Clarkson University facts for kids
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Former names
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Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial School of Technology (1896–1913) Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial College of Technology (1913–1984) |
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| Motto | A Workman That Needeth Not to be Ashamed |
| Type | Private research university |
| Established | 1896 |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
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Academic affiliations
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Space-grant |
| Endowment | $216.6 million (2022) |
| President | Michelle Larson |
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Academic staff
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750 |
| Students | ~4,000 |
| Location |
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U.S.
44°39′50″N 74°59′53″W / 44.664°N 74.998°W |
| Campus | Village, 640 acres (2.6 km2) |
| Other campuses | |
| Newspaper | The Integrator |
| Colors | Green & gold |
| Nickname | Golden Knights |
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Sporting affiliations
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20 varsity teams NCAA Division I – ECAC Hockey (women's & men's) NCAA Division III – Liberty League |
| Mascot | The Golden Knight |
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Clarkson University is a private university in Potsdam, New York. It's a place where students can study and do research. Clarkson also has some programs and research spots in the New York Capital District.
The university started in 1896. In 2024, about 4,000 students attended Clarkson. Students can earn different degrees, like bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. They study in various schools, including business, engineering, health sciences, and environmental studies.
Clarkson's sports teams are called the Golden Knights. They have 20 different teams. Most teams compete in NCAA Division III. However, both the men's and women's ice hockey teams play in NCAA Division I. The women's hockey team has won three national championships. These wins were in 2014, 2017, and 2018.
Contents
History of Clarkson University
How Clarkson University Started
Clarkson University was founded in 1896. It was started by the sisters of Thomas S. Clarkson. Thomas Clarkson was a local businessman. He sadly died in an accident at his sandstone quarry. He saved a worker from danger, but he was hurt and passed away five days later.
The Clarkson family became very wealthy from their quarries. Potsdam sandstone was popular for building homes in New York City. The family was very generous in the Potsdam area. The school was first named the Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial School of Technology.
Changes to the School's Name and Campus
In 1913, the school's name changed to Thomas S. Clarkson Memorial College of Technology. People often called it Clarkson College of Technology (CCT). For many years, most of the campus was "downtown" in Potsdam.
Over time, the campus grew to an area called the "Hill." This area is on the edge of Potsdam village. By 2001, almost all classes and student housing were on the Hill campus. Some downtown buildings are still used for offices. In 2022, the Hill campus was named "The Collins Hill Campus." This was to honor a past president, Tony Collins.
On February 24, 1984, the school officially became Clarkson University. Even with the new name, the hockey team is still often called "Tech." The nickname "Tech" has been used since 1896. You might still see "CCT" on older school items.
In 2016, another college, Union Graduate College, joined Clarkson University. It became the Clarkson University Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, New York. This location closed in late 2024. Its staff moved to an office in Latham, NY.
In 2023, the university made some changes to its academic programs. They decided to focus more on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Some humanities and social sciences programs were phased out. A new department for Arts, Culture, and Technology was created.
In 2025, Michelle Larson became the university's 19th president. She is the first woman to hold this position.
Academics at Clarkson
What Students Can Study
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Clarkson University offers more than 50 different majors and minors for undergraduate students. Students can also earn master's and doctoral degrees. These programs are offered through various schools. These include the School of Arts & Sciences, the Business School, the Engineering School, and the Health Sciences School.
Clarkson is home to the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP). This center helps develop new research and education in high-tech materials. It focuses on creating new ideas in materials processing. It also helps transfer this technology to businesses. CAMP gets support from New York State and other sources.
Clarkson has 15 Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design (SPEED) teams. These teams let students from all majors work on hands-on projects outside of class. Clarkson also has student exchange programs with schools in Europe and Australia.
The Clarkson School Program
The Clarkson School is a special part of Clarkson University. It started in 1978. This program lets students start college early. Instead of finishing their last year of high school, they can take college classes. It's one of the few programs like this where students live and learn on a college campus.
Students in The Clarkson School are called "Schoolies." They are full-time college students. They take classes with other university students. They usually take 15 to 18 credits each semester. After the program, they can continue at Clarkson University. They can also transfer to another school with their college credits.
Clarkson Ignite: Innovation and Learning
Clarkson Ignite started in 2017. It's a center for innovation at Clarkson University. It gives students many chances for hands-on learning. Ignite manages two special learning spaces. These are called the Dorf Makerspace and Makers' Loft.
These spaces have tools for creating things. They have 3D printers, laser engravers, and sewing machines. Students called Maker Mentors help others use the equipment.
Ignite also hosts yearly events and competitions. These include the Ignite Project Expo and the President's Challenge. These events involve students from all majors. Ignite also helps students who want to start their own businesses. Its Cube program has supported several successful student startups.
Each year, 10 new students receive the Ignite Presidential Fellowship. This scholarship covers tuition for up to eight semesters. Ignite supports these students throughout their time at Clarkson. They plan special events, like a Pre-Orientation week before classes start.
Campus Life
Clarkson Campuses
Clarkson has two campuses in Potsdam. One is the "downtown" campus, and the other is the Collins Hill Campus. There was also the Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, New York, which closed in late 2024.
Some health science departments are on the downtown campus. The campus bookstore is also downtown. Most student housing and classes are now on the Hill campus. Some downtown buildings are used for offices and businesses.
Clarkson Golden Knights Athletics
Clarkson's sports teams are known as the Golden Knights. There are 20 varsity teams. Most teams compete in the NCAA.
Clarkson is an NCAA Division III school. However, both the men's and women's ice hockey teams play in NCAA Division I. They compete in the ECAC conference. The men's team has won six ECAC Tournament Championships. Their most recent win was in 2019.
The women's hockey team has been very successful. They have won three NCAA national championships. These wins were in 2014, 2017, and 2018. These were the first national titles for the university.
Other Division III teams compete in the Liberty League conference. These include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, and volleyball.
Clarkson also has alpine and Nordic skiing teams. They compete in the United States Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA). In 2019, the women's Nordic team won the USCSA national championship. The men's team placed second.
"The Golden Knight" is the university's hockey mascot. You can see the mascot at hockey games. The nickname "Golden Knights" was first suggested in 1950.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Clarkson University has over 130 student clubs and organizations. These clubs are run by students. Both undergraduate and graduate students can join. Some of the largest clubs include the Outing Club and the Ski Club.
The Clarkson Union Board (CUB) plans many events on campus. They host concerts and other activities. CUB also helps with sound and video for campus events.
Amateur Radio Club (K2CC)
The Amateur Radio Club (K2CC) started in 1922. It is the oldest student organization at Clarkson. The club helps students get radio licenses. They also work with the local community.
WTSC Radio Station
WTSC 91.1 FM The Source is Clarkson's student-run radio station. It is one of the most popular stations in the North Country. Students can host their own shows. They play many types of music, from rap to classical rock.
Golden Knotes A Cappella
The Clarkson Golden Knotes is a co-ed a cappella group. It started in 2002. They perform songs without instruments. Each semester, they have a final performance. They also perform at other campus events.
FIRST Robotics
Clarkson Robotics brings university students together with high school students. They design, build, and test a robot each year. This robot competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition.
Applied Computer Science Labs
The Applied Computer Science Labs are mostly run by students. They include the Clarkson Open Source Institute. These labs give students experience in managing projects. They also host an open-source mirror. This mirror provides downloads for popular software like Blender (software) and Ubuntu.
Clarkson Pep Band
The Clarkson University Pep Band is a student group. They support the Golden Knights ice hockey teams. The band has about 75 members. They perform at home games for the men's and women's hockey teams. The band also travels to some away games and tournaments. The Pep Band started in 1964.
Clarkson Theatre Company
The Clarkson Theatre Company (CTC) is a student-run theater group. They put on plays and musicals. Students and faculty from Clarkson and other local colleges can join.
Every fall, CTC performs a musical. They also have a One Act Festival. This festival features short plays directed and sometimes written by students. They also put on a straight play in the spring.
A famous director, Wes Craven, taught at Clarkson in 1968. He was an adviser for the Drama Club, which was before CTC. He helped students make a short film. This experience helped inspire his famous movie A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Fraternities and Sororities
Clarkson has social fraternities and sororities. These groups started organizing on campus in 1903. They are social clubs that students can join.
Publications and Media
- The Integrator is a weekly newspaper run by students.
- WCKN Television is a student-run TV station.
- WTSC Clarkson Radio is a student-run radio station.
- The Clarksonian is a yearbook created by students.
ROTC Programs
Clarkson University hosts both Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs. ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps. These programs are for Clarkson students and students from nearby colleges. ROTC has been at Clarkson since 1936. It helps train students to become military officers.
Army ROTC
The Clarkson Army ROTC Battalion is called the "Golden Knight Battalion." It is one of many Army ROTC battalions in the United States. It usually has about 100 students, mostly from Clarkson.
Transportation
The company Mozee has partnered with Clarkson University. They plan to provide self-driving transportation for students on campus. A test program started in June 2025.
Notable alumni
See also
- Association of Independent Technological Universities
