'A PIVOTAL STEP'

Maria College completes purchase of Sisters of Mercy buildings

Maria College has purchased key campus buildings from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, marking its transition from longtime tenant to owner of its New Scotland Avenue campus. The deal, made possible by an anonymous donor, includes McAuley Hall, the Main Building, Mercy Hall, a maintenance facility, and parking and totals about 74,671 square feet on 5.41 acres. It advances a long-standing board goal and strengthens stability amid enrollment growth and expanding healthcare programs. (Photo provided)

ALBANY — Maria College has completed the purchase of key campus buildings from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, moving from longtime tenant to owner of core facilities on its New Scotland Avenue campus.

The acquisition, which was made possible through an anonymous donor, includes McAuley Hall, the Main Building, Mercy Hall, a maintenance facility and a large parking area. The properties total approximately 74,671 square feet across 5.41 acres.

For more than a decade, Maria College has leased and operated the buildings. The purchase fulfills a longstanding goal of its board of trustees.

“This is more than a property transaction,” Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale said. “It reflects our deep respect for the Sisters of Mercy and the mission they have entrusted to this campus. Their legacy is woven into everything we do here, and we are proud to carry that forward.”

“This is a pivotal step for the college’s long-term sustainability,” added Andrew Kaufman, chair of the board. “It strengthens Maria’s foundation and ensures we can continue building on our momentum and serving students for generations to come.”

The newly acquired properties include academic and student support spaces such as the Andrea Lewis Siek Nursing Simulation Suite and skills laboratories, as well as the college’s Center for Academic Innovation. The center supports immersive learning tools, including virtual reality simulation and mobile training experiences that extend clinical preparation beyond the classroom. These spaces play a central role in Maria’s continued innovative approach to health care education.

The announcement comes as Maria College continues strong enrollment growth and program expansion. Last fall, the college reported a 35 percent increase in new student enrollment, bringing total enrollment to 867 students, its highest in five years.

That growth has been supported by new academic partnerships and expanded workforce-focused programs. Collaborations with St. Peter’s Health Partners and Albany Medical Center have increased hands-on training opportunities in surgical and radiological technology. The college has also expanded partnerships with regional long-term care providers, increasing clinical placement opportunities and strengthening workforce recruitment and retention across the Capital Region.

Additionally, Maria College has received approval for new programs in medical assistant, sterile processing technician, and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. These programs expand pathways into in-demand health care careers and reinforce the college’s role as a regional leader in health care education.

Rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and inspired by Catherine McAuley, Maria College continues to center its mission on dignity, compassion and service.

Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves more than 860 students in a variety of associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree and certificate programs, including liberal arts, health care management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu