Mary Lyall is grateful that the investigation into her daughter's cold case is heating back up, thanks to a new program at the College of Saint Rose.

"When I walked out of the class the first night, I thought to myself, thank you," Lyall said about her first experience with students in the program.

A select group of students are working the case of Suzanne Lyall, a UAlbany student that disappeared in 1998. They say the one-year internship not only gives them hands-on experience, but also a sense of satisfaction.

"I feel like it's very important for the family to receive closure, and me being a part of that really makes a huge impact and helps me as well," said Georgina Williams, an intern of the program who plans on working as a cold case investigator when she graduates.

The program partners with the city and law enforcement to find new leads in unsolved cases and is the first of its kind in New York State.

"There are so many cold cases out there where individuals are clamoring for people who are working on them, and just one piece of evidence can make the difference," said State Sen. James Tedisco.

Dr. Christina Lane, the director of the program, says the implementation of the cold case analysis center will go far beyond practical use for students.

"Even though some of these cases we are looking at are 20 or 30 years old, it doesn't mean that information won't be brought forth that could actually lead to finding these individuals that are missing," Dr. Lane said.

That's good news for Mary, who says there's been a renewed feeling of hope since working with the students on her daughter's case.