The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association (N.Y.) presented the 2019 Minerva Award to Scott Goodman, CEO of Zoom North America and a 1979 graduate of the college, during the college’s Reunion Weekend, from July 12 to 14. The Minerva Award is presented annually to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in his or her field. It is the highest honor that a SUNY Potsdam graduate can receive from the association. Goodman was recognized for his outstanding professional achievements, and stewardship of his alma mater.
“Sometimes you forget that Crane was the first institution in the United States to offer training courses for music educators, dating back to 1886,” said Goodman. “It’s really incredible, knowing how responsible Crane has been for graduating so many of the country’s great music teachers, and their places in our public -school system.
“More than anything I want to thank my percussion instructor, Jim Petercsak, for taking me, and all his other students, under his wing,” Goodman continued. “He always encouraged us to be the best we could be. Jim knows how to uncover his students’ talents…and then he helps drive them to success. It’s an incredibly rare talent, and something you only hope to encounter after you’ve chosen your college or university. Tonight, my wife Margo and I would like to make an endowment to the Crane School of Music to have Jim’s office remain forever the James ‘JP’ Petercsak Studio of Percussion commemorating Jim’s incredible dedication to the hundreds of drummers and percussionists who have studied at the school.”
“It is an honor to receive the gift to name the percussion studio the James ‘JP’ Petercsak Studio of Percussion,” said Petercsak. “Scott Goodman is an esteemed graduate and a great example of how far a Crane education can take you. I am humbled and grateful to him and Margo for honoring my career in this way.”
Potsdam president Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg added, “As he has built a successful career in the music industry, Scott has always stretched out a hand to help the next generation of Crane School of Music students find their own path in the field. Scott’s leadership and generosity are truly commendable.”