Union Graduate College Opens Its New Home in Downtown Schenectady

The results of the new economic development team put in place by the new Democratic Majority in 2004 continues to pay dividends. Just two years ago, the corner of Nott Terrace and Liberty Street in Schenectady was the site of an abandoned gas station. Today, it is the brand-new home of Union Graduate College, a three-story, 24,000 square foot building on a 1.5 acre campus, at the gateway of downtown Schenectady.

“I am very proud of the role our County Economic Development Team played in keeping Union Graduate College here in Schenectady County,” said Susan E. Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “We took a former brownfield and turned it into a green building that is now fertile ground for developing the future leaders of our community."

“I have always felt that Union Graduate College could play a key role in the ongoing redevelopment of Schenectady,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “It was almost five years ago that the college approached me to support the construction of a permanent home. I am proud to have secured $500,000.00 for this project. Not only does it keep the Graduate College in the City of Schenectady, but it makes an immediate impact on Nott Terrace and the continuing rebirth of downtown.”

The $8.5 million Graduate Center was built to house Union Graduate College’s growing Master’s degree programs in management, bioethics, engineering and education. The Graduate College has seen enrollment jump 5.5% this year. The Graduate Center was also built to LEED standards, with features that reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint.

"Higher education is at the very heart of economic development in New York State," said Chair Savage in a recent New York State Association of Counties publication article written by Dr. Laura Schweitzer, President of Union Graduate College. "We are very proud Union Graduate College has made its permanent home in the heart of our community. This provides opportunities for this generation and the next to learn and work right here in the orginal Tech Valley.”

Dr. Schweitzer further wrote that "In the more than a dozen years as a college adminstrator, I have seen the powerful difference it makes when colleges and local leaders work together. Private colleges like Union Graduate College are anchors in New York State's communities - but we cannot be islands. We must be part of the plan. In Schenectady County officials have played a hundred roles - both large and small - in helping bring our new campus to life. In turn, we are deeply committed to helping continue the successful renaissance already underway."

Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony below: