A Message from President Riley

By Office of the President | Mar 3, 2026

Building What Matters

Dear Downstate Community,

This issue of the President’s Bulletin reflects steady progress across Downstate — in how we care, how we teach, and how we invest in our community.

March is Women’s History Month, and we recognize International Women’s Day by honoring the leadership and impact of women across Downstate. This issue reflects that influence in many ways—from Dr. Patricia Winston’s message recognizing caregivers, to Dr. Brigitte Desport’s continued service at the state level, to the leadership of Dean Lori Escallier in advancing nationally ranked nursing programs, to the public health advocacy of Sthecy Montilus, and to Rose Jackman’s example of wellness and resilience. Their work reminds us that institutional success grows from strong partnerships across disciplines, generations, and our community.

We marked our first National Caregivers Day, recognizing faculty and staff who care for patients here and then return home to care for loved ones. The 24-Hour Downstate Caregiver Pin symbolizes that continuity of care and reinforces what #KeepCareClose means in practice, a commitment to people, every hour of the day.

We also celebrated the reopening of our renovated Labor and Delivery Suites at Nursing Station 32. These updated spaces support respectful, patient-centered maternity care and reflect our continued focus on improving maternal health outcomes in Central Brooklyn. As Brooklyn’s only academic medical center, we remain committed to addressing disparities in maternal health and ensuring that families receive high-quality care in environments that reflect their personal needs.

Governor Hochul’s approval of the first construction contract to demolish the former parking garage marks an important milestone in the $1.1 billion modernization of University Hospital at Downstate. This step moves the transformation from planning to visible progress, and includes the development of a new ambulatory care center, Emergency Department upgrades, conversion of inpatient rooms to private rooms with showers, and critical infrastructure improvements to strengthen patient safety and expand access to specialty care close to home.

We welcomed SUNY Chancellor King and Trustee Cesar Perales for a campus visit focused on our academic, clinical, and strategic priorities. Their meetings with leadership, conversations with students, and visit to the future ambulatory care site underscored strong partnership and shared commitment to Downstate’s continued growth and modernization.

This issue also honors the leaders who helped shape where we stand today. Dr. Pascal Imperato’s reflection on the life and work of Downstate’s 15th president, Dr. John LaRosa, reminds us that institutions grow through thoughtful leadership and long-term vision.

You will also read about faculty scholarship advancing imaging stewardship, the College of Nursing staff who completed CPR and AED certification to strengthen campus readiness, and national recognition of our nursing programs. AllNurses.com ranked Downstate’s Master of Science in Nursing programs number one in New York City and number two in New York State, affirming the strength, rigor, and impact of our graduate nursing education.

As we closed out Black History Month, we gathered to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Gerald Deas through a memorial tribute that reflected the depth of his influence. His mentorship, scholarship, and steadfast commitment to equity continue to guide our institution and inspire future generations of health professionals. An accompanying exhibit stands as a tribute to his leadership, advocacy, and profound impact on Downstate and the communities we serve. It is a reminder that progress is built on the shoulders of those who lead with purpose and principle.

Each of these efforts reflects care, preparation, partnership, and progress, and continues to underscore the values that define Downstate’s momentum and our responsibility to the community we serve.

Thank you for the work you do every day to move Downstate forward.