NYSTEC, Steve and Gina Surace Helping to Bring Business Center to Life
SUNY Poly is advancing its commitment to innovation and business education with significant philanthropic support for the creation of the NYSTEC Center for Business Excellence (CBE). A transformative $500,000 pledge from New York State Technology Enterprise Corporation (NYSTEC) and an extraordinary $100,000 gift from Steve (’06) and Gina (’03) Surace are key contributions that will establish the interdisciplinary center in Donovan Hall.
NYSTEC’s leadership gift will support the overall establishment of the CBE, which will serve as a hub for business innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary learning. The Surace family’s contribution will specifically fund a state-of-the-art trading room, providing students with hands-on experience using advanced financial tools and market analysis software. With an overall project cost of $800,000, these investments bring SUNY Poly well beyond the halfway point in its fundraising efforts.
The NYSTEC CBE will integrate emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, business ethics, and financial market innovation. Designed to foster collaboration among students, faculty, and industry professionals, the center will support workforce development and economic growth in the Mohawk Valley.
NYSTEC’s support reflects its mission to improve the lives of New Yorkers through technology-driven solutions and workforce development, strengthening its partnership with SUNY Poly while advancing regional economic development. The Surace family, as campaign co-chairs, is committed to expanding opportunities for students by ensuring they have access to the latest industry-standard financial tools in the dedicated trading room.
Beyond the trading room, the NYSTEC CBE will feature:
AI & Business Lab: A dedicated space for exploring the transformative impact of AI on business.
Business Ethics Initiative: Programs and events addressing the moral complexities of modern business.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Hub: Support for student startups, mentorship, and networking.
By centralizing these resources, the NYSTEC CBE will provide students with the tools needed to engage in experiential learning and professional development while also serving as a catalyst for business growth and job creation in the region. Collaborative research and industry partnerships will further position SUNY Poly as a leader in business education and innovation.
SUNY Poly continues to seek additional contributions to complete this initiative and establish a long-term endowment, ensuring that students and the Mohawk Valley community benefit from the center for generations to come. These funds will support the College of Business in maintaining state-of-the-art infrastructure, technologies, and program initiatives designed to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving global economy.
For more information on supporting this transformative initiative, contact Andrea LaGatta at Andrea.LaGatta@sunypoly.edu.
