STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., Sept. 23, 2008 — Wagner College announced this afternoon that its newest residence hall will be named Foundation Hall in honor of the Richmond County [N.Y.] Savings Foundation, which has donated $5 million toward the cost of the building’s construction.
The foundation’s $5 million gift is the second-largest single contribution ever made to Wagner College, and the largest gift ever given to Wagner for the construction of a residence hall.
It is also the largest gift ever made by the Richmond County Savings Foundation.
“Wagner College is a nationally recognized educational institution that has done wonders in boosting its image and credibility nationwide. It is a great asset and a good neighbor on Staten Island,” said Cesar Claro, executive director of the Richmond County Savings Foundation.
Richard Guarasci, the president of Wagner College, spoke during the unveiling ceremony about the multiple uses to which Foundation Hall will be put.
“This building is more than just a building,” Guarasci said. “It’s the focal point of a curriculum, a place where our fourth-year students will live and study and prepare for their next several steps into the world. It will bring our senior intern programs, our capstone research and tutorials together in the same place where the students live for their last year as undergraduates.”
The $24 million Foundation Hall, currently under construction on Wagner College’s former baseball field, will house 192 students in both suite- and apartment-style units. The building will be ready for occupancy next August, in time for the 2009-10 academic year.