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St. Lawrence University has been awarded a $4.5 million grant from New York State, to assist in the construction of new science facilities.

New York State Senators Ronald B. Stafford and Joseph L. Bruno made the announcement that the University will receive funding from the Senate's Gen*NY*sis biotechnology economic development program, included in the 2002-03 state budget. St. Lawrence will use the funds as part of a project to house new facilities for biology, chemistry, biochemistry and neuroscience programs, a shared microscopy center, an instrumentation facility and an animal research facility.

Stafford, a 1957 graduate of the University and a trustee, stated in the announcement, "St. Lawrence University is one of this nation's leading institutions of higher education and a world-class research institution. By providing this grant, we help build on the University's reputation and attract other state-of-the-art biotechnical facilities to New York State. Our goal is to create thousands of new, high-skilled and high-wage jobs throughout the state."

"The Gen*NY*sis program represents the state's most significant investment ever in biotechnology economic development," Senate Majority Leader Bruno said. "It is a rapidly growing field and this investment will build on New York's exceptional life sciences research capabilities to be extremely competitive for biotech businesses and jobs."

The Senate majority first proposed the Gen*NY*sis program (Generating Employment through New York Science) in December of 2000, to ensure that New York State maintains its position as a premier location for life sciences research and technology development. Gen*NY*sis is focused on all stage of the life sciences research and development process, from basic research to applied research to final product, encouraging collaboration between public and private research institutions with emerging as well as established companies.

St. Lawrence President Daniel F. Sullivan stated, "On behalf of the entire St. Lawrence community, I want to thank Senator Stafford and Senator Bruno for their support of this initiative, which along with the substantial investment of University resources we plan, will transform science education and research at our University. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Senator Stafford for the continued support that he has given us, and all of the higher education institutions in the North Country, throughout his distinguished Senate career. We have felt his support for our work on issue after issue. The North Country will miss him, and we join our neighbors in wishing him well."

Posted: December 18, 2002