College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Continues to Build Support through Partnerships and Community Collaborations

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 18, 2016) -- As the University at Albany forges ahead with its plans to transform a century-old former public school in the heart of Albany into a home for its new College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS), it marks a critical phase in a deepening partnership between our comprehensive public research University and the community-at-large.

In addition to being at the center of the University's vision for the largest and most strategic academic expansion in fifty years, the new College will serve as a catalyst for economic expansion, job creation, and community activity. The college plans to bring the community engagement piece to fruition in part through the College’s 1,000-seat auditorium and space for collaborations with local schools and community organizations, a “Summer Science Saturday” program and "maker space" where local entrepreneurs can meet and develop ideas for new ventures and products.

“Our vision is to become this very effective, comprehensive public research university that’s dedicated to solving societal problems and driving research and innovation that’s going to help drive economic vitality,” Jones said during a recent interview with POLITICO’s Keshia Clukey.

The College has raised a "call to action" in support of its bid for $20 million in state funding for the first phase of rehabilitation of the former public school building, urging the campus community, the community-at-large and local advocates to contact leaders of the New York State Legislature and Capital Region’s delegation.

The new College of Engineering and Applied Sciences will serve as a catalyst for economic expansion, job creation, and community activity.

Building Support
As part of its extensive efforts to establish the new College, the University continues to work closely with the City of Albany to conduct a comprehensive study of the North Lake Avenue/Ontario Street corridor, for consideration of new mass transit and safety improvements.

CEAS is also working diligently to develop and solidify partnerships and learning programs with area K-12 schools as well as higher education institutions including Albany Medical Center, Hudson Valley Community College, Albany Law School, Albany College of Pharmacy and others.

On the legislative front, President Robert Jones has made several visits to the Capitol seeking support for the funding needed to establish CEAS. At a recent tour, Jones was accompanied by Assembly Democrats Patricia Fahy and John McDonald, whorepresent districts surrounding the Downtown Campus.

The University’s alumni base is also supporting CEAS’ efforts. Business owners and entrepreneurs in the region’s craft beverage, communications and hospitality industries recently added their voices to the growing chorus of support for the engineering college. At a separate event, alumni also displayed their support at an event at Washington Tavern, a business in the corridor study area. Congressman Paul Tonko was in attendance.

Support efforts will continue as the University urges the inclusion of this capital request in the State Budget to be passed before April 1.

For more news, subscribe to UAlbany's RSS headline feeds