UAlbany Praises Governor Cuomo for Signing Historic NYSUNY 2020 Legislation into Law

NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program Act poised to build academic and student excellence at UAlbany while spurring research and discovery, job creation, and economic growth throughout the Capital Region and Empire State

NYSUNY 2020 will enable UAlbany to compete for up to $35 million in funding to enhance its world-class academic and research enterprise over the next five years.

Albany, N.Y. (August 9, 2011) – University at Albany President George M. Philip applauded New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for signing into law the NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program bill, one of the most significant reforms impacting the State University of New York since the 1960s.

"I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing into law NYSUNY 2020 – landmark legislation which will enhance the academic and research enterprise of UAlbany and SUNY campuses across the State, while ensuring that access and affordability are protected for all students who pursue a SUNY education," said Philip.

For the first time in SUNY history, SUNY students and families will be able to properly plan for the cost of a UAlbany/SUNY college education under NYSUNY 2020’s fair, equitable and responsible "rational tuition" plan. Of particular importance, this legislation provides a new TAP credit program for students with high financial need to ensure that access remains a hallmark of UAlbany and the State University of New York.

The University at Albany will also be able to compete for up to $35 million in seed funding to develop a critically important capital initiative aimed at enhancing UAlbany’s world-class academic and research enterprise and driving job creation and regional economic growth over the next five years.

"Thanks to the leadership and vision of the Governor, Chancellor Zimpher and our State Legislature, NYSUNY 2020 will allow the University at Albany to strengthen its academic enterprise, create new jobs, attract new research funding, and spur economic revitalization in the Capital Region and across the State of New York," said Philip.

Over the past year, thousands of individuals came together to support the University at Albany and the reforms included in NYSUNY 2020. Philip said, "I am most appreciative for the tremendous support our University received from the community and business leaders in the area. These countless UAlbany supporters – both on campus and across the Capital Region – truly deserve our thanks and appreciation."

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