Senators Kemp Hannon and Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. and Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli joined with Nassau Community College President Dr. Sean Fanelli in unveiling major construction and improvement projects at the college, made possible through $5.15 million in state funding.

Senator Hannon said, "The planned enhancements to the Nassau County Community College campus will benefit its students and the community for many years."

"As the largest single campus community college in the state, Nassau

Community College is a critical component for higher learning on Long Island," Senator Fuschillo added. "This funding continues New York State's commitment to providing educational opportunities and is a major investment in higher education on Long Island. I am pleased that we could work together to help fund these improvements that will impact Long Islanders for many years to come."

Assemblyman DiNapoli further noted, "The Long Island delegation, on a bipartisan basis, has continually worked to put college within the reach of all of New York's students. Our vital investment in higher education is reflected in these grants to Nassau Community College, which will replace the current theater erected during World War II with a 350-seat theater, a musical recital hall and support areas; rehabilitate the West Plaza and upgrade the fire alarm system for public address capability in the event of a campus emergency."

The funding will help pay for the construction of a new performing arts center, which will include a 350-seat theater where students and members of the community can attend concerts and other performances. Currently, the college's theater is housed in a temporary building built during World War II, and does not provide the minimum standards for performance and teaching space.

The funds will also enable the college to continue to refurbish the West Plaza of the campus. Extensive rehabilitation and repairs to deteriorated paving, waterproofing and structural supports will all be undertaken.

In addition, the college will be able to install new fire alarm systems with public address capacity, allowing officials to more easily disseminate information to faculty and students in the event of an emergency.

"We want to thank Senators Kemp Hannon and Charles Fuschillo and Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli for their efforts to bring to Nassau Community College over $5 million in state funding to help with projects that will enhance our students' educational experience at the same time they will upgrade facilities for our students' benefit. Through the leadership of these good friends in the State Legislature, Nassau Community College will be better able to serve our students and our community," Dr. Fanelli said.

Nassau Community College is the largest single campus community college in New York State, with approximately 21,000 full and part time students. Since its inception, it has over 100,000 total graduates from 70 different degree programs. College officials estimate that Nassau Community College's impact on the local economy exceeds $500 million each year.