Historic Investment into MCC’s Optical Systems Technology Program
October 7, 2025
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — October 7, 2025 — Monroe Community College (MCC) and the MCC Foundation today announced three transformative philanthropic investments that will strengthen the nation’s first associate degree Optical Systems Technology program awarded by a community college.
In recognition of their $3 million investment into MCC’s optics program, MCC’s new Advanced Technology Center (ATC) will be named the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center. In addition, longtime optics industry leaders John and Barbara Bruning are establishing the Barbara and John H. Bruning Optical Systems Technology Endowed Directorship with an endowed gift of $1 million to support the leadership of the program. And, in another milestone for the program, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, has invested $150,000 to name a new SPIE Optical Systems Lab within the new facility.
“We are extraordinarily grateful to our partners, Sydor Optics, John and Barbara Bruning, and SPIE, for investing in bright futures for our community,” said Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Monroe Community College President. “When students walk into the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center, they will experience firsthand MCC’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities that transform lives and strengthen our region – made possible through visionary industry partnerships that fuel opportunity and drive innovation.”
“Jim, Jonathan, and Matthew Sydor’s multi-generational commitment and John and Barbara Bruning’s endowment are both inspiring and integral to the MCC Foundation’s mission,” said Gretchen Wood, MCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and MCC Foundation Executive Director. “Their investments set a powerful example of how others can partner with MCC to strengthen programs and expand opportunities that fuel both individual success and regional growth.”
In April 2025, MCC broke ground on the $69 million ATC at the Brighton Campus. The project was made possible through a more than $34 million investment from Monroe County, led by Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and the County Legislature, which includes a more than $3.5 million federal grant spearheaded by Congressman Joe Morelle, as well as a more than $34 million investment from New York State led by Governor Kathy Hochul. The 110,000-square-foot facility, opening Fall 2026, will expand MCC’s advanced technology programs, offering hands-on training in optical systems technology, precision tooling, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning service, automotive technology, and renewable energy through a new solar lab.
Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center
“Founded in 1964 by my father, Stefan Sydor, Sydor Optics has always been driven by innovation and passion for the field of optics,” said Jim Sydor, Chairman of Sydor Optics. “My father was a pioneer whose vision helped shape Rochester’s reputation as the optics capital of the world, and I have been proud to carry that vision forward with my sons, Jonathan and Matthew, who now represent the third generation of our family business. For us, this investment is not just about naming a building—it’s about ensuring that MCC students have the tools, training, and opportunities to succeed in an industry that has defined our family and region for decades. We could not be more proud to continue this legacy and invest in a program that is vital to Rochester’s optics ecosystem and to the future of this industry we love.”
Jim Sydor, Class of 1971, is a proud member of the MCC Alumni Hall of Fame and the recipient of the MCC Foundation’s prestigious Salute to Excellence Award, which recognizes his outstanding philanthropic leadership and the transformative impact of private giving. His son, Jonathan Sydor, graduated in 2013, and another son, Matthew, also studied at MCC. For more than 22 years, the Sydor family has been deeply committed to MCC’s optics program, where their generosity has led to remarkable results, including 100% job placement for graduates.
Barbara and John H. Bruning Optical Systems Technology Endowed Directorship
John and Barbara Bruning’s endowed gift of $1 million will establish the Barbara and John H. Bruning Optical Systems Technology Endowed Directorship, ensuring sustainable leadership for MCC’s distinctive optics program. The directorship is currently held by Dr. Alexis Vogt, celebrating her 10th year at MCC, who has been instrumental in growing the program by 2,260% from 5 students in Fall 2014 to 138 in Fall 2025.
John Bruning, a pioneer in the optics industry, is recognized worldwide for his contributions to the field. With 26 patents, groundbreaking research at Bell Labs, and leadership roles at Tropel and Corning, Bruning’s work has transformed modern microchip manufacturing.
“We have been continually inspired by Dr. Alexis Vogt—her passion for optics, her excellence in teaching, and her ability to place MCC on the international stage through conferences, industry participation and leadership,” said John Bruning. “It is her vision and dedication that showed us this program is worthy of our investment. By endowing the directorship in her name, we hope to ensure her work continues to elevate MCC, its students, and the optics industry for years to come.”
SPIE Optical Systems Lab
With a $150,000 investment, SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, will name a new SPIE Optical Systems Lab within the Sydor Optics ATC. Having an internationally recognized name in the halls of MCC’s program underscores its growing global relevance.
“SPIE is deeply committed to the future of optics and photonics technology,” said SPIE CEO Kent Rochford. “We have a particular focus on supporting the education and training of optics technicians, something we’ve already worked closely on with Monroe Community College and Professor Alexis Vogt. I’m delighted to be sharing this news today, and look forward to appreciating the work of the technicians who will be receiving hands-on training at MCC’s new SPIE Optical Systems Lab and building the optical systems of the future.”
This announcement comes just weeks before SPIE OptiFab, North America’s largest optical fabrication exhibition, returns to Rochester, bringing optics leaders from around the world to the community. The Rochester community benefits greatly from SPIE’s presence in Rochester — from exposure to more than 150 exhibiting companies to opportunities to connect with industry leaders, see optical fabrication products in action, and make meaningful professional connections.
SPIE OptiFab begins on Tuesday, October 21, through Thursday, October 23, and is held at the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center.
About Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College (MCC), based in Monroe County, New York, was founded in 1961 and is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System. With four main campuses, MCC offers more than 100 degree, credit, and non-credit programs. MCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), is a member of the League of Innovation in the Community College, and is one of ten community colleges participating in the Aspen College Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity: The Post-Graduation Success and Equity Network.
The Monroe Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt not-for-profit organization. The Monroe Community College Foundation seeks philanthropic investment to advance achievement, innovation, and the mission of excellence at the College. To learn more about the MCC Foundation, available scholarships, and how to contribute, visit the MCC website at www.monroecc.edu.
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