POTSDAM - SUNY Potsdam has named Dr. Stephen D. Immerman ‘75 as the recipient of its 2012 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the College. The annual recognition is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated steadfast support for SUNY Potsdam and the region through their leadership, advocacy, stewardship and service.

Dr. Immerman will be bestowed with the honor at the college’s annual Commencement ceremony on May 20, at the same time that his son, Edward “Ted” L. Immerman, graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and creative writing from SUNY Potsdam.

“SUNY Potsdam is proud to honor Steve Immerman in recognition of his contributions and dedication to higher education and his continued devotion to helping college students achieve their full potential, at all of the institutions that he has furthered, but especially at his alma mater,” said College President Dr. John F. Schwaller.

Immerman graduated from SUNY Potsdam in 1975 with a degree in psychology. He continued his studies in counseling/student personnel in higher education at the University at Albany, receiving his MS and Ed.S. in 1977. He received his Doctor of Education degree in higher education administration from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. He was inaugurated as President of the Montserrat College of Art in 2009.

In describing the impact SUNY Potsdam has had on his career development, Immerman said, “Potsdam was a transformative experience. I was exposed to gifted teachers, skilled leaders and lifelong mentors. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today without the wonderful education I received at Potsdam, and my wife and I are pleased to be help make a handcrafted Potsdam education affordable for future generations of leaders in education, business and the arts.”

Prior to becoming Montserrat’s president in 2009, he spent the majority of his career in a variety of departments at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, including student life, advancement, business management, operations, project management and alumni relations. He is an influential speaker, effective fundraiser and creative thinker and has dedicated his more than 30-year career promoting and establishing change in higher education to improve the lives of young adults.

From the beginning of his service on the Potsdam College Foundation Board to his current position as President of the Board, he has positioned the board to be one of the leaders in the SUNY system. He has reached out to his fellow Potsdam graduates to craft a slate of trustees of which any university would be proud, and confidently inspires his fellow trustees and friends to believe in Potsdam’s ability to be great.

He has been a driving force in the maturation and growth of SUNY Potsdam’s fundraising activities over the past decade, beginning with his co-chairing his class’s 25th Reunion Gift in 2000. The class gift was, at that time, the largest in the College’s history. He has since given generously of his time, talent and treasure to enhance educational opportunities for the Potsdam students graduating today, and for many years to come.

Immerman and his wife, Darcy, have recently established the Immerman/Lenden Scholarship at SUNY Potsdam to recognize and encourage leadership and initiative among students.

Immerman will be honored for his contributions and dedication to higher education, and specifically to the SUNY Potsdam campus, during SUNY Potsdam’s 178th Commencement celebrations.

He will be recognized during the Bachelor’s Commencement Ceremony on at 10:15 a.m. May 20 in the Academic Quad. More than 750 undergraduate degrees will be awarded on that day.

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