Maria College has completed the purchase of key campus buildings from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, moving from longtime tenant to owner of core facilities on its New Scotland Avenue campus.
The acquisition, which was made possible through an anonymous donor, includes McAuley Hall, the Main Building, Mercy Hall, a maintenance facility, and a large parking area. The properties total approximately 74,671 square feet across 5.41 acres.
For more than a decade, Maria College has leased and operated the buildings. The purchase fulfills a longstanding goal of its board of trustees.
“This is more than a property transaction,” said Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale. “It reflects our deep respect for the Sisters of Mercy and the mission they have entrusted to this campus. Their legacy is woven into everything we do here, and we are proud to carry that forward.”
“This is a pivotal step for the college’s long-term sustainability,” added Andrew Kaufman, chair of the board. “It strengthens Maria’s foundation and ensures we can continue building on our momentum and serving students for generations to come.”
The newly acquired properties include academic and student support spaces such as the Andrea Lewis Siek Nursing Simulation Suite and skills laboratories, as well as the college’s Center for Academic Innovation. The center supports immersive learning tools, including virtual reality simulation and mobile training experiences that extend clinical preparation beyond the classroom. These spaces play a central role in Maria’s continued innovative approach to healthcare education.
The announcement comes as Maria College continues strong enrollment growth and program expansion. Last fall, the college reported a 35% increase in new student enrollment, bringing total enrollment to 867 students, its highest in five years.
That growth has been supported by new academic partnerships and expanded workforce-focused programs. Collaborations with St. Peter’s Health Partners and Albany Medical Center have increased hands-on training opportunities in surgical and radiological technology. The college has also expanded partnerships with regional long-term care providers, increasing clinical placement opportunities and strengthening workforce recruitment and retention across the Capital Region.
Additionally, Maria College has received approval for new programs in medical assistant, sterile processing technician, and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. These programs expand pathways into in-demand healthcare careers and reinforce the college’s role as a regional leader in healthcare education.
Rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and inspired by Catherine McAuley, Maria College continues to center its mission on dignity, compassion, and service.
About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves more than 860 students in a variety of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs, including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
Photo Caption: Pictured (L to R): Dr. Mary Jo LaPosta, former Maria College board chair, and Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale, at the closing.