SUNY Adirondack named Pride's Community Champion

QUEENSBURY,  New York (June 15, 2026) — On behalf of SUNY Adirondack, college President Anastasia L. Urtz, J.D., proudly accepted Lower Adirondack Pride’s 2026 Community Champion of the Year on Friday, June 12, at the organization’s Gayla.

“Our partnership with Lower Adirondack Pride reflects our deepest belief: that every person deserves to learn, live and grow in a community where they are valued,” Urtz said. “SUNY Adirondack is honored to be recognized, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering belonging on our campus and across the region.”

SUNY Adirondack was selected by Lower Adirondack Pride’s Board of Directors for the honor, which recognizes an institution whose leadership, partnership and commitment to LGBTQIA+ visibility and equity have made a transformative impact across the North Country. 

In announcing the recognition, Lower Adirondack Price wrote: “For years, SUNY Adirondack has demonstrated what it truly means to show up for community — openly, consistently and with purpose. From cultivating inclusive campus spaces to engaging in year-round collaboration with regional LGBTQIA+ initiatives, the college has embodied the values that drive Lower Adirondack Pride’s mission forward: safety, visibility, education and collective resilience.”

“SUNY Adirondack doesn’t just talk about inclusion — they live it. Their leadership has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our LGBTQIA+ students and community in moments of joy, in moments of hardship and in the everyday work of building a North Country where everyone can belong,” said Cam Cardinale, president of Lower Adirondack Pride. “This award reflects not only what SUNY Adirondack has accomplished, but the future we are building together.” 

Lower Adirondack Pride notes that SUNY Adirondack’s continued commitment to creating affirming environments has strengthened conversations around belonging across educational, civic and cultural spaces throughout the region. 

The award was formally presented June 12 at the Lower Adirondack Pride Gayla at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. The Gayla — one of the region’s most anticipated annual celebrations — brings together community leaders, advocates, families and allies to honor progress, uplift LGBTQIA+ voices, and reaffirm the shared commitment to justice, dignity and joy for all.