Recognizing the vital role the local hospital and fire department play in the health and safety of Keuka College students, the College’s Student Senate recently made donations to each.

The Senate, the governing body of the Student Association, made a $500 gift to The Cornerstone of Care Campaign at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital (Penn Yan) and a $1,000 donation to the Branchport/Keuka Park Volunteer Fire Department.

The gift to the hospital qualifies for a commemorative brick to be embedded on The Walkway of Friends at the hospital’s new main entrance. The hospital’s $9 million campaign will fund renovation and construction projects, including upgrades for registration, emergency medicine, rehabilitation services, and laboratory facilities.

“We are pleased to support The Cornerstone of Care Campaign,” said Andrea Ritzler, Student Senate president. “Keuka students are fortunate to have such an outstanding health facility near campus. We appreciate the fine health care the hospital staff provides to students and other members of the College community.”

The Branchport/Keuka Park Fire Department will use the Student Senate funds to purchase a TV and new furniture for the Keuka Park station. 

“We were surprised and honored to receive such a large donation,” said Chief Michael Chapman.

Seven Keuka College students are members of the Branchport/ Keuka Park Volunteer Fire Department, including Dru Bartlett, Michael Fischer, Holly McHale, Michael Meskill, Anthony Nieves, Jared Palmer, and Jaimie Watters. All are seniors.