The Governor also announced that co-founder of the arts and craft chain A.C. Moore, William Kaplan, has committed to making a $10 million donation for the construction of the new campus.
"The Newburgh Branch Campus of Orange County Community College will create tremendous new opportunities for both students and the residents of the Mid-Hudson Valley region," said Governor Pataki. "New York's institutions of higher learning are already recognized for excellence and groundbreaking research and with our overall commitment of $30 million for the new campus facility to be built in Newburgh, we ensure that Hudson Valley residents will continue to have the best educational facilities and resources."
"The creation of the Newburgh Branch Campus is one of the most significant investments in the history of Newburgh, and it will serve as a major catalyst in the revitalization of the area as people are drawn to what will be a new hub of activity for the City," the Governor said. "I also want to recognize and thank Bill Kaplan and his family for their generous contribution and dedication to the people of Newburgh and the entire region."
Senator Bill Larkin said, "I want to thank Governor Pataki for his steadfast support of this project. This campus expansion represents the door to opportunity for both future students and the larger community. It is the result of the hard work and dedication of those who care so deeply about Orange County Community College, the City of Newburgh, and its surrounding areas. The new campus will increase educational and career choices for young people and those who have a commitment to lifelong learning. I am particularly excited for the countless students who will soon have even more opportunities to achieve their academic and personal goals."
State Senator John J. Bonacic added, "Providing and supporting access to higher education are important responsibilities we have as State lawmakers. I was pleased to support the visionary expansion of Orange County Community College. It will have a tremendous impact on our communities."
Assemblyman Tom Kirwin noted, "The Newburgh Branch Campus is a great investment for the city of Newburgh. As an alum who benefited greatly from Orange County Community College's quality education, I want to thank Governor Pataki for his leadership and support of this important project."
Assemblywoman Nancy Calhoun said, "I would like to applaud Governor Pataki for his vision and commitment to the residents of Orange County and the region. I would like to thank William Kaplan for his generous donation for helping to make this possible for Orange County Community College. This campus expansion will ensure that many more students in the Mid-Hudson Valley will benefit from the quality education that not only myself, but my children experienced first hand."
Orange County Executive Edward Diana declared, "The Newburgh Branch Campus of SUNY Orange will provide a tremendous opportunity for residents to pursue a college degree in a first class educational setting. I must thank Governor Pataki for his tremendous financial support of this project, as well as Mr. William Kaplan for his very generous contribution. Without the support of these gentlemen, as well as Senator Larkin and Assemblyman Kirwan, this project would not be possible."
Newburgh Mayor Nick Valentine remarked, "This project is the most significant endeavor the City of Newburgh has ever seen. It will have a tremendous impact on our revitalization, and is especially important because it will help ensure a better future for our young people. I promise the people of Orange County that we will succeed and you will be proud of Newburgh when it is completed."
Orange County Community College President Bill Richards said, "Governor Pataki not only shares the dream of a new SUNY Orange campus at Newburgh but he has worked diligently to ensure that the dream becomes reality very quickly. With the Governor's strong support, and that from many other College, County and City leaders, the new campus will not only bring education and training to the eastern portion of Orange County, but will also contribute significantly to the economic revitalization on the City of Newburgh."
Co-Founder of A.C. Moore William Kaplan observed, "My family and I are honored to be a partner in the revitalization of the City of Newburgh with the establishment of a branch campus for Orange County Community College. The Kaplan Family Foundation is proud of its association with Newburgh and we thank the Governor for giving us the opportunity to be part of this exciting new venture. There are many words to describe this project but I think 'awesome' says it best!"
The $70 million in public and private funding being committed to the Newburgh Branch Campus project includes $15 million that the Governor will include in his 2006-07 Executive Budget, and $15 million included in his 2005-06 budget, bringing the total amount of State support to $30 million. In addition, $30 million dollars is expected to be provided by the Orange County Legislature, and William Kaplan has made a private donation of $10 million for the effort.
The site of the new campus in the City of Newburgh will be chosen later this month, after a thorough review of four potential locations by a joint site-selection committee comprised of representatives from the County, City, and College. The County Executive will choose the site of the Newburgh Branch campus once the committee submits their final location recommendation.
The Newburgh Branch Campus of Orange County Community College is expected to total approximately 200,000 gross square feet to accommodate a projected enrollment of 1,100 full time students by 2015 - - double the number of students currently served. The campus will contain new buildings for classrooms, lecture halls, a child care center, and community space. Students will be able to enroll in programs focused in the areas of health, science, and technology.
Plans for enhanced worker training programs include establishing and expanding partnerships with private sector and educational partners including: Microsoft, Bell Labs Research, Cisco Systems, Dell, IBM, Hewlett-Packard Computers, NYU School of Dentistry, SUNY New Paltz, and BOCES.
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