D’Youville University Awarded $5 Million State Grant to Launch New School of Medicine in Buffalo

D’Youville University has been awarded a $5 million grant from the New York State Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program (HECap) to support the renovation of 285 Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo. This investment will advance D’Youville’s bold vision to open the region’s first School of Osteopathic Medicine, designed to transform healthcare education and address the growing physician shortage in Western New York and beyond.

The HECap award is part of New York State’s ongoing investment in higher education infrastructure and workforce development. Funding will enable D’Youville to renovate and modernize the Delaware Avenue property, transforming it into a state-of-the-art medical education facility that will serve as the anchor for the new School of Medicine.

“This investment from New York State is a transformative moment for D’Youville and for our region,” said D’Youville University President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. “The establishment of our School of Medicine will strengthen Buffalo’s reputation as a hub for healthcare innovation, education, and opportunity. We’re building a place where future physicians will learn to serve with compassion, excellence, and integrity, ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare.”

The D’Youville School of Osteopathic Medicine builds upon the university’s longstanding mission of education for life, leadership, and service—with a strong focus on interprofessional learning, health equity, and community-centered care. As one of the nation’s most diverse health sciences universities, D’Youville has earned a reputation for innovative programs that integrate clinical excellence with social responsibility. The new medical school will extend that mission by preparing physicians to bridge healthcare disparities and serve in communities most in need.

Plans for 285 Delaware Avenue include modern classrooms, simulation and anatomy labs, clinical training areas, and collaborative study spaces that foster hands-on, team-based learning. The facility will also feature advanced, technology-enabled environments that connect students with regional healthcare systems and research partners.

Construction and renovation are expected to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for spring 2027. Interviews for the inaugural class of medical students are already underway, and D’Youville will welcome its first cohort in fall 2026.

The new School of Osteopathic Medicine will not only expand access to medical education in Western New York but also contribute to Buffalo’s economic revitalization. The project is projected to generate nearly $2 billion in economic impact over its first 15 years through job creation in construction, education, and healthcare—further establishing downtown Buffalo as a growing center for academic medicine and innovation.

For more information about the D’Youville University School of Osteopathic Medicine, visit dyu.edu/medicine

About D’Youville University      

D’Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D’Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.