Riverdale, N.Y. October 28, 2015 The College of Mount Saint Vincent has been awarded a grant from the George I. Alden Trust to maintain the exceptional quality of the Colleges nationally-recognized programs in the natural sciences and nursing. The grant will provide $150,000 to support the Colleges efforts to create a new laboratory suite to enhance instruction and student research in the field of microbiology. The microbiology laboratory is the final component of a comprehensive renovation and modernization of the Colleges Science Hall.
To date, the College has created eight new science laboratories which have enabled curriculum innovation in chemistry, genetics, ecology, and neurobiology and have facilitated new learning opportunities for the Colleges diverse population of talented and ambitious students.The project has included the creation of group study spaces on each floor of the building, the renovation of classrooms and faculty offices, and has enabled the installation of new windows and doors, and an ADA compliant elevator, as well as a HVAC system.
The new laboratories have ensured the academic rigor of the Colleges science programs, which are well enrolled and academically strong, with natural science majors comprising 10% of the undergraduate population. Additionally, the laboratories have facilitated new opportunities by enabling student and faculty research. In recent years, two faculty members have received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research on chromosomal development. These faculty members engage students as research assistants and collaborators. Faculty members also recruit students to participate in research conducted in collaboration with institutions including Brown University, Rockefeller University, and St. Johns University.
This award builds on the Alden Trusts philanthropy to the College. Previous gifts from the Trust have supported laboratory modernization, as well as gifts to the Elizabeth Seton Library, and the Colleges scholarship program.
