Release

NYBDC Gift Supports Business School Vision

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980, University at Albany

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 11, 2005) -- Robert W. Lazar, New York Business Development Corporation (NYBDC) president and CEO, presented a check for $51,000 to the University at Albany's School of Business in support of its plan for a new home. The School's goal is to become the premier business school in the Northeast by attracting top students, bolstering partnerships with national firms, increasing resources dedicated to research, and contributing to the economic development of the Capital Region.

Lazar, an alumnus of the University (1977), said, "Technology is changing the business environment daily, as well as the learning and teaching environment. In order to produce the business leaders of tomorrow, today's academic facilities must be versatile, adaptable, and flexible. We are proud to be the first to contribute toward what will be a spectacular new home for the School of Business."

"We are enormously grateful to NYBDC for its continued support," said UAlbany President Kermit L. Hall. "As we advance our plan for the future of the Business School, we're encouraged by the enthusiasm of our alumni and the greater business community. In the weeks and months to come we look forward to harnessing this support in a very big way."

"As the dean and a longtime faculty member of the School, I value the collaborative partnership between NYBDC and the School," said Dean Paul A. Leonard. "I urge alumni and concerned businesspeople to consider the School, imagine our possibilities, and join us in supporting what will become one of the most important business learning institutions in the Northeast."

"Bob Lazar and NYBDC have been committed to the School of Business for many years, including supporting the NYBDC Classroom in the mid-1990s and the MBA Team Suite in 2004," said Deborah A. W. Read, vice president for university development. "These gifts are testament to the ongoing commitment of our dedicated alumni, faculty, and business community, and honor the quality education offered here."

The University today also unveiled plans for a new 80,000-square-foot Business School building. The $40-million project is designed to be student-focused, featuring technologically advanced classrooms and meeting spaces, wireless internet access, an atrium with a cafeteria conducive to faculty and student interaction, breakout rooms for team projects, space for student and career services, student reception areas, and more graduate assistant work space.

The school recently announced its Nano+MBA program, a first-ever joint degree program dedicated to producing highly skilled business leaders equipped to compete in the global high-tech industry, focusing on nanoscale science and engineering.