At Clarkson University, learning does not end when classes do. For Brady Gwilt ’28, an Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering major, member of the Honors Program, and an Ignite Maker Mentor, volunteering at Bayside Cemetery in Potsdam became an unexpected lesson in history, service, and community. What started as a leaf-raking and headstone restoration project soon turned into a powerful connection to Clarkson’s roots and the stories of the people who helped shape this region.
“My experience at Bayside has been so amazing. What I have truly enjoyed is how much history is just lying there waiting to be discovered,” the student shared. “I have learned more about Clarkson in just one day there than my entire time in my first year.”
Discovering Local History and Clarkson’s Legacy
Working among the gravestones revealed powerful connections between Clarkson University and the town that surrounds it.
“It’s so interesting to hear the stories of these people since many of them are related to Clarkson University in some way. It seems like everywhere you turn you see a name you recognize — Snell, Moore, and Reynolds. It really makes the experience seem so personal.”
Brady described hearing stories of Potsdam’s past, including one about Julia Crane, who famously hauled her gravestone’s rock across the river by oxen for two winters.
“Some of the stories are just so unique and silly that it’s hard not to sit there and listen.”
Hands-On Service with Lasting Impact
Beyond uncovering history, the project offered a chance to give back to a community that has supported generations of Clarkson students.
“It gives back to a community that has given me so much,” the student said. “The community of Clarkson and even Potsdam as a whole has given me such an amazing learning space to the point I can’t imagine college being anything else.”
Cleaning and resetting gravestones also became a deeply rewarding experience.
“It is so fulfilling when you are cleaning up for a family that is coming in the next day to lay a family member to rest. Our small restorations are preserving Bayside Cemetery. By preserving Bayside, we are not only preserving the legacy of Potsdam but also Clarkson University and the people behind it.”
Lessons in Teamwork and Communication
What started as a simple volunteer project turned into a powerful exercise in teamwork and problem-solving.
“This has genuinely been one of the most realistic team settings I have been in,” the student said. “We were a random group of four students with different backgrounds and experiences. We came together to work on a project none of us knew entirely how to do.”
From developing creative solutions like bucket systems to haul water from the river to coordinating shifts and communication, the experience reminded the group that teamwork isn’t just an engineering principle, it’s a life skill.
“Engineering isn’t just about equations and designs; it’s about being able to work with people. The lessons I’ve learned here about teamwork and communication are exactly the skills I’ll need in my future career.”
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Bayside Cemetery now stands as more than just a historical site. It’s a reminder that Clarkson students continue to make meaningful contributions to Potsdam, preserving not only the town’s heritage but the spirit of connection between Clarkson and the community it calls home.
“Essentially our measurement of success is seeing people cherish the cemetery. That people that cherish this space see the work and remind people that this place is valued in the present, not just remembered from the past.”
Brady’s work at Bayside Cemetery shows how Clarkson students help preserve the legacy of Potsdam while gaining real experience that strengthens communication, teamwork, and a sense of belonging in the community they call home. This project reflects Clarkson’s commitment to hands-on learning and service, reminding us that education here reaches far beyond the classroom. Students interested in similar opportunities to make an impact can explore community service and engagement programs at Clarkson to learn how they can support local history, families, and shared spaces for years to come.
