SUNY Delhi Re-Names HVAC Teaching Lab to Recognize Major Equipment Gift from Midea America

02/16/2026 — SUNY Delhi announces the naming of its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) teaching laboratory as the Midea HVAC Technology Classroom, recognizing a major in-kind equipment gift from Midea America Corp.

Midea America Corp, a leading manufacturer of HVAC and home appliance systems, donated a wide range of modern, energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies used in today's homes and commercial buildings, including advanced cold-climate heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pump systems in multiple configurations, and high-efficiency ducted heat pump systems. The equipment gives students hands-on experience with the full range of real-world installation and service scenarios they will encounter in the field.

The gift also includes systems using the newest generation of environmentally responsible refrigerants now required under upcoming New York State regulations. By training on this technology now, SUNY Delhi students will graduate prepared to work with the equipment and standards that are rapidly becoming the industry norm.

"We are deeply grateful to Midea for this generous investment in our students and our HVAC program," said SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff. "Partnerships like this ensure our students are learning on the technologies shaping the future of the industry while strengthening the skilled workforce pipeline that supports communities across New York State."

"This investment allows our students to train on the same high-efficiency systems and refrigerants that will soon become the industry standard across New York," said SUNY Delhi HVAC Instructor Jonathan Reynolds. "That real-world exposure builds technical confidence and gives graduates an advantage when they step onto a job site."

"We are honored to partner with SUNY Delhi through this equipment donation, supporting the next generation of HVAC professionals," said Shannon Liu of Midea America Corp. "At Midea, we are committed to working with the industry to bring American homes better solutions - higher efficiency, greater comfort, and lower costs. Achieving this goal requires not only advanced technology and products, but also investment in the capable talent who will serve North American customers with excellence."

The Midea HVAC Technology Classroom designation will remain in effect for five years in accordance with State University of New York naming policies. The naming recognition celebrates the impact of philanthropic and industry partnerships while supporting continued investment in academic programs and student success.

SUNY Delhi's HVAC associate degree program is one of the college's most in-demand academic offerings, with graduates trained to install, maintain, and repair plumbing, heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. The program consistently reports a 100 percent job placement rate, reflecting strong employer demand and industry relevance.

Left to right: Michael Sullivan, Assistant Vice President for College Advancement at SUNY Delhi; Shannon Liu of Midea: Karan Zhu of Midea: Dr. Mary Bonderoff SUNY Delhi President; Susan Zhang, CEO of Ai Global (Midea wholesaler in the Northeast); Jonathan Reynolds, SUNY Delhi HVAC Instructor

SUNY Delhi HVAC Instructor Jonathan Reynolds (left) and SUNY Delhi HVAC students look on as Susan Zhang of Ai Global (Midea wholesaler) shows donated equipment.