It’s being called the largest gift in the college's history. The Sands Family Foundation will donate $3 million to Finger Lakes Community College to more than double its nursing program.
Phil Valle is preparing to graduate next year from the nursing program, and plans to work at a local hospital.
"You really have to critically think. It's not something that everybody can do, so it takes kind of a special person to be in that position," Valle said.
Entry into the college's nursing program is competitive, with only about 15 percent of applicants admitted each year.
"Every year, we turn away qualified applicants. Now, we can admit more students,” said Finger Lakes Community College Nursing Department chairperson Mary Coriale.
A new wing will be added to the main campus building. It will add beds, state-of-the-art equipment, and another simulation lab, which provides students with patient experiences.
"Expanding would just open up so much opportunities for students to get more exposure," said Valle.
FLCC will also launch a licensed practical nursing certificate program which can be completed in a year.
"It's really an investment in not only our students and their success, but also in the whole community as well," said Coriale.
The college expects to break ground and begin construction in the spring of 2021.