POTSDAM -- When COVID-19 travel restrictions loosen and safe study abroad experiences become available again, more SUNY Potsdam students will have the opportunity to travel without financial burdens.

That’s through a donation from Gail Haynes Stradling '64 and Richard Stradling, Jr. (St. Lawrence University Class of 1964, SUNY Potsdam Honorary Class of 2019).

The Stradlings recently established the Gail and Richard Stradling Travel Endowment: Passport to Possibilities, with a $1.2 million pledge in honor of their shared love of travel and their commitment to student success at SUNY Potsdam. The Passport to Possibilities endowed fund will provide SUNY Potsdam students with unique educational and cultural experiences not otherwise covered by tuition and fees. Funds are intended to support both individual student travel and faculty-led travel courses.

"Travel provides students with exposure to history, geography, art, music, religion and science, as well as local culture, customs and cuisine," the Stradlings said. "Growing up, Gail's parents took her to visit historic sites in the United States, Canada and Mexico. We've continued this most enjoyable activity with our own children and grandchildren and continue to see how travel enriches learning and provides a better understanding of the world in which we live."

Their gift significantly increases the resources available to our students and faculty through the Lougheed Center for Applied Learning.

"We are extremely grateful for the Stradlings' visionary philanthropy, which will open doors for countless students (current and future) to participate in transformative travel experiences, whether on their own or with a faculty-led course. Too often, faculty trips are canceled due to the individual cost to students. This fund will re-invigorate their programs and reduce the financial barrier for students who wish to broaden their educational horizons," said SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.