BY ADAM ATKINSONNorth Country This Week

POTSDAM -- A class of Potsdam High alums inspired to give back to the community have made a substantial donation to the Sandstoner Foundation scholarship program, and are looking for others to try to match the sum. 

Tim Dempsey, of the Class of 1983 and president of the foundation, said he donated $50,000 this year on behalf of the class of 83. Dempsey said the class is now challenging others to donate to match that amount. 

"Members of the class of 1983 want to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of the Sandstoner Foundation by challenging other classes of PCS and all in Sandstoner nation to a match program to distribute $100,000 in scholarships this spring to the class of 2026," Dempsey said. "This would represent an $80,000 annual increase from past years."

The Foundation president said traditionally the Foundation has given $20,000 each year to high school seniors to help with college costs. 

"But we've been kind of stuck at that number," Dempsey said.  

The Foundation president said members of the class of 1983 recently turned 60 years old, and the quote 'If not now, when?' (Hillel the Elder) seemed more appropriate than ever.

“I have been told it is difficult to wave from the grave,” Dempsey said. "We want to see the benefits of paying it forward now. We are all incredibly grateful for how life has turned out after growing up in Potsdam and receiving a terrific education from PCS."

"A friend, Peter Brouwer, described Potsdam as being 'so geographically isolated it can remain a wonderfully weird place to live,'" the Foundation president said. 

Dempsey said that for him personally, donating back to the scholarship program was something he has always wanted to do and recent business success had enabled him to do it. 

"I am particularly grateful since I was a 'tuition exchange kid,' meaning that since my father worked at Clarkson, I was able to attend Hartwick College tuition-free, certainly not based on academic excellence but because of privilege," he said. "And I knew how ridiculously lucky I was." 

Dempsey said that Potsdam certainly has bright students but that there are not a lot of resources for continuing education for most. 

This is where the Foundation has traditionally stepped in to help.

Founded 25 years ago, the Sandstoner Foundation has given nearly $500,000 to graduating students of PCS. Besides Dempsey who serves as Foundation president, other board members include Ellen Hayes, recently deceased, who served as secretary for 25 years (a scholarship in her honor will be awarded this spring), Dan Hayes who serves as vice president, and Ed Mucenski who serves as treasurer.

The Foundation was set up by alumni, teachers, administrators, and friends to provides scholarships and awards to graduating seniors from Potsdam Central. 

The Foundation has 30 named scholarships and awards, established by families and friends over the years. According to the Foundation website, excellence in English and French, enjoyment of mathematics, love of animals and the outdoors, musical endeavors, and a desire to serve in the military are some of the focuses of the various awards. 

Scholarships continue to be based on financial need, 100% of funds will go directly to students, and donors will receive a handwritten Thank You note, Dempsey said. 

Those wanting to donate an amount towards the match challenge can send their contribution to P.O. Box 264, Potsdam, NY 13676. 

Anyone with questions regarding the match challenge can contact Dempsey at 603-767-5027.

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