Construction is progressing at the Monroe Community College (MCC) Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center (ATC) on the Brighton Campus, which is a state-of-the-art facility. MCC broke ground on the nearly $71 million collaborative project in April 2025. Monroe County and New York State (SUNY) are each contributing $34.817 million toward the project. The county's contribution also includes a $3.5 million federal grant. 
 
The new building, which will replace the current facility on West Henrietta Road, will be more than twice the size of the existing one. It will enhance our curriculum with state-of-the-art resources and innovative learning opportunities, helping our graduates succeed in a competitive job market and meet the future demands of various industries. Students will gain hands-on experience in simulated, real-world workplace settings while earning industry-recognized credentials in advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and more. The ATC will also become the new home for MCC’s highly respected optics program. This two-year program, the first of its kind in the nation, trains technicians in optics and photonics, offering a direct pathway to employment for hundreds of students.  
 
Since the groundbreaking last year, project highlights include:  

• In recognition of a $3 million investment from Sydor Optics, MCC's Advanced Technology Center (ATC) was renamed the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center in October 2025.
• John and Barbara Bruning’s endowed gift of $1 million will establish the Barbara and John H. Bruning Optical Systems Technology Endowed Directorship, currently held by Dr. Alexis Vogt, in October 2025.
• SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, $150,000 investment to name the new SPIE Optical Systems Lab within the ATC.
• The Rochester Automobile Dealers Association (RADA), together with a consortium of regional automotive partners, made a collective $1 million investment in the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center in February 2026. With this investment, these partners have named the following instructional and student-facing spaces within the ATC:
• Rochester Automobile Dealers Association Wing — naming of the exterior Automotive Entrance, recognizing RADA’s leadership and convening role.
• Alternative Fuel Automotive Lab — sponsored by the Rochester Area Cadillac Dealers
• General Motors Automotive Lab — sponsored by Rochester Area Chevrolet Dealers
• Toyota Automotive Lab — sponsored by Rochester Area Toyota Dealers
• Multi-Manufacturer Automotive Lab — sponsored by regional dealers representing Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Subaru

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we inch closer to the grand opening in the Fall!