Frank J. Macchiarola, Former St. Francis College President and New York City Schools Chancellor Remembered in New Digital Archive

FRESH MEADOWS, N.Y., April 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Data Conversion Laboratory (DCL), leader and innovator in digital content conversion, has partnered with St. Francis College of Brooklyn Heights, NY, to preserve the remarkable career of the College's former President and New York City Schools Chancellor Frank J. Macchiarola.

Dr. Macchiarola served as president from 1996 to 2008 before becoming Chancellor of the College in 2008, until his death in 2012. DCL was brought on to do vital conversion work to preserve the artifacts of his legacy as a leading academic, political, and New York figure. The project's mission was clear: to organize, create and convert to digital an archive from nearly 38 years' worth of press and special papers (including books) on or by Frank Macchiarola.

The college delivered, in paper form, 26 binders and 35 special papers to DCL for conversion to a digital format, adding a level of permanency and accessibility to Dr. Macchiarola's archives that wasn't previously possible. This project exemplifies DCL's expertise and reputation as the 'go-to' data conversion company. 

"It's on work like this that we did for St. Francis College that we can feel the human side, and the importance of data conversion," said Mark Gross, CEO of DCL. "Preservation is essential to retain the lessons of people who have made a difference. This project was not just about the technical aspects, but also about retaining the lesson of the past for the future. We're proud to have helped preserve Dr. Macchiarola's influential legacy."

The conversion to digital form was done over a period of three weeks. Each document was scanned in color at 300dpi using large-format flatbed and overhead scanners. Some documents had to be carefully unfolded by hand to fully capture them, and others had to be manually zoned. DCL is known for customizing their solutions for each client and project.  

"From his graduation from St. Francis College in 1962 to his return as President in 1996, so much of Dr. Macchiarola's life centered on his connection to the College's Franciscan tradition," said St. Francis President Brendan J. Dugan, also a graduate of the College. "When he took over, he brought the College full-speed into the 21^st century and put it on its current upward path. It's fitting that now, his memory and his work will be preserved with the latest in new technology."

Dr. Macchiarola had a varied and vibrant career. He was an active public servant, appointed in 2003 by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to serve as chair of the New York City Charter Revision Program. Dr. Macchiarola was also appointed by Governor George Pataki to the New York State Commission on Education Reform. Further, he served as special counsel to the New York Law firm of Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP and was the author of numerous books.

It's clear his accomplishments needed to be preserved and made accessible. The DCL and St. Francis College partnership accomplished this and then some. Mr. Macchiarola passed away in 2012 and this archive is a lasting tribute to his legacy as an important academic and public figure.

About St. Francis College

St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond.

About Data Conversion Laboratory, Inc. (DCL)

Founded in 1981, DCL (www.dclab.com) is a leader in helping organizations grow the value of their content assets investment. With digitization and content management expertise across multiple industries including publishing, life sciences, government, manufacturing, technology and professional organizations, DCL uses its advanced technology and U.S.-based project management teams to help solve the most complex conversion challenges securely, accurately and on time.  

Contact: Ariane Doud, Warner Communications, (978) 283-2674, Email 

SOURCE Data Conversion Laboratory