CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS
Biology Laboratories Renovated Thanks to State Grant
R
CC biology students are enjoying
state-of-the-art laboratories thanks to
a renovation project made possible by
state funding procured by State Senator David
Carlucci ‘00. The Senator visited RCC on
October 17 to officially cut the ribbon for the
two updated labs.
Sen. Carlucci, an RCC graduate, sponsored
a $200,000 State and Municipalities grant
for the renovation. All new furnishings were
installed in both labs, along with new plumbing
and electrical fixtures. The rooms were partially
redesigned, with new countertops, extra storage
and expanded instructor benches. One set of
features that dated from the opening of RCC’s
Academic I in 1964.
For more information about studying biology at
RCC, visit www.sunyrockland.edu/go/biology.
Students work at a table in the newly renovated biology lab in
Academic I.
benches is now handicapped accessible. New eye
wash stations and safety showers are also being
installed in the two labs.
Most of the new components replace original
State Senator
David Carlucci
'00 poses by sign
acknowledging
his sponsorship
of funding for
upgrades to the
biology lab.
Herbert Kurz Peace Garden Enhances Campus
T
he Herbert Kurz Peace Garden, which opened in June behind
the Cultural Arts Center, is a gift to the College from the
Kurz Family Foundation, and named in honor of business
leader and RCC benefactor Herbert Kurz. It is intended to be a
place of reflection and tranquility, and symbolizes the College’s
commitment to encourage coexistence and celebrate human
diversity.
“This garden represents my father’s concerns about the world, the
community and Rockland Community College,” said Leonard Kurz,
director of the Kurz Family Foundation. “It is a peaceful place for
the RCC community to reflect and ease the stress of their lives.”
Leonard Kurz also hopes the garden can have a broader impact.
“This can radiate out from the campus and be an inspiration
for people to incorporate a concern for peace, cooperation and
coexistence into their lives,” he said.
Garden designer Elisabeth Voigt collaborated with architect
Jeffrey Hall to create a welcoming place of beauty. The garden
includes a number of native species and other pollinator-friendly
plants.
Eighteen plaques placed throughout the garden are inscribed
with quotations on peace from a wide range of cultures and sources,
giving the garden an educational purpose as well as an aesthetic one.
Those who wish to be a part of this innovative space can make
a donation to dedicate one of the garden’s benches or flowering
dogwood trees; an inscribed plaque will mark the location. For
information about the commemoration program, contact the RCC
Foundation at 845-574-4269.
Mission Statement for the Herbert Kurz Peace Garden
Leonard Kurz and Elisabeth Voigt cut the ribbon for the Herbert Kurz Peace Garden in June,
along with Board of Trustee members Joe Rand, Martin Wortendyke (chair), Richard Voigt,
Susan Ramos (partially hidden), Emma Colchamiro and Mary Lou Dillon.
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