Hartwick College receives $10m donation to the school of nursing; will rename school after donor

ONEONTA, N.Y. (WBNG) — Hartwick College has received a $10 million gift from a retired businessman and philanthropist to support the college and its nursing program.

Brent R. Nicklas, the retired founder of Lexington Partners, a private equity company, donated a $10 million to the college.

The college said that in recognition of Nicklas’ vision and generosity, the School of Nursing will be renamed the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing at Hartwick College.

Hartwick officials said the investment will support enrollment, retention, learning opportunities, and long-term sustainability. It will also help the college respond to workforce needs in nursing and health care across New York state.

“I know I speak for the entire Hartwick family in expressing gratitude to Brent Nicklas for this extraordinary investment in our college and our region,” Hartwick President James H. Mullen said. “This is a moment of real momentum for Hartwick.”

The gift will support instruction, including faculty, clinical adjuncts, and program operations. It will also establish named nursing scholarships and enhance the Clark Nursing Simulation Lab, giving students and community health care partners expanded access to hands-on training.

Hartwick nursing students complete clinical experiences through the college’s partnership with Bassett Healthcare Network. Many graduates also begin their careers there, the college said.

“This gift supports both Hartwick’s future and reflects the strength of the college’s nursing program,” said Laurel Bongiorno, president-elect and vice president for academic affairs and provost. “It allows us to build on what we do best, preparing students not only for careers, but for lives of purpose and impact.”

Nicklas, who is not a Hartwick alumnus, is a Cooperstown native and has supported education, health care, human services, civic life, and the arts through the Brent Nicklas Foundation.

“Supporting education has always been central to my philanthropic work,” Nicklas said. “Hartwick College is making a meaningful difference by preparing students to meet real needs in their communities.”

Nicklas founded Lexington Partners, a global alternative investment firm specializing in secondary private equity and co-investment funds. He served as non-executive chairman until 2018. Earlier in his career, he was a founding partner of Landmark Partners and worked for more than a decade in the Capital Markets division at Merrill Lynch.

Nicklas and his wife, Laura, have also supported regional arts organizations, including the Cooperstown Art Association and The Smithy Gallery. The family has also been recognized by Amherst College, where Nicklas Hall was named in their honor.

Nicklas earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Amherst College and a Master of Business Administration from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

The college said the gift also reflects the role of the college’s Board of Trustees in advancing institutional priorities and helping secure the investment.