September 30, 2004
$14.6 million building center serves as
classroom and technology hub
Grymes Hill, NY - St. John's University will dedicate The
DaSilva Academic Center, a newly-completed $14.6 million classroom
and technology building, on Saturday, October 2, 2004 at 11
a.m. St. John's Staten Island campus is located at 300 Howard
Avenue, Grymes Hill, NY.
The building was made possible by a generous donation from Leon
DaSilva, who's son John was tragically killed after his graduation
from St. John's in the 1980s. DaSilva Academic Center houses
classrooms, private faculty offices and large computer labs. A
soaring atrium entry hall, comfortable student lounges and a roof
terrace complete the structure, which is trimmed in brick, metal
and glass. Situated opposite the campus center, the 37,000 sq. ft.
building also houses 45 miles of fiber-optic wiring.
"We are once again blessed by Leon's generosity," said Fr.
Harrington. "Leon has always been a strong supporter of the
University, particularly our Staten Island campus. We are proud to
realize this opportunity to assure that future generations of
students will remember John, Leon and the DaSilva name."
"I am so pleased to be able to assist the students of St. John's
by helping to fund the construction of a classroom building," said
Mr. DaSilva. "I am always impressed by the caliber of education
provided to St. John's students. My late son, John, was a
beneficiary of that education, and I will be forever grateful for
the time he spent with the Vincentian Fathers."
View the Construction
Information.
At St. John's University education is not only about career
preparation but about learning to make a difference in the world.
In addition to rigorous academic study, there is a focus on direct
experience helping those less fortunate, which is at the core of
our Vincentian heritage. With a total enrollment of more than
19,000 students, St. John's University operates five campuses: in
Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan and Oakdale in New York and in
Rome, Italy. The University has six schools and colleges and offers
associate, baccalaureate, master's, doctoral and professional
degrees.
Media invited. Photo opportunity will include a blessing of the
building with Holy Water and a tour of the facility. Media
inquiries can be directed to Jody Fisher, Director of Media
Relations, at (718) 990-6185 or at fisherjo@stjohns.edu.