Shortly after it opened in 2022, Simone’s Kitchen became a popular destination for students, faculty and staff.
Located a few blocks from campus on Jay Street in a charming pedestrian marketplace in downtown Schenectady, the fast-casual Mediterranean-style restaurant appreciates the Union affection.
“We are very happy and thankful to be a main spot for people to go outside of campus for food,” said Bashir Chedrawee, co-owner of the upstart franchise. “To have such a well-regarded institution as Union be so close to not only our business, but to downtown, is a tremendous asset.”
The Jay Street pedestrian marketplace in downtown Schenectady is a popular destination for students, faculty and staff.
The support of Simone’s is only one example of Union’s role as a key contributor to the vitality and economic vibrancy of Schenectady and the surrounding region.
The College’s impact is highlighted in the latest report by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). Union contributed $332.7 million to the Capital Region economy in 2022-23. This included $20.2 million generated by its 2,200 students and thousands of visitors, according to the report.
The report examined several primary areas of spending, including institutional impact (research, construction, instruction, salaries and spillover spending), and student and visitor spending.
Student and visitor spending has a significant impact on discretionary spending at restaurants, retailers and lodging facilities.
With more than 800 employees and an annual payroll of nearly $66 million, Union is among the region’s largest employers. The College is also a major purchaser of goods and services in the community, as well as a source of vital construction and service contracts.
Thousands of visitors come to campus each year for admissions tours, concerts, conferences, reunions, homecoming, exhibits, and sporting and other events. Many of these visitors stay in area hotels, dine in local restaurants and patronize local retail businesses.
“Union plays a pivotal role in the vibrancy of downtown Schenectady and the success of our local businesses,” said Maureen Neufeld, executive director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation.
“Students, faculty and visitors to Union regularly enjoy the unique shopping and dining experiences surrounding the campus, creating a meaningful impact on the local economy. Students also immerse themselves in local events, volunteer opportunities and internships. Union is a great example of how thoughtful collaboration can create meaningful connections that strengthen an entire community.”
Union has been recognized nationally for its positive contributions to Schenectady, including real dollars invested through its foundations and annual budgets; the presence felt from payroll, research and purchasing power; and faculty and student involvement in community service.
Union is among the 100-plus private, not-for-profit colleges and universities that collectively generated $97 billion in economic activity and supported more than 407,000 jobs for New York state in 2022-23.
The state’s independent higher education sector is the largest in the country. These colleges and universities enroll 44 percent of the 1.1 million students in postsecondary education and award 60 percent of bachelor’s and graduate degrees, according to the CICU. They are also major employers, purchasers of goods and services, and builders.
“Private non-profit colleges and universities in New York state serve as powerful economic engines, contributing significantly to the state’s overall prosperity,” said Lola W. Brabham, CICU’s president.
“Their impact extends beyond direct spending to encompass job creation, research advancements, community impact and the development of a highly skilled workforce. By investing in higher education, New York state not only strengthens its economy but also positions itself for future growth and innovation.”
CICU is a statewide association representing the public policy interests of the chief executives of more than 100 independent colleges and universities in New York.