For Immediate Release
October 30, 2025

Suffolk County Community College Breaks Ground on New Automotive Technology Training Center

(Top): Dr. Edward Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College; Michael Brown, President and CEO, Empire Automotive Group; Dr. Sylvia Diaz, Deputy Suffolk County Executive for Health, Human Services and Education; Edward Romaine, Suffolk County Executive. (Bottom) The senior leadership team from Empire Automotive Group lifts their shovels as ground is broken for the new technology training center. Michael Brown (third from left), Dr. Edward Bonahue (fourth from left) and Empire Automotive’ s Vice President Thomas Lederer (fifth from the left) who is also a member of the Suffolk Community College Foundation’s Board of Directors. For hi-res images, visit: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YWZ3oR85wkjt395M7

Naming Partnership Announced With Empire Automotive Group

Suffolk County Community College recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Automotive Technology Training Center, to be constructed on the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. The 38,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will expand the college’s automotive program capacity and strengthen Long Island’s pipeline of skilled automotive technicians.

During the ceremony, Suffolk County Community College and the Suffolk Community College Foundation officially announced a naming partnership with Empire Automotive Group, a leading regional automotive company known for its commitment to workforce development and community engagement.

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College said, “The College and our Foundation are delighted to partner with Empire Automotive Group in order to advance and enhance our automotive technology training program. Today, we join with our student body and over 145,000 alumni to extend our gratitude and sincere thanks to Michael Brown, President and CEO of Empire Automotive Group, for this generous naming gift!”

“In addition to the naming partnership being announced today, we also continue to work collaboratively with our state elected officials and the Suffolk County Legislature. Thanks to this powerful combination, our regional economy will continue to enjoy the benefits that flow from a trained, skilled workforce,” added Dr. Bonahue.

Michael Brown, President and CEO of Empire Automotive Group, praised the collaboration, noting that “the future of automotive technology depends on highly skilled technicians. We’re proud to partner with the college to help create a workforce that will drive Long Island’s automotive industry forward.”

The Empire Automotive Group Technology Center will include advanced classrooms, training spaces, workshops, and simulation zones equipped with the latest vehicles, diagnostic tools, and hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Students will learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience with today’s most sophisticated automotive systems.

Suffolk’s existing automotive program on the Ammerman Campus in Selden will continue operations, ensuring that both facilities together provide unmatched training opportunities. The college’s programs are accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, preparing students for employment in dealerships, franchise shops, and independent repair facilities.

Over 100 local elected officials, industry partners, and community members attended the event, underscoring the importance of workforce development and technical education in the region.

About Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is the largest, most comprehensive community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, enrolling more than 26,000 students in over 100 degree and certificate programs. With approximately 145,000 alumni, Suffolk is dedicated to meeting the demands of regional employers through innovative education, workforce training, and partnerships that prepare students for success.