Siena College receives $35 million for science expansion, renovation
December 14, 2021
On December 14, the College made a surprise announcement in spectacular fashion during a community event on the Nigro Family Plaza. Das Nobel ’06 and his wife, Nipa, will fully fund an expansion of the science center and a renovation of Roger Bacon Hall. When completed, the $35 million project will transform Siena’s footprint and unleash the College’s full potential in the sciences.
“The foundation from Siena College enabled us to give back to my alma mater in a way that will impact the next generation of leaders,” Nobel said. “I am proud to be a Siena alumnus and hope this contribution will inspire future students to dream big.”
More than 40% of the student body and nearly a dozen academic programs will benefit from the 40,000 additional square feet. Nobel Hall will feature specialized laboratories along with a designated space for collaborative and active learning.
THE $35 MILLION GIFT IS THE LARGEST SINGLE GIFT IN SIENA HISTORY, AND IT RANKS AMONG THE ALL-TIME BIGGEST PRIVATE DONATIONS TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN NEW YORK STATE.
“Das Nobel is a shining example of what a Siena College graduate can achieve when they dream big,” said President Gibson. “His career achievements are impressive by any standard, but it is the dedication that he and his wife, Nipa, show to their company MTX's employees through their people-first approach to business, and to the community through the Nobel Foundation, that illustrates what it truly means to be a Siena Saint. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity, which will transform the way Siena prepares our students for their own careers.”
Das Nobel immigrated to the United States as a teenager from a small community in Bangladesh. He didn’t speak English when he arrived in New York, sometimes making him a target for bullies. No matter the setbacks he encountered, Nobel kept dreaming.
In fact, Nobel’s mantra has always been: Dream Big.
Despite every valid reason not to, he dreamt of owning his own company. He aspired to change the world. Then, he conjured the ambition to do both. The company he founded, MTX Group, is a pioneer in digital transformation with hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts across 35 states. One of MTX’s main pillars is to use its technology solutions to create positive outcomes and make a tangible difference in communities across the world.
Nobel had dreams for his alma mater, as well. In 2000, Siena opened a spot for him, even though he missed the enrollment deadline. “I was the happiest kid in town when Siena made an exception for me,” Nobel said.
Siena put Nobel on his path to learning about Artificial Intelligence. In return, Nobel dreamt that Siena could become a national beacon for the sciences in liberal arts education. He dreamt of a state-of-the-art facility that would be a launchpad toward Siena’s destiny as a high-demand college.
Nobel dreamt of Nobel Hall. Soon, his dream will become Siena’s reality.
Nipa Nobel co-founded MTX Group with her husband in 2015 and serves as the company’s Chief Brand and Culture Officer. She’s also a member of the Siena College Board of Trustees and shares Das’ vision for the future of Siena.
“Siena holds an incredibly special place in mine and Das’ hearts, and we are so grateful for the ability to give back to this institution that has made such a tremendously positive effect on our family and the community,” Nipa said.
The Nobel Foundation will be instrumental in supporting the MTX and Nobel pledge program.
“Siena took a chance on me and believed in me, an opportunity I want to pay forward for future students,” Nobel said at the unveiling. “The expansion of the science center and Nobel Hall will inspire students to collaborate and make their dreams a reality, just as I did.”
Construction on Nobel Hall is expected to begin this fall, with an estimated completion date set for 2024. What exactly will it mean for Siena, and what’s next?
Source: SIENA College
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