Mary Biddle VanLeuven is being inducted into the Hall of Fame for her contributions to secular and spiritual education and humanitarianism.
Mary was active in her class of 1966, belonging to several clubs and winning the Latin Award for 3 years, and at graduation. She was also Vice President of Theta Sigma Nu her senior year. She also was chosen to speak at her class’ Senior Sunday. Mary attended Junior College of Albany and transferred to SUNY Albany earning her BA. She received her MS in Reading from SUNY Potsdam, taking night and summer courses while raising her children. She started her teaching career in 1984 in the Potsdam Central School District and taught 3rd and 4th grade throughout her 26 year career. She was active in Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) and assisted with chorus, specializing in transforming books into plays e.g. “Little Red Riding Hood” into “Meanwhile Back at the Ranch”. Mary also directed the yearly Holiday project at school, collecting gifts for needy families. Mary’s special personality endeared her to both students and teachers, becoming the “go to” person for advice when needed. In addition to her career, Mary was an active member of her church in Rensselaer and Potsdam. She currently serves on the vestry of her church, and as warden, usher, is on the altar guild, is an acolyte, and chalice bearer and has taught Sunday school. She volunteered as a supervisor of lay readers and is a reader herself and leads the committee for funeral detail. She belongs to the Renovare Group which fosters Christian spiritual development. Mary helps with church suppers and clerical projects, like updating the church directory. On top of all of this, Mary was past president and still volunteers for the Potsdam Hospital Guild. Under her guidance they have raised $800. Mary lives with her husband, alumnus Richard VanLeuven ’65 in Potsdam, NY where they raised their two sons. She was nominated by her friend, classmate and 2013 Hall of Fame inductee, James Cochran.