MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – The SUNY Orange Foundation, in collaboration with the College, has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Dyson Foundation to support the expansion and relocation of SUNY Orange’s radiologic technology program to the College’s Newburgh campus. This investment will help address the growing need for licensed radiologic technologists in the Hudson Valley by improving student access to state-of-the-art training facilities.

This funding builds on momentum from a recent $212,450 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, which was awarded to assist with the purchase of two new x-ray machines for the program. The Dyson Foundation grant will further support the College’s efforts by funding additional equipment, faculty resources, and infrastructure upgrades necessary for a successful transition to the Newburgh campus.

“We are deeply grateful to the Dyson Foundation for its generous and continued support, which will help us expand our Radiologic Technology program and train more skilled professionals for the healthcare industry. This grant, along with the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation’s investment, strengthens our ability to provide cutting-edge training that benefits both our students and the region’s healthcare providers,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange president. “We look forward to exploring new partnerships with hospitals and medical facilities to assure our region continues to build a robust pipeline of radiologic technologists ready to meet the growing demand.

“I also want to personally thank Dawn Ansbro and the SUNY Orange Foundation for securing this grant on the College’s behalf. Recognition should also go to Provost Erika Hackman, Academic Associate Vice President Mayda Gonzalez-Bosch, and Diagnostic Imaging Department Chair Nicole Murray for their efforts in advancing this initiative, which will have a lasting impact on our students and the communities we serve.”

Currently, the radiologic technology program operates within the Bio-Tech Building on the Middletown campus, where space constraints limit its ability to expand. The relocation to Newburgh will allow the College to accommodate 50 percent more students in the program and enhance hands-on learning opportunities with updated technology.

SUNY Orange’s radiologic technology program is one of only two community college programs in the Mid-Hudson region accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The highly competitive program receives more than 125 applications annually and admits just 24 students each year. It recently earned the maximum eight-year accreditation from JRCERT and boasts a 100% licensure exam pass rate among its 2024 graduates, marking the second consecutive year of perfect results.

Radiologic technologists play a critical role in patient care by capturing diagnostic images using x-ray technology in hospitals, urgent care centers, orthopedic offices, and other medical settings. The New York State Department of Labor projects a 16.4% growth in radiologic technology jobs between 2020 and 2030, highlighting the urgent need for trained professionals in this field. SUNY Orange graduates have an impressive five-year job placement rate of 97.1% within six months of graduation.

This grant is the latest in a number of grants the Dyson Foundation has provided to the College and its Foundation. The Dyson Foundation previously supported SUNY Orange’s nursing program expansion when the Newburgh campus first opened—the nursing simulation wing bears the Dyson Foundation name—and it has continued with contributions to the SUNY Orange Foundation to assist economically disadvantaged students who need help with academic-related needs, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and child care.

For more information about enrolling in SUNY Orange’s Radiologic Technology program, contact the Admissions Office at (845) 341-4030, email apply@sunyorange.edu, or visit www.sunyorange.edu/getstarted.

About the Dyson Foundation

The Dyson Foundation is a private, family-directed grantmaking foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Mid-Hudson Valley. It supports nonprofit organizations focused on basic needs and safety net resources, health, education, and community development. For more information, visit www.dysonfoundation.org.

About SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) enrolls approximately 4,000 full- and part-time students across nearly 40 degree and certificate programs. With campuses in Middletown and Newburgh, the College is committed to providing high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that support student success and regional workforce needs. SUNY Orange is a leader in innovative programming and workforce development, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute to a vibrant and thriving community. Learn more at www.sunyorange.edu.