FUNKE DETAILS PROJECTS TO BE SUPPORTED BY HIGHER ED CAPITAL FUNDS AT FISHER & NAZ

Senator Rich Funke today detailed over $1.2 million in Higher Education Capital Match Program (HECap) funding that will support improvements at St. John Fisher College and Nazareth College in the 55th Senate District. Under the HECap program, $842,000 will assist renovations to Smyth Hall at Nazareth College and $410,000 will assist the purchase and installation of equipment for the Integrated Science and Health Sciences Building at St. John Fisher College. The HECap program is administered by the New York State Dormitory Authority and requires a three to one financial match by the participating college or university. 


“I am incredibly proud that our District is home to two world-class schools in St. John Fisher and Nazareth that contribute a great deal to our local economy and quality of life,” said Funke. “In light of the vital role that these colleges play in our community, it’s important that we make strategic investments in both campuses to continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world. These matching funds will help Fisher and Naz leverage their own private investments and continue to put Rochester on the map as a first-rate college town for years to come.” 


“We’re grateful to Senator Funke for helping to secure this grant, which will fund the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and technology in labs and classrooms in our newly opened Integrated Science and Health Sciences Building,” said Dr. Gerard Rooney, President of St. John Fisher College. “Enrollment in the sciences has grown exponentially at Fisher in recent years, and this grant enables us to continue to train the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals who will serve our region. By expanding the modern laboratory and research equipment available in the science programs, students will be able to develop the strong technical skills necessary for graduate or professional study and scientific careers.” 


With HECap funds, St. John Fisher College plans to purchase and install laboratory equipment in the Integrated Science and Health Sciences building.  The campus facility houses academic programming that supports the science and health care workforce for the region. The College generates approximately 283 math, science, and technology graduates, as well as 143 nurses and 73 pharmacists annually, 77 percent of whom reside and work locally and other areas in New York. 


“Nazareth College is on the cutting edge of what is happening in nursing and the allied health fields,” said Nazareth College President Daan Braveman. “Our renovated nursing space provides a progressive inter-professional teaching and learning environment where students and faculty can collaborate in clinical services, research, and the development of innovative practices. To be recognized with this grant to support our nursing renovations is an honor and Nazareth thanks Senator Funke and the area delegation for their support.” 


The $841,842 HECap grant received by Nazareth College supports a $3.4 million, 13,647SF interior renovation project that expands and enhances Nazareth College’s Nursing Department facilities within the School of Health and Human Services needed to support a 25% increase in enrollment in Nursing since 2012.  This project more than doubles the clinical lab and simulation lab space, and creates a cohesive and professional environment to provide students with the training and resources they need to become tomorrow’s nurses and health care leaders.