SUNY Downstate Celebrates Golden Anniversary of its College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and University Hospital at Downstate
Feb 4, 2016
Brooklyn, NY – SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University 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 at Downstate 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 Health Sciences University 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 at Downstate, 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 at Downstate.
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 at Downstate.
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About SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn is one of four academic health centers (AMCs) in The State University of New York (SUNY) 64-campus system and the only SUNY AMC in New York City dedicated to health education, research, and patient care for the borough’s 2.7 million residents. Its flagship hospital, University Hospital at Downstate (UHD), is a teaching hospital and benefits from the expertise of Downstate’s exceptional medical school and world-class academic center research facilities. With a staff of over 800 physicians representing 53 specialties and subspecialties, Downstate offers comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
UHD provides high-risk neonatal and infant services, pediatric nephrology, and dialysis for kidney diseases and is the only kidney transplantation program in Brooklyn. Beyond its clinical expertise, Downstate houses a range of esteemed educational institutions, including its College of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Health Professions, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Public Health. Downstate fosters innovation through its multifaceted biotechnology initiative, the Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT, which support early-stage and more mature biotech companies.