St. Lawrence University will use $160K Alden grant for technology improvements

CANTON — St. Lawrence University will use a grant award of $160,000 to equip seven study rooms in its Owen D. Young (ODY) Library with new technology to help improve student-group learning.

The George I. Alden Trust, based in Worcester, Mass. and founded in 1912, recently awarded the grant money, the university said in a news release.

Alden, a professor of mechanical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), established the Trust for the general purpose of “the maintenance of some charitable or philanthropic enterprises” with particular interest in “the promotion of education in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions,” according to the websites of the George I. Alden Trust and WPI.

St. Lawrence is “thrilled” that the Alden Foundation is supporting its vision to ensure the library is meeting the 21st century needs of our students and faculty, Justin Sipher, vice president for libraries and information technology at the university, said in the news release.

The school will use the money to purchase flat-panel displays, wiring, and furniture for seven group-study rooms; a new instructional classroom; and the conversion of three classrooms into “modern” learning spaces, according to the release.

St. Lawrence University will also create a central reservation system and displays at each room location, the release stated. 

Renovations to the ODY Library could begin as early as this summer.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com