continues to thrive on its founding spir-
it of perseverance and community engagement which has persisted since
its founding 200 years ago; under the visionary guidance of President
Kristin Esterberg, Ph.D., SUNY Potsdam stands proud and prominent,
always looking to the future and the needs of those it serves; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the State University of New York at
Potsdam, noting the propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commit-
ment and the significance of its accomplishments in preparing the youth
of today and leaders of tomorrow; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President Kristin Esterberg, Ph.D., the State University of
New York at Potsdam.