Hofstra University officials, joined by community leaders, broke ground on the college’s new, $75 million Science and Innovation Center at its East Campus in Hempstead on Thursday.
The new building will house programs in the Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Hofstra-Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistants. Both schools are expanding and will make use of the 75,000 square-foot facility to meet demands for growing numbers of science, engineering, and nursing students.
“This building is designed with students, faculty and the professions in mind, to allow them access to facilities and equipment that takes learning to the next level and will prepare future professionals in advanced science and health professions to meet the challenges of the next century,” said Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz.
Thursday marked the first day of a two-year construction process before the Science and Innovation Center will be ready to welcome educators and students. The site is located across from Hofstra’s new Guthart Hall of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which houses the Zarb School of Business in the southeast section of the campus.
Construction of the new facility was funded partially by a $25 million Empire State Development grant from the state and a $2 million grant awarded by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council (LIREDC).
“This state-of-the-art facility at Hofstra University represents an investment in the innovative technology and professional workforce that will better prepare New York State for the public health challenges of the future,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
Kevin Law, co-chairman of LIREDC, echoed the governor’s remark, saying, “Health care remains a key industry for job growth in Long Island. This grant for [new buildings] will be training workers on the front lines so they can deliver quality care.”
The Center for Science and Innovation will have labs and simulation facilities for nursing students pursuing Hofstra’s new nursing bachelor’s program and its nurse practitioner doctoral program, as well as advanced labs for science and engineering majors.
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