Keuka College celebrated the dedication of the Mary Ikeda Chin ’50 Health Assessment Suite, honoring a trailblazing alumna and the generosity of her family. The new suite, part of the College’s recently completed Health Professions Simulation Labs, was made possible by sisters Janet and Susan Chin, who named the facility in memory of their mother, Mary Ikeda Chin ’50.
A first-generation college student, Mary Ikeda Chin earned her Nursing degree from Keuka College in 1950 and went on to a distinguished career as a school nurse in Yonkers, N.Y. She was also a longtime American Red Cross volunteer. Known for her perseverance, quiet leadership, and commitment to service, her life reflects the values central to Keuka College today.
“Today’s ribbon cutting is not just the opening of a facility, it is the opening of opportunities,” said Keuka College President Amy Storey. “It represents the lives our students will touch, the care they will provide, and the leadership they will bring to healthcare across New York and beyond.”
The Chin family’s $200,000 gift funded the final phase of the College’s nursing lab renovations, providing advanced technology, simulation equipment, and spaces designed to build students’ clinical skills and confidence.
“Both of our parents were the first in their families to attend college, and they always stressed to us the importance of higher education,” said Janet Chin. “I am sure that this lab will serve a vital role in the education of future classes of nursing students and healthcare professionals. I know Mom would have been so proud to be a part of it.”
Friday marked the first time the sisters toured the suite, which includes two new medium-fidelity manikins named Mary and Bing, after their parents.
“It’s amazing; the technology is phenomenal,” said Janet Chin. “It’s going to give the students so much more confidence when they begin their careers.”
The dedication ceremony drew regional and state leaders, including representatives for U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Claudia Tenney, and Gov. Kathy Hochul, as well as state Sen. Tom O’Mara. Bob Duffy, former Lieutenant Governor and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President, along with Keuka College trustees, faculty, staff, and students, also participated in the celebration.
Keuka College’s Nursing Program, established in 1943 with encouragement from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, was among the earliest collegiate nursing programs in New York. Today, the program enrolls more than 140 students across its pre-licensure and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs, with over 1,600 alumni practicing in New York alone.
“Your gifts provide our students, the vast majority of whom are New York state residents, with the opportunity to build competence and confidence,” said Dr. Beth Russo ’98, professor of Nursing and division chair. “Thank you for your investment in our Keuka College nurses and your commitment to the provision of quality healthcare for our local communities and surrounding regions.”
The dedication included a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of a resolution passed unanimously by the College’s Board of Trustees honoring Mary Ikeda Chin’s life and legacy.
“Today was a powerful reminder of what philanthropy makes possible,” said Keuka College Vice President for Advancement Rich Basler. “It’s not just about bricks and mortar or modern technology—it’s about creating opportunities that will benefit our students, our community, and the future of healthcare.”
Guests concluded the celebration with a tour of the Health Professions Simulation Labs and a reception commemorating the milestone.
“At Keuka College, we believe in what we can do together,” said President Storey. “The Chin family’s gift ensures that Mary’s legacy of compassion and service will live on in every student who trains here.”
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