Serrano Announces $800K in Humanities Grants

The Bronx, NY – December 3, 2012 – Today, Congressman José E. Serrano announced that the National Endowment for the Humanities had awarded three Bronx institutions more than $800,000 in competitive grants for their work. Fordham University was awarded $500,000 to enhance Orthodox Christian Studies. The New York Botanical Gardens was awarded $300,000 toward their endowment for the LuEsther T. Mertz Library's Core Humanities Activities.  Finally, the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society was awarded $4,500 to rehouse the Wildlife Conservation Society Archives.

“These fabulous Bronx institutions are doing great work in the humanities and the community,” said Congressman Serrano. “These grants are both a recognition of that work, and an investment in its growth. The three subject areas that the grants funded couldn’t be more different, but the core mission of these three organizations couldn’t be more similar.  They are in the business of serving people and helping them to learn. From the students who attend Fordham to the visitors to the NY Botanical Gardens and the Bronx Zoo, people engage with these organizations and come away with a greater understanding of the world around them. I believe that investments in these activities is precisely what the National Endowment for the Humanities does best. They have recognized three leaders in the field, and we are lucky that they are all here in the Bronx.”

“I cannot think of a finer endorsement of Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies program than the prestigious NEH grant we received today. The grant speaks volumes about the quality of scholarship produced in the program,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University. “Fordham, and The Bronx, are well represented by Congressman Serrano, whose tireless advocacy has done much to improve the lives of our neighbors.”

"We are very excited to receive this Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, supporting the work of The New York Botanical Garden's LuEsther T. Mertz Library, the largest, most comprehensive botanical and horticultural library in the world," said Gregory Long, CEO and the William C. Steere Sr. President of The New York Botanical Garden. "This award will help develop a special endowment to continue our mission to care for these valuable collections. It will also enable us to continue our efforts to modernize the Library and provide exhibitions and related programming for the public."

“Congressman Serrano is a long-time champion for humanities and culture in the Bronx, and we are grateful for his continuing support,” said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo holds an important place in the history of New York and the Bronx. We thank the NEH for awarding us this grant that will be used to ensure our institution’s historical archives are preserved for future generations.”

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