To the Editor:

Students in SUNY Potsdam’s COMP 322 Grant Writing course would like to thank two local professionals who spoke with us about their work in the nonprofit sector. We appreciate the time, insight, and guidance of Fred Hanss, Potsdam Village Director of Planning and Development and Tracy Ormsbee, publisher of Adirondack Explorer magazine and news website, both of whom joined our class for extended conversations.

It was invaluable for us to hear from professionals who use grant writing in their daily work. They provided insight and information that we could only gain from a conversation with an expert. As many of us hope to work in nonprofits, it was encouraging to hear how much they love their work, as well as the ways that students can prepare for jobs in the nonprofit sector.

Mr. Hanss inspired us with his personal testimony about the challenge of pursuing DRI funding for multiple years and funding cycles. He remained diligent in pursuit of the Potsdam DRI Grant, and his team ultimately won the $10 million grant in the fourth round. Yet, Mr. Hanss is one of the most humble professionals we have ever met, one who values the inner fulfillment from helping his community. Mr. Hanss taught us all to never give up on our goals and dreams. And he helped us, as SUNY Potsdam students, to gain a deeper appreciation of the Village of Potsdam.

Ms. Ormsbee provided our class with insights from her 32 years of experience as a journalist, editor, and publisher. She enlightened us on the history of the Adirondack region and gave us insight as to how the Adirondack Explorer was first founded and its cause and purpose today. Ms. Ormsbee shared fundraising strategies that nonprofits can use to support their work. Above all, she taught us that nonprofit leaders must believe deeply in the value of their organization’s work. She helped us to appreciate the importance of pursuing projects or careers that we truly enjoy and believe in.

Overall, we saw that Ms. Ormsbee and Mr. Hanss have sincere passion for the work they do and a deep care for the communities they serve. We appreciate the time they took to meet us on our level and to take our questions seriously.

Shawn Granger and Jennifer Mitchell
on behalf of SUNY Potsdam COMP 322 Grant Writing
course participants at the Potsdam, Watertown,
and Riverview Correctional Facility campuses