Honoring Possibility at SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Janelle Cleary
- Nov 3
- 2 min read
On October 23, 2025, SUNY Upstate Medical University unveiled two bronze sculptures by internationally renowned artist Carolyn Palmer, celebrating two trailblazing women in medicine — Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell and Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser — who embody the very essence of possibility.
Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, breaking barriers for generations of women to follow. Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser, the first African American woman to earn a medical degree from Syracuse University College of Medicine (now SUNY Upstate), continued that legacy by challenging norms and advancing opportunities for women of color in medicine.
These extraordinary women defied adversity and paved pathways of inspiration for all who pursue excellence in underrepresented fields.
In collaboration with consultant Jim Palumbo, RLA, of Klepper, Hahn & Hyatt, our team at SMSA Architects led the site design for this meaningful project. We reimagined the surrounding landscape beds to honor both the sculptures and the remarkable women they represent. From carefully orienting the sculptures’ welcoming gestures toward Weiskotten Hall—the historic cornerstone of the University—to coordinating drainage and relocating underground infrastructure, every design decision was made to support both beauty and function.
Just as Dr. Blackwell and Dr. Loguen Fraser opened doors of opportunity, the site design reflects the same spirit of accessibility and inclusion. Each landscape bed was designed with full ADA compliance, allowing all visitors—including those with disabilities—to approach, view, and engage with the sculptures up close.
We are both inspired and humbled by the enduring impact of these two pioneers in medicine. SMSA Architects is honored to have contributed to a project that celebrates their legacy and the University’s commitment to progress, inclusion, and the art of possibility.
For more information on Dr. Sarah Loguen Fraser & Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell visit the links below provided by SUNY Upstate Medical University:
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