BUFFALO, NEW YORK – March 16, 2026 – , a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose, will host its Spring Soirée on Thursday, April 23 at from 6 – 8 p.m. at The Buffalo Club, 388 Delaware Ave. This annual fundraiser, which includes a cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a raffle, celebrates all who empower the spirit of ���Ĺ���, including honoring three deserving individuals and organizations.  

This year’s award recipients include: 

• ���Ĺ��� President’s Award – Goodwill of WNY This award is presented to a person, group, organization, or corporation whose partnership with ���Ĺ��� advances the college’s mission, vision, and Mercy values, and supports current and ���Ĺ��� students and alumni. Goodwill has been a vital partner, providing essential services and career pathway support that align with a shared commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to achieve meaningful employment.  

• Distinguished Alumni Award – Michele A. Ladouceur ‘01 This award recognizes a graduate who embodies ���Ĺ���’s tradition of excellence and serves as an inspiring example to fellow alumni and current students. Ladouceur is chief operating officer at Heathwood Assisting Living & Memory Care and a former ���Ĺ��� board of trustee and alumni board member. Her professional accomplishments and steadfast commitment to ���Ĺ��� reflect the values the college seeks to cultivate in every graduate and underscores her deep and sustained dedication to the college’s mission. 

• Outstanding Student Award – Nicholas R. Osman ‘26 This award is presented to a current student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and commitment to ���Ĺ���. Osman is expected to graduate this year with a degree in radiologic technology. Throughout his time at ���Ĺ���, Osman as served as rad tech club president where he spearheaded a highly successful bake sale to support Radiating Hope and the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. He also played a leading role in organizing the May pinning ceremony, providing outstanding support for Student Life and his graduating class.  

Proceeds from the Spring Soirée support tuition assistance for ���Ĺ��� students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit trocaire.edu/alumni-and-friends/events/.  

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���Ĺ��� ���Ĺ��� 
Founded in 1958 in Buffalo, NY by the Sisters of Mercy, ���Ĺ��� is a private, career-oriented Catholic college that empowers students with the resources and supportive environment needed to achieve their academic goals. The core mission is to allow each person to be a valuable contributor to the workforce needs of the community. ���Ĺ��� offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates and workforce development programs in healthcare, veterinary sciences, business, and technology. ���Ĺ��� ranks in the top one-quarter of colleges and universities for return on investment by Georgetown University and is designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications with a Higher Access, Higher Earnings classification. Visit  for more information and follow ���Ĺ��� on,  and . 

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, a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose, today announced the appointment of Dr. Christine Ryan, dean of student success, to the institution’s leadership council. In this new role, Dr. Ryan will help shape institutional policy, guide strategic planning, and strengthen the alignment between the academic, student, and administrative divisions.

“Christine’s passion and commitment to student success is a valuable attribute she will bring to her well-deserved appointment as a member of our leadership team,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, ���Ĺ���. “She will be an important advocate for our students as ���Ĺ��� strives to be more student-centric and collaborative among our disciplines.”

With more than 25 years in higher education management, Dr. Ryan currently serves as ���Ĺ���’s dean of student success overseeing student-centric wellness and student life programs that enhance student engagement, retention, and completion.

“I’m honored to join the leadership council and continue advancing our shared vision for student success,” said Ryan. “This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate on strategies that elevate our institution and empower every student to thrive.”

Dr. Ryan earned a Ph.D. in higher education administration from University at Buffalo, a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Buffalo State University, and a bachelor’s degree in international studies from West Virginia University.

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Fundraiser honors community leaders and funds student tuition

���Ĺ���’s announced today that it will host the Spring Soirée on April 24 at 6 p.m. at The Buffalo Club. This annual fundraiser, which includes a cocktail reception, live entertainment and an auction, celebrates all who empower the spirit of ���Ĺ���, including honoring three deserving individuals and organizations. The public is invited to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .

This year’s award recipients include:

���Ĺ��� President’s Award

Gerard Place: This award is presented to a person, group, organization, or corporation whose partnership with ���Ĺ��� furthers the college’s mission, vision, and Mercy values, and supports ���Ĺ��� students and alumni. Celebrating 25 years of service, Gerard Place continues to change the lives of people living in poor and underserved parts of the City of Buffalo with programs ranging from housing to education and workforce training. ���Ĺ��� partners with Gerard Place to offer certification programs that are essential to helping people break out of poverty and procure careers in healthcare. 

Distinguished Alumni Award

Bonnie Kane Lockwood ‘75: This award recognizes a graduate who serves as a positive role model to fellow alumni and current students. Lockwood is celebrating her golden anniversary of receiving her associate’s degree in radiologic technology from ���Ĺ���, from which she was the first New York State licensed x-ray technologist in Buffalo General Hospital’s angiology department. Lockwood pursued a career in public service, holding multiple Legislative and City of Buffalo roles including as director of special projects for Congressman Brian Higgins and now serves as the director of Governor Hochul’s Western New York office.

Outstanding Student Award

Emma Westerling ‘23 ‘24 ‘25: Currently employed with General Physician Women’s Health, Westerling is expected to graduate this year with a degree in healthcare management. She is also a 2023 graduate of ���Ĺ���’s radiologic technology program and a 2024 graduate of the college’s diagnostic medical sonography program. Throughout her time at ���Ĺ���, Westerling has been an engaged student who has repeatedly made Dean’s list. She participates in honor societies and department initiatives while pursuing her multiple degree paths.

Proceeds from the Spring Soirée support tuition assistance for ���Ĺ��� students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .

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was recently awarded $216,090 by New York State through the for classroom and laboratory upgrades to support its new veterinary technician program and its existing echocardiography and surgical technology programs.

“���Ĺ��� is thrilled to receive this essential HECap grant from New York State at this critical time in higher education. This investment will bring crucial emerging technologies that are relevant to the medical and veterinary fields into interactive learning environments for our students,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, ���Ĺ���. “Being able to provide students with practice on the most current machines and equipment will ensure that they’re well prepared to start work in their chosen profession on day one. ���Ĺ��� graduates will be in even greater demand with this leg up.”

Most of the grant will be utilized to fund equipment for ���Ĺ���’s new veterinary sciences department at the college’s Transit Road site, which includes a digital radiology machine, anesthesia machines, dental sinks, surgical tables, oxygen equipment, lab tables, cages, microscopes, and secure pharmaceutical storage. Enhancements to the surgical technology and echocardiography labs on ���Ĺ���’s main campus in South Buffalo include a laparoscopic surgery simulator and cardiovascular ultrasound machine. HECap grants assist in the financing of capital projects and equipment purchases that would enhance the programmatic offerings or the student life at the college or provide economic development benefits to the area surrounding independent institutions of higher learning in New York State. For every $1 of state funds awarded, colleges and universities provide at least $3 of matching funds.

������ is awaiting final approval for the licensure-qualifying Veterinary Technology Program from the New York State Department of education which is anticipated in July of 2024.

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“���Ĺ��� is proud to see that our new dean of the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing is being recognized as a high achieving professional who has improved the way healthcare is delivered in WNY. Patricia Losito brings her years of expertise in managing a nursing program coupled with her vison for how to help students succeed with her to ���Ĺ���,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, ���Ĺ���. “In her short time here, she has made updates and improvements to ensure our students receive the best education to immediately meet the need of the community upon graduation. Congratulations, Patti, on this well-deserved recognition!”

Losito joined ������ in October 2023 as the dean of nursing and is responsible for everything from curriculum development, engaging with faculty and most importantly bringing new ideas to fruition to enhance and ensure all aspects of the nursing program are current. She also serves as president of the Council of Associate Degree Nursing in New York State. Losito resides in Williamsville.

All award recipients, including Losito, will be honored at The Buffalo Business First Excellence in Health Care Awards dinner on June 13.

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���Ĺ���’s annual fundraising event will honor former Congressman Brian Higgins with the President’s Award. The ���Ĺ��� is Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. in the Grand Aeries Ballroom of 500 Pearl. This annual gathering of ���Ĺ��� supporters includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, plated dinner, awards presentation, and entertainment. The public is invited to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit . This year’s award recipients include:

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������ President Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D. has been appointed to the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York (CICU) Board of Trustees for a three-year term.

CICU has served as the collective voice of New York’s independent sector for nearly seven decades. Comprised of 110 members that enroll 40% of college students in New York, CICU continues to advocate for higher education that can serve all students.

“Thank you to the college presidents who have joined CICU’s Board of Trustees for taking on such an important leadership role,” said CICU President Lola W. Brabham. “Each president on CICU’s Board of Trustees is a valuable voice at the table and represents CICU’s mission and values. Collectively, we use our voice to advocate for vital student aid, equity and access to programs that support educators, healthcare professionals, and other future leaders.”

In addition to his new role with CICU, Dr. Deeb also currently serves as chair of the Western New York Consortium for Higher Education, serves on the board of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and is a member of the Presidents Council for the Association of Governing Boards.

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As an opportunity college, we strive to support students who may be facing personal or financial challenges in their lives while on the road to a career-oriented education,” ���Ĺ��� President Dr. Bassam Deeb said. “Scholarships like the ones being presented today by KeyBank are part of that support system. We are thankful for their assistance and encouragement of our students, knowing that they will soon be part of our local healthcare community, helping others in need.”

Congratulations to our student scholarships recipients – Kristin Fisher, Kathleen S McAnaney, Mary Raczka, and Jessica Lewis, along with Briana Boyette and Felicia Herrmann (not pictured).

We are grateful for the opportunities KeyBank is making possible for our students to complete their degrees and serve our community as capable and compassionate nurses, trained in the Mercy tradition.

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���Ĺ��� will host its 65th Commencement exercises in the form of a virtual celebration on Sunday, May 16 at 1 p.m., on YouTube Premiere. This celebration will honor more than 280 spring and summer graduates  for their achievement in earning their degrees and certificates.

Graduates for this celebration are invited to participate in Celebrating Our Graduates activities, such as sharing how they are celebrating, sending in images of themselves in their caps and gowns, and decorating their caps.

Over the past few weeks, our graduates received their graduation boxes in the mail, containing their caps and gowns, diploma covers, alumni swag bag and pin, and other items based on their involvement and achievements over their time at ������.

While this semester’s festivities are virtual to ensure the safety of all graduates and individuals involved in the celebration, we look forward to seeing the creative ways our graduates and their loved ones celebrate!

The link for the virtual graduation celebration will premiere at 1 p.m. EDT via YouTube Premiere link, which is located on the Celebrating Our Graduates page.

Best wishes and congratulations to our graduates!

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Commencement is a milestone in every student’s life, but 2020 posed a new challenge for those who graduated amidst a global pandemic.

In addition to navigating remote learning, many of our ���Ĺ��� students also worked on the frontlines and supported their families throughout this stressful period. In the words of our distinguished graduation speaker, Dr. Karen Schneider, RSM, MD, “you cannot have all the pomp in these circumstances.” Despite that, our campus family worked to ensure a one-of-a-kind, completely virtual celebration for our 2020 graduates.

The honored both the 203 December graduates and the 216 May graduates. It premiered live on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. Our graduates participated in the celebration as they streamed the video or participated in a live Zoom watch party. More than 1,000 people—graduates, loved ones and ���Ĺ��� faculty, staff and administrators—tuned in to watch and cheered on the graduates. A  was made available to all.

Graduates who participated in the celebration received a graduation box containing the students’ caps and gowns as well as a diploma frame, alumni swag bag and recognition cords if they were part of Phi Theta Kappa or Alum from Day One, or a military veteran. Programs like Nursing and Surgical technology also sent out their pins to students along with other celebratory items.

The Virtual Program

The virtual celebration mirrored a traditional ���Ĺ��� graduation and began with the playing of Pomp & Circumstance and Surgical Technology faculty member Jaclyn Bianci bringing in the mace. Spring graduate and current BSN student Jasmaine West sang the National Anthem, while fall graduate Tiffany Eagle shared the Invocation.

���Ĺ��� President Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D, presided over the virtual celebration, and Board Chair Thomas Waring shared a greeting on behalf of the Board of Trustees and emphasized the impact our ���Ĺ��� graduates have in the community. Sister Marian Mullen, RSM ’67 shared a greeting on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy, noting the importance of a Mercy education and how our students should strive to be good today and better tomorrow.

Spring graduate Lisa Messina was selected as the graduation student speaker based on her compelling journey at ������, where she navigated academic success and worked toward her ultimate goal of becoming a medical surgical nurse. We were joined by Dr. Karen Schneider, RSM, MD, a physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a Sister of Mercy, who shared an inspirational message with our students as they closed this chapter and go on to serve a variety of populations.

Dr. Deeb presented our graduates, a portion of the program where students were recognized based on their academic programs, merit achievements and affiliations at ������. Graduates who tuned in were able to move their tassels from the left side of their caps to the right, signifying a close to their time at ������. To conclude the celebration, fall graduate Kathleen Krawczyk led us in prayer with the Benediction.

Other Ways of Celebrating

Our graduates were able to participate in a “How Are You Celebrating” contest, where 43 graduates shared how they plan to celebrate their graduation for a chance to win a meal service for their family or friends. Five students were selected by the graduation committee to win based on their stories. Ashley Ryann Beutel, Destiny Goff, Sandra Andujar, Michael Patterson, and Kristi Swiderski won the contest and each received a $100 GrubHub credit.

In addition, we continued our tradition of the “Bling Your Cap” contest: Staci Hatch, Esteli Araujo and Madison Dressler had the most votes on their caps, based on votes submitted from their peers. We also gathered congratulatory greetings from our  and , and our featured December graduates who shared thank you messages to those who supported them on their ���Ĺ��� journey.

We are so proud of our ������ graduates and the journeys they took to earn their degrees. Congratulations again to all of our 2020 graduates. We look forward to celebrating our Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 graduates in May!

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