KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — Keuka College celebrated the dedication of the Mary Ikeda Chin ’50 Health Assessment Suite on Friday, Aug. 22, honoring both a trailblazing alumna and the generosity of her family, which made the new facility possible.
The suite, part of the College’s newly completed Health Professions Simulation Labs, was made possible through the leadership and support of sisters Janet and Susan Chin, who named the space in memory of their mother, Mary Ikeda Chin ’50.
A first-generation college student, Mary Ikeda Chin graduated from Keuka College with a degree in Nursing in 1950 and went on to a distinguished career as a school nurse in Yonkers, N.Y., while also serving as a longtime American Red Cross volunteer. Her life was marked by perseverance, quiet leadership, and a deep commitment to service – principles that are central to Keuka College to this day.
“Today’s ribbon cutting is not just the opening of a facility, it is the opening of opportunities. 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, ensuring students have access to advanced technology, simulation equipment, and spaces designed to build clinical skills and confidence.
Janet Chin enjoys a demonstration of a new medium-fidelity manikin, named Mary, after her mother.
“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 facility, 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.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and Co-chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Bob Duffy was among the regional and state leaders who took part in the dedication ceremony.
The dedication ceremony was attended by 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. Former Lieutenant Governor, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President, and co-chair of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Bob Duffy, recipient of a 2014 honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Keuka College, also participated in the celebration, along with Keuka College trustees, faculty, staff, and students.
Keuka College’s Nursing Program, established in 1943 at the encouragement of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, was among the earliest collegiate nursing programs in New York. Today, the College enrolls more than 140 students across its pre-licensure and adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner programs, with more than 1,600 nursing alumni practicing in New York state alone.
The Health Professions Nursing Labs are located on the first floor of Harrington Hall.
“Your gifts provide our students, the vast majority of whom are New York state residents, with the opportunity to build competence and confidence,” Dr. Beth Russo ’98, professor of Nursing and division chair, told the Chin family. “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 in June 2025 honoring the life and legacy of Mary Ikeda Chin.
“Today was a powerful reminder of what philanthropy makes possible. 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.”
Following the ceremony, guests toured the completed Health Professions Simulation Labs and joined a reception celebrating the milestone.
“At Keuka College, we ‘believe in what we can do together’,” said President Storey, quoting the College’s slogan. “The Chin family’s gift ensures that Mary’s legacy of compassion and service will live on in every student who trains here.”
