The foundation was created after Orlando Regional Healthcare System acquired Leesburg Regional Medical Center three years ago. Leesburg is 45 miles northwest of Downtown Orlando.

The college plans to double the $809,000 contribution by asking the state to match the amount. That's what Florida did last year after an anonymous donor gave LSCC $3 million to break ground on the health science center. Outfitting the facility will take another $1.6 million, college administrators estimate.

The site is at the old east entrance to the campus on U.S. 441. The center plans to admit its first students by spring 2002. The building will house the school's two-year registered nursing program. A dental-assisting program is scheduled to be expanded and a health information systems program may be introduced to the curriculum.