BUFFALO, NY - The targeted campaign to raise funds for the next phase of Science Hall is off to a strong start, courtesy of two lead gifts from Canisius alumni.
Long-time benefactors John W. Rowe ’66, HON ’02, MD and Valerie A. Rowe, PhD, contributed $1 million toward the project. Their gift was followed by a commitment of $500,000 from John R. ’72 and Patricia (Ziegler) ’74, MS ’01 Connolly. Their generosity supports renovations to Science Hall, an $18 million project that includes the development of classroom, laboratory and office space on the second and third floors of the building.
The college is financing the project with a $4.4 million challenge grant from New York State, which must be matched on a 3:1 basis. To date, Canisius has secured more than $3.8 million in commitments for the next phase of the Science Hall project.
“The Rowes and the Connollys have been wonderful supporters of Canisius University throughout the years and we are most grateful for their generous gifts,” says Canisius President John J. Hurley. “The renovations to Science Hall are an essential project which, when complete, will allow Canisius to fully capitalize on the strength of its undergraduate science programs.”
John Rowe is the former chair and CEO of Aetna, and credited with leading the company through a remarkable turnaround that made it a national leader in healthcare benefits and management. He is currently the Julius B. Richmond Professor of Health Policy and Aging Health Policy and Management at Columbia University. Valerie Rowe enjoyed a four-decade career as an educator. She was a clinical associate professor at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education (GSE) in the Division of Curriculum and Teaching.
John Connolly is the retired executive vice president and chief financial officer for Tecomet Inc., a leading contract manufacturer of precision-engineered medical devices, and an emeritus member of the college’s Board of Trustees. Patricia (Ziegler) Connolly is a retired special education teacher in the Williamsville School District, where she worked more than two decades.
Both the Connollys and Rowes are longtime proponents of Science Hall and recognize the opportunities that the facility affords students: John Rowe is a successful graduate of the college’s science program. Patricia Connolly holds in high regard the Institute for Autism Research, which is housed in Science Hall and has developed several effective programs to enhance the lives of children affected by autism.
Canisius has invested $47 million in the purchase and development of Science Hall in the past decade. The building currently houses the departments of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, as well as the George E. Schreiner ’43, MD, Pre-Medical Center and the Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program. When complete, it will provide new and modern space for biology and ABEC (animal behavior, conservation and ecology).
To make a gift to Science Hall, please contact Kimberly Venti, vice president for institutional advancement, at 716.888.8220 or via Email at @email.
