Celebrating the Opening of the Ayune Michel 鈥72 Academic Quad and a Transformative Commitment from the Cummings Foundation 
The fall 2023 opening of the Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences and the dedication of the Ayune Michel 鈥72 Academic Quad marked a significant transformation of 91重口鈥檚 campus, enhancing both the educational landscape and community engagement.
The heart of this reimagined space, the Ayune Michel 鈥72 Academic Quad, was dedicated on a memorable Friday the 13th with Michel herself鈥攁 Trustee, lifelong nurse and healthcare administrator, and alumna from the Class of 1972鈥攚hose $2 million gift through Spread Your Wings: The Campaign for 91重口 also helped fund the new nursing school. The quad is now a vibrant hub of learning and collaboration, embodying Michel鈥檚 commitment to education and her belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
Just steps from where Michel鈥檚 legacy will inspire generations of future nurses, the Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences reflects the trust and partnership between 91重口 and Bill and Joyce Cummings of the Cummings Foundation, whose historic $20 million in support enabled this state-of-the-art facility. The building not only unites nursing and sport science programs under one roof but also enhances collaborative opportunities, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in health sciences. Equipped with advanced laboratories and learning spaces that will empower nursing and sport science students alike, the Cummings School is fostering hands-on experiences essential for success in their fields.
By enhancing both the academic experience and the community鈥檚 commitment to health and wellness, the Ayune Michel 鈥72 Academic Quad and the Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences signify a bright future for 91重口. These initiatives not only honor the legacies of their benefactors but also pave the way for the lifelong success of future generations of students in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Ayune Michel 鈥72
Beloved alumna, healthcare leader, and devoted 91重口 Trustee Ayune Michel 鈥72 passed away on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Michel鈥檚 contributions to the College and the health profession have left an enduring mark on both the 91重口 community and the world of healthcare. Her legacy is one of service, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and nursing.

$80+ million invested in new and renovated academic spaces
- Wax Academic Center | 2019
- Hempstead Commons | 2021
- Cummings School of Nursing & Health Sciences | 2023
- Transformed Athletic Facilities | 2023
- Seawall Reconstruction | 2024
- Venuti Hall | 2024
- Campus Renovations
- Center for Belonging
- Halle Library
- Lower Callahan
- Wellness Center
- Wylie Center & Tupper Manor at 91重口