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In partnership with Albany County and the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority (ACPHLA), Hudson Valley Community College today announced a $1 million gift pledge from the Massry family to support its planned acquisition of the Massry Center for the Arts from the ACPHLA. The Authority announced it is issuing a required 90-day statement in advance of the expected transaction.

The gift advances the college’s efforts to sustain the Massry Center as a vital community resource for Albany County and the City of Albany’s Pine Hills neighborhood, and beyond. It enables the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation to move forward with acquiring the 46,000-square-foot, LEED Gold-certified facility located on the former campus of The College of Saint Rose.

Pending completion of approvals and property transfer, Hudson Valley Community College intends to operate the Massry Center as a regional hub for arts, education, performance and community engagement.

“The Massry Center has always been a place where education, creativity and community come together,” said Norman Massry. “We are proud to help ensure it continues to thrive as a resource for students, artists and the public.”

“In purchasing the former campus to save it from neglect and ruin, my vision for the future of Pine Hills included exactly these sorts of transformative partnerships,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Hudson Valley Community College is a Capital Region leader in affordable, hands-on higher education. The Massry family’s partnership in transferring this jewel from the prior college to our revitalized campus signals their support for the continuance of quality education in Albany County. I couldn’t be more grateful for the Massry family and Hudson Valley Community College as we quickly bring this campus back to life.”

“The Massry Center is an extraordinary asset for Albany County and the Capital Region as a whole,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Michael Brophy. “We are deeply grateful to the Massry family for their longstanding support of the college, our Foundation and the greater community, and we thank our partners in Albany County and the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority for their vision and leadership. This investment helps ensure the center remains a vibrant resource for generations to come.”

“The Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority is honored to facilitate defining moments like this one,” said ACPHLA Board Chair Alison Walsh. “Bringing Hudson Valley Community College into the heart of Albany County is a win-win-win — for our county, for the college and for the residents and students who will benefit from this new presence at the center of the capital city.”

“This is a powerful example of what can be achieved through a truly collaborative public-private partnership,” said Neil Kelleher, Chair of the Hudson Valley Community College Board of Trustees. “We are grateful to the Massry family, the college Foundation, Albany County and the Albany County Pine Hills Land Authority for their shared sense of purpose in preserving and advancing this important community asset. Hudson Valley Community College surely plays a vital role across our region, and this initiative expands our ability to serve students, support the arts and deepen our engagement in the communities we call home.”

The extraordinary gift builds on the Massry family’s long history of supporting the region’s colleges, universities and community organizations, underscoring its enduring commitment to education and civic engagement.

Frank Sarratori, chair of the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation Board of Directors, said the gift reflects a deep and lasting commitment to the region. “The Massry family’s generosity ensures this remarkable facility will continue to serve as a cornerstone for arts, education and community engagement across the Capital Region,” he said.

Opened in 2008, the Massry Center features the McManus Picotte Recital Hall, the Esther Massry Gallery, the Hearst Music Wing, rehearsal halls, practice rooms, and smart classrooms for community education and instruction.

Hudson Valley Community College plans to expand programming to include performances, exhibitions, workforce development initiatives, student engagement opportunities and community education programs. Facility rentals for community and organizational use will continue.

The college would operate the facility with guidance from an advisory committee composed of college and community representatives, pending approval by ACPHLA and completion of all required agreements. Additional details regarding transition planning, staffing and programming will be developed and shared following public comment and final approvals.

Read here: https://www.hvcc.edu/about/news/archives/2026/04/massry-family-pledges-…