DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell, toured Columbia University’s Jerome L. Greene Science Center and its Lenfest Center for the Arts, two important elements of the University’s Manhattanville Campus that is rising in West Harlem. DASNY is providing significant financing for the new campus, which is already breathing new life into the surrounding community and economy.

“Engaging our youth and our communities with science and technology presents a value beyond measure,” said Dr. Bushell. “Where Columbia University and the community now intersect, residents of West Harlem will have the ability to embrace opportunities to collaborate and create.”

Dr. Bushell, a Columbia alumnus, was impressed by the architecture, which not only integrates the campus with the neighborhood, but also creates collaborative, interdisciplinary spaces. The science center promises to serve as both an economic driver and a space for New York City public school students to engage with technology and research. The arts center equally invites the community into the space to participate in cultural activities.

Dr. Bushell noted it was also gratifying to learn of Columbia’s dedication in supporting MWBEs and local businesses through its workforce participation programs.

You can read more about Manhattanville in DASNY’s 2017 Annual Report and more about Dr. Bushell’s tour on the Columbia website. View photos of the tour here.      
                     

On October 4 and 5, the Annual New York State MWBE Forum was held in Albany. At a special DASNY Session, President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell discussed how MWBE participation is central to DASNY’s mission, particularly as it expands the use of alternative project delivery methods.

In his keynote address, Dr. Bushell outlined the One DASNY initiative: a complete integration of all resources in finance, design, and construction. “As One DASNY, we are collaborating to leverage our entire organization,” Dr. Bushell said. “Health and education institutions are partnering with a full complement of resources that maximizes impact and gets results.”

MWBEs in attendance were also provided the opportunity to connect directly with DASNY staff members.

Monroe Community College (MCC) held a community celebration for its new Downtown Campus when it welcomed students for the fall semester.

The new $78 million, 255,000-square-foot Downtown Campus on State Street in Rochester greatly expands MCC’s ability to provide the education and training for jobs that will further fuel the region’s resurging economy. To help fulfill its dream, MCC came to DASNY for help with interior design, and purchasing furniture and equipment.

The story of this project’s success was featured in DASNY’s 2017 Annual Report.

“Monroe Community College’s Downtown Campus is an incredible achievement,” Dr. Bushell said. “DASNY is proud to have helped MCC fulfill its vision and create a welcoming environment in which students can make the most of the opportunities they have here.”

DASNY completed the project about $1 million under budget with an MWBE participation rate of above 50 percent.