Governor Announces Opening of the Engineering Innovation Hub at SUNY New Paltz

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of the Engineering Innovation Hub at SUNY New Paltz, which will house the college's new bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering and enable the campus to diversify its rapidly growing engineering program. The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The 19,500 square foot academic facility will also serve as the home of the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center and the college's 3D design and printing program.

"Today's opening of the Engineering Innovation Hub at SUNY New Paltz is another great example of the growth of our high-tech sector in the Mid-Hudson Valley that will result in jobs and economic expansions throughout the region," Governor Cuomo said. "We will continue to partner with higher education institutions and industry leaders to bring these types of visions into reality to inspire New York's newest generation of innovators."

"This new engineering facility at SUNY New Paltz will build on the college's innovative programs and offerings," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The Engineering Innovation Hub will expand the engineering program at the school, making sure students are trained for high-tech jobs of the future. The hub is also supporting the creation of about 195 full-time jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact in New Paltz and the entire region. This project is part of our efforts to advance manufacturing, create new opportunities, and strengthen the economy."

The state-of-the-art building was funded with a $10 million award from the Governor's NYSUNY 2020 grant program, which supports plans to improve economic development across New York. SUNY New Paltz was also awarded $1 million through the Governor's Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council's Consolidated Funding Application.

The project builds on a legacy of engineering programs at SUNY New Paltz that began in 1984, when Governor Mario Cuomo supported the creation of an undergraduate engineering program at the college.

Construction of the Engineering Innovation Hub began in the fall of 2017. As part of the college's sustainability goals, the building is designed to meet the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Over the next 10 years, the facility is expected to support the creation of 195 full-time jobs, with a total economic impact of more than $75 million.

SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, "The opening of the Engineering Innovation Hub demonstrates SUNY New Paltz's leadership as a training ground for the next generation of engineers and other high-tech professionals, as well as an engine for economic growth. We are so grateful to Governor Cuomo for his generous support on this important project and look forward to innovative collaborations between the college and the region's additive manufacturing and engineering industries."

SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian said, "The Engineering Innovation Hub houses industry-leading equipment to support our students and faculty as well as the work of companies partnering with the College through 3D design and printing. This investment is projected to yield a regional economic impact of more than $75 million, and about 195 jobs, over ten years. On behalf of the College, I extend our deepest thanks to the Governor and his team for recognizing the value of this project."

Senator Jen Metzger said, "The State University of New York at New Paltz is continually evolving to remain competitive in offering high-quality liberal arts and STEM education that prepares students for their future. The Engineering Innovation Hub is a new facility that will be key to its goal of equipping students with the skills to be effective and collaborative contributors in the regional, state and global community."

Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill and SUNY New Paltz '77 graduate said, "In 1977, the science part of the campus was in some of the oldest buildings, and it was not really a focus. This is a focus. This new facility is a demonstration of an understanding of where we are in the 21st century, and where we have to go to attract, educate, engage, enlighten and inspire the next generation of people who are going to make our world a better place."

Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said, "This new engineering HUB at SUNY New Paltz is a perfect example of how collaboration among higher education, local leaders and industry can impact real outcomes that will benefit so many in our community. I applaud the Governor for once again delivering for SUNY New Paltz and our entire region."

About The State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, with 64 college and university campuses located within 30 miles of every home, school, and business in the state. As of Fall 2018, more than 424,000 students were enrolled in a degree program at a SUNY campus. In total, SUNY served 1.4 million students in credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs in the 2017-18 academic year. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Its students and faculty make significant contributions to research and discovery, contributing to a $1.6 billion research portfolio. There are 3 million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu.

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