(GARDEN CITY, New York – Jan. 30, 2020) SUNY Empire State College celebrated the opening of its new Garden City learning hub today, joined by state and local leaders. The new location, which replaces SUNY Empire’s outdated Old Westbury location, is centrally located in Garden City and better designed to meet the needs of students and faculty.

SUNY Empire President Jim Malatras, Senator Kevin Thomas, Assemblyman Edward P. Ra, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, and guests celebrated the grand opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The space, located at 1325 Franklin Ave., is conveniently located along the city bus line, and is walking distance from two Long Island Rail Road stations. With a state-of-the-art conference room, cafeteria, and gym, SUNY Empire’s Garden City learning hub offers students greater amenities, and more opportunities to collaborate.

“SUNY Empire is grateful to be part of the welcoming, connected community that is Nassau County,” said Malatras. “We are always exploring ways to provide our students with the best possible learning experience, and the Garden City learning hub offers convenience to commuters, as well as modern learning amenities. Thank you to Senator Thomas, Assemblyman Ra, County Executive Curran, and all who joined us for this celebratory gathering.”

“I am proud to congratulate SUNY Empire College and President Malatras upon the grand opening of their new location in Garden City,” said Thomas. “SUNY Empire offers affordable tuition and cutting-edge opportunities to help students meet their education, career, and personal goals. This is a wonderful new addition to Garden City and Nassau County that will benefit generations of residents.”

“SUNY Empire State College is equipping students across the state with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape,” said Ra. “We’re investing in the workforce of the future. Their campus in Garden City is a new, exciting asset for our community. I look forward to supporting this.”

“Nassau County is proud to support the expansion of SUNY Empire State College and firmly believes in its mission to extend educational opportunities by breaking down barriers to access and accommodating local residents with family, work, and community responsibilities,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

SUNY Empire currently serves 1,055 students  in Nassau County and 2,500 students across Long Island. Today’s celebration highlights SUNY Empire’s commitment to growth and learning across Long Island. Last fall, SUNY Empire opened its 6.6-acre campus in Selden, which was built to high standards for environmental sustainability. The cutting-edge learning facility boasts public nature trails that connect to Suffolk County’s hiking and biking trails, and is equipped to host performing arts events.

SUNY Empire students in Garden City, and throughout New York state, have the option of completing their degrees online, onsite at one of SUNY Empire’s more than 30 locations, or through a combination of both.

Click here to see pictures from today’s event. 

Click here to see video from today's event.

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College educates students at any stage of life with a personalized learning experience delivered online, in person, or a blend of both. Since 1971, SUNY Empire has empowered students to earn an accredited degree around the demands of a busy lifestyle to advance their personal and professional goals. With world-class faculty, more than 1,300 dedicated mentors to help students tailor their degree programs, and cutting-edge distance learning technology, SUNY Empire delivers a trusted and flexible online college experience grounded in more than 30 New York state locations and seven international sites where students can learn and collaborate in person. Our nearly 50 years as a leader in awarding credit for prior learning and life experience helps students earn a degree faster and at lower cost. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu and follow @SUNYEmpire.