��Ӱֱ��

Thanks to the continued generosity of the Bethesda Foundation, ��Ӱֱ�� State was able to recently provide its radiologic technology students with an imaging suite in the Agriculture Science Building.

To honor and recognize the Foundation, the college held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, April 28, dedicating and unveiling the new “Bethesda Foundation Imaging Suite.”

��Ӱֱ�� State also recognized St. James Mercy Health System for partnering with the college, a collaboration that led to the establishment of the radiologic technology program, and Bethesda Foundation Executive Director Fred Marks, whose leadership helped to foster a strong and productive relationship between the Foundation and the college.

Composed of two imaging rooms totaling 450 square feet, the suite includes both a non-energized X-ray unit and a fully functional digital energized unit. This facility was made possible because of a $50,000 donation from the Foundation to be used toward purchasing new imaging equipment.

Based in North Hornell, the Bethesda Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization devoted to the funding and support of health-related projects and scholarships in the Hornell area. It provides roughly $15,000 a year for scholarships at ��Ӱֱ�� State for nursing students.

Attending Thursday’s ceremony were members of the Foundation, faculty, staff, students, friends of the college, and community members. Speaking at the event, ��Ӱֱ�� State President Dr. Skip Sullivan thanked the Foundation for its role in creating the imaging suite, and for its ongoing support of the college, particularly its nursing students.

“We have a large number of successful graduates who would not have been able to go to school and be successful had it not been for the Bethesda Foundation,” Sullivan said. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Bethesda Foundation.”

Following Sullivan’s remarks, Physical and Life Sciences Assistant Professor Bridgett Mayorga gave a history of the radiologic technology program.

Mayorga, the director of the program, noted that the suite is state-of-the-art and rivals imaging technology found at the surrounding hospitals’ facilities. It allows the students, she said, to practice and experiment with the digital technology prior to their hands-on experience in their clinical settings.

“This opportunity is paramount to their clinical success,” Mayorga said. “Without the Bethesda Foundation, the purchase of this imaging suite would not have been possible.”

Near the end of the ceremony, Foundation President Phil Loree offered a few comments, saying, “We are delighted to be a part of this effort with ��Ӱֱ�� State and we will continue to follow it and continue to be supportive.”