SUNY Downstate Celebrates Golden Anniversary of its College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and University Hospital of Brooklyn
Feb 4, 2016
Brooklyn, NY – SUNY Downstate Medical Center has launched a year-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of its College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and University Hospital of Brooklyn with a gathering of SUNY Downstate leadership, faculty, students, and staff.
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo sent greetings to the campus, noting in his letter that “The Empire State recognizes the importance of an excellent education in the health professions.”
The Governor added, “This is a significant milestone, and, on behalf of all New Yorkers, I commend those affiliated with SUNY Downstate Medical Center for their unwavering commitment to the healing ministries and the delivery of health care that emphasizes dignity and respect.”
Downstate President Dr. John F. Williams welcomed the attendees, saying, “It is my great privilege to officially begin the commemorations for the golden anniversary of University Hospital of Brooklyn, the School of Graduate Studies, the College of Nursing, and the School of Health Professions: Fifty years of educational leadership in the health sciences, integrated into our hospital clinical program, is what we celebrate.”
Dr. Williams continued, “Thousands of students have been trained and educated at Downstate and at University Hospital, the vast majority of whom practice in and serve communities in Brooklyn, New York City, and New York State. Many are leaders in their field and recognized nationally.”
Other speakers included Allen Nelson Lewis, Jr., PhD, dean of the School of Health Professions; Daisy Cruz-Richman, PhD, RN, professor and dean of the College of Nursing; Mark Stewart, MD, PhD, dean of the School of Graduate Studies, vice dean for research, and professor of physiology and pharmacology and neurology; and William P. Walsh, senior vice president, hospital affairs and managing director of University Hospital of Brooklyn.
A Proclamation from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio read, “As one of the nation’s leading urban medical centers, SUNY Downstate has added to the rich fabric of the borough with its longstanding commitment to education, innovative research, and bettering the health of the surrounding community.”
A New York State Senate Proclamation from State Senator Marty Golden described SUNY Downstate as one of the state’s “anchors of education and engines of opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in health care” and commemorated the 50th anniversary of the hospital and three schools.
New York City Council Member Mathieu Eugene, whose 40th District includes Downstate, attended the event and read his Proclamation saying that he was proud to celebrate the 50 years of extraordinary service and achievements of the School of Health Professions, the College of Nursing, the School of Graduate Studies, and University Hospital of Brooklyn.
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About SUNY Downstate Medical Center
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, founded in 1860, was the first medical school in the United States to bring teaching out of the lecture hall and to the patient’s bedside. A center of innovation and excellence in research and clinical service delivery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center comprises a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, a School of Graduate Studies, School of Public Health, University Hospital of Brooklyn, and a multifaceted biotechnology initiative including the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT for early-stage and more mature companies, respectively.
SUNY Downstate ranks twelfth nationally in the number of alumni who are on the faculty of American medical schools. More physicians practicing in New York City have graduated from SUNY Downstate than from any other medical school.