John and Maureen Hurley Commit $250,000 to Canisius

January 1, 2015

Buffalo, NY – Canisius University President John J. Hurley and his wife, Maureen, have committed a $250,000 gift to the college to be used toward the completion of Science Hall, Canisius’ interdisciplinary science center. 

“We are truly grateful for the leadership and generosity of John and Maureen Hurley,” said William M. Collins, vice president for advancement. “This is an extraordinary gift and it underscores how committed President Hurley is to completing Science Hall and we hope others will follow their lead.”

Canisius has completed the first phase of the $68 million Science Hall project which included renovations to the first and lower levels of the building.  Phase I of renovations developed new space for the academic departments of Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics and Physics and created specialized teaching, computer, robotics and physics/electronics labs.  Phase I also provided state-of-the art facilities for signature research institutes and programs, such as the Institute for Autism Research and the George E. Schreiner ’43, MD Pre-Medical Center. Science Hall opened in August 2012.

Completion of Science Hall includes finishing the second floor of the building for the college’s Biology and Pre-Med Programs and the newer programs in Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation, and its companion graduate program in Anthrozoology.  The second floor is also expected to include approximately 10,500 square feet for leasing through the START-UP NY program.  The cost to complete the second floor is $17.8 million.  Renovations of the third floor for the college’s Chemistry and Biochemistry programs and an additional 10,500 square feet for leasing through the START-UP NY program are estimated at $15 million.  The Hurleys’ gift is part of the college’s fund raising campaign to complete the building.  The college hopes to begin construction on the next phase in 2016.

John Hurley is a 1978 graduate of Canisius and president of the college since 2010.  He joined Canisius in 1997 after a 16-year career in law.  Maureen Hurley, executive vice president/ chief administrative officer of Rich Products Corporation, joined Rich’s in 1984.

For more information contact the Office of Public Relations at (716) 888-2790.

Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.

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