The initiative will help institutions strengthen programs and improve outcomes for justice-impacted learners

The Yes We Must Coalition (YWMC) has received a two-year, $248,820 grant from the ECMC Foundation to launch a collaborative initiative focused on increasing success for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.

Eleven Yes We Must Coalition member institutions will participate in the initiative. Three institutions with established programs serving incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students will serve as exemplar facilitators: Benedict College (South Carolina), College Unbound (Rhode Island), and Mercy University (New York). These Leader Campus institutions will help lead the project by sharing effective approaches and programs currently in place to engage and support justice-impacted students.

Additional participating institutions include Ferrum College (Virginia), Heritage University (Washington), Mars Hill University (North Carolina), Metropolitan College of New York, Mount Saint Mary’s University (California), Point University (Georgia), Saint Elizabeth University (New Jersey), and ���Ĺ��� (New York).

The initiative will begin with an in-person gathering in Fall 2026, where experienced practitioners from the three Leader Campus institutions will share insights, resources, and proven approaches. Participants will engage in structured discussions, collaborative planning sessions, and team-based workshops designed to help institutions create actionable strategies tailored to their campuses.

Following the gathering, participants will continue their work through virtual Communities of Practice, where they will share progress, exchange ideas, and support one another as they refine and implement their plans.

All participating institutions have identified serving incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students as an important expression of their institutional missions. The Yes We Must Coalition remains the only organization dedicated specifically to supporting private, non-profit colleges and universities in advancing success in higher education for students from backgrounds of poverty. Because individuals from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately represented within the justice system, the Coalition views this initiative as a critical extension of its mission.

Nearly 2 million people are incarcerated in the United States on any given day, and roughly 600,000 people return from prison to their communities each year. People from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately represented in the justice system, and an estimated 85 percent of incarcerated adults do not hold a college degree. Expanding access to higher education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students can improve economic mobility, strengthen communities, and support successful reentry.

“We are grateful to the ECMC Foundation for supporting this important project,” said Gloria Nemerowicz, Yes We Must Coalition President. “This initiative will help our member institutions better serve justice-impacted students and expand access to the transformative benefits of higher education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.”

“���Ĺ���’s mission has always been centered on expanding educational opportunity for individuals whose potential may otherwise be overlooked and who have historically faced barriers to higher education,” said Joanna Hillman, Ph.D., dean of health, sciences, and general education, ���Ĺ���. “Our work is just beginning and over the course of the grant, ���Ĺ��� will work collaboratively with Yes We Must Coalition and participating institutions to better understand the needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated learners, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop an action plan to guide ���Ĺ���’s future efforts.”

������ the Yes We Must Coalition
The Yes We Must Coalition is a national network of private, non-profit colleges and universities committed to increasing access, persistence, and graduation rates for students from backgrounds of poverty. Through collaboration, shared learning, and institutional innovation, the Coalition works to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in higher education.

������ ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a national foundation whose North Star goal is to eliminate gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework that aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting .

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“Known for his generosity and passion for empowering students of all backgrounds, Bassam’s forward-thinking vision has made ���Ĺ��� a true opportunity college for the greater Buffalo community,” said Sean M. Willett, board chair, ���Ĺ���. “We are certainly going to miss Bassam’s leadership, and the board remains focused on finding the right successor to tackle the continuing challenges facing higher education and to lead ���Ĺ��� forward for future career-minded generations.”

Dr. Deeb has served as ���Ĺ���’s sixth president since 2012. During his tenure, Dr. Deeb expanded ���Ĺ���’s footprint in Western New York and made it a leader in career-oriented higher education within the region, offering academic and workforce development programs in healthcare, veterinary sciences, and business.

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the past 14 years in terms of strategic growth of both the institution and our support for students in their pursuit of careers of achievement and lives of purpose,” said Dr. Deeb, “However, it’s time for the next chapter – both for the college and for me personally. There’s still more work to be done and it will remain business as usual at ���Ĺ��� throughout the search.”

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Scholarship program provides both financial support and mentorship

���Ĺ��� in partnership with Elderwood, announced the launch of the Elderwood-���Ĺ��� iCARE Career Pathway Scholarship. This initiative represents a $150,000 annual investment by Elderwood to support up to ten employees at a time as they pursue a practical nursing (LPN), registered nursing (RN), or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) at ���Ĺ���.

“This new scholarship program is another opportunity for ���Ĺ��� and Elderwood to work together to help strengthen the local healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, ���Ĺ���. “The demand for qualified nurses locally continues, and with Elderwood’s commitment to investing in its employees, this program provides financial support, mentorship, and a clear path forward for those looking to advance in their healthcare careers.”

Beyond financial support, the partnership between ������ and Elderwood provides mentorship and guidance from experienced clinical and operational leaders, as well as helping the participants successfully navigate their education and transition into advanced nursing roles. Full-time and part-time academic program opportunities are available. Employees must continue working at least 15 hours per week while enrolled at ������ and commit to one-year of employment with Elderwood upon program completion.

“We see this partnership as more than a scholarship, it’s an investment in people who are already committed to caring for others,” said Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, co-CEO of Post Acute Partners, owner of Elderwood. “When we support our employees in advancing their education and careers, we strengthen not only our workforce, but the communities we serve.” ���Ĺ��� is currently working with the human resources team at Elderwood to enroll eligible employees for the Fall 2026 semester.

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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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“���Ĺ��� is committed to increasing our student recruitment efforts to address the workforce needs and challenges facing our community,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, ���Ĺ���. “Bill’s experience will be a valuable asset as we can draw on his extensive strategic and tactical enrollment knowledge to develop ���Ĺ���’s long-term plans and enrollment goals.”

Sliwa brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, enrollment management and marketing to his new role with ������. He most recently served as a consultant with the National Association of College and University Business Officers working with multiple colleges on revenue development and budget building. Sliwa is also the owner of Enrollment & Revenue Solutions, where he has served in interim enrollment and admissions roles with Texas Southern University, Canisius University, Ferrum College, and Alfred University in recent years. Prior to that, he served in various enrollment positions at higher education institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Sliwa is a member of National Association for College Admission Counseling, New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Buffalo State University.

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The CPT Program offers financial and educational support for eligible participants, covering tuition, books, and most academic supplies and fees. Wraparound support, including educational case management, tutoring, and job placement assistance is also available. 

“Healthcare careers remain in demand here and across the state, and the CPT Program provides an added incentive for students who want to pursue or advance their careers in this in-demand industry,” said Jason��Konesco, executive vice president, ���Ĺ���. “As an opportunity college, ���Ĺ��� continues to explore ways to collaborate with others in the community to ensure we are addressing local workforce needs by providing qualified, skilled candidates upon graduation.”������

Funded by the New York State Department of Health and administered regionally by the FLPPS Workforce Investment Organization, the CPT Program has supported nearly 1,800 students across Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and a portion of the Southern Tier. Together, ���Ĺ��� and FLPPS aim to prepare skilled professionals who can meet the growing demand for health, behavioral health, and social care roles. 

For the upcoming spring 2026 semester, ���Ĺ���s offers the following CPT Program-eligible programs: certificate programs in licensed practical nursing and medical assisting.   

“The CPT Program is about more than an education—it’s about creating opportunities for students, supporting employers, and strengthening our communities,” said Carol��Tegas, CEO of FLPPS. “By continuing our partnership with institutions like�����Ĺ���, we’re helping students gain the skills and support they need while building a stronger, more sustainable workforce that reflects and meets the evolving needs of New Yorkers.”��

The CPT Program is open to individuals new to the field as well as those who are currently working in health, behavioral health, or social care who are seeking career advancement. Participants must complete their education or training program by spring 2027 and commit to three years of full-time service at a qualifying NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider serving at least 30 percent Medicaid and/or uninsured individuals. The service commitment must be fulfilled by 2031; a regularly updated list of qualified employers in the FLPPS region is available on the CPT Program website.  

Individuals must apply for the CPT Program through the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) that serves the county in which they have permanent residency. Learn more about the CPT Program at .  

For more details on the program including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit /admissions-and-aid/tuition-financial-aid/career-pathways-training-program/.  

Deadline to apply for the CPT Program for the spring 2026 semester at ���Ĺ��� is Dec. 1, 2025. 

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“Qualified veterinary technicians are needed now and the demand for these positions is only projected to increase into the future,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of veterinary sciences, ���Ĺ���. “We designed our program and new state-of-the-art teaching facility space to offer an optimal learning environment with plenty of hands-on opportunities for students to work with animals of all sizes and species, so our vet tech graduates are fully prepared to work in a variety of animal facilities.”

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals, which can include performing tasks such as surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, medical equipment sterilization, radiographic procedures, diagnostic testing, medication administration, client communication and more. As the student progresses through the curriculum, their learning will be a balance of classroom, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs. ���Ĺ���’s veterinary technician associate degree program, which is available both in-person and online, launched last year. Visit the veterinary sciences program offerings for more information.

In addition, ���Ĺ��� offers specialized training and hands-on experience in cybersecurity, data analytics, and healthcare informatics to meet the local workforce’s need for talented and specially trained tech workers. Visit the technology professions programs for more information.

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������ announced the appointment of Michael Konopski to dean of enrollment management.

“As ���Ĺ��� focuses on enhancing our student recruitment efforts, Mike’s experience in growing enrollment will be integral to developing both near and long-term strategic enrollment plans for the college,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, ���Ĺ���. “He has more than 20 years working in the Western New York higher education space and understands the needs and challenges of our community when it comes to meeting enrollment goals.”

Konopski brings nearly 40 years in higher education enrollment management to his new role with ���Ĺ���, having held enrollment leadership positions at Niagara University, D’Youville University, Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, Shepherd University in West Virginia, and Georgetown College in Kentucky. Konopski most recently served as vice president of enrollment management at Transylvania University in Kentucky.

Konopski has served as past president of both the Kentucky Association of Secondary and College Admission Counselors and the National Catholic College Admission Association. He earned a master’s degree in student personnel administration from SUNY Buffalo State University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Geneseo.

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Today, ������ announced the promotion of Jennifer Blickwedehl, Ph.D. to chief academic affairs officer. She takes on the role from Richard Linn, Ph.D., who recently retired.
��
“Congratulations to Jenn on this well-deserved promotion,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, ���Ĺ���. “As the ���Ĺ��� team strives to create a more holistic and integrated approach to academic life, Jenn’s experience will be instrumental in encouraging partnerships between programs and support offerings to set our students on the right path for both academic and career success.”
��
As chief academic affairs officer, Dr. Blickwedehl leads all academic matters at the college, shaping the institution’s academic vision while fostering collaboration and a more unified approach for student success. The academic affairs area integrates academic programs, student learning support services, and registrar functions. Dr. Blickwedehl joined ���Ĺ��� in 2010 as an adjunct instructor, progressing to professor and associate dean of curriculum and instruction and program director of general studies. She most recently served as ���Ĺ���’s associate vice president of academic affairs, and program director of general studies, biology, management, and healthcare management. Dr. Blickwedehl earned her Ph.D. in immunology and microbiology from University at Buffalo and her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Westminster College. A resident of West Seneca, Dr. Blickwedehl serves on the advisory board for West Seneca Central Schools Academy of Life Science.��

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Today ������ announced it has named Melissa Masters Brinson to the newly created role of chief external affairs officer.

In this position, Brinson will oversee the college’s external affairs team, including marketing communications, institutional advancement, grants, and workforce development, to strengthen partnerships and advance college initiatives that drive community and workforce engagement.

“Melissa’s diverse mix of extensive private and public sector experience combined with her knowledge of the community will help us explore new opportunities and strengthen relationships while remaining committed to ���Ĺ���’s focus on providing the right academic pathways to address the evolving needs of our local workforce,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, ���Ĺ���.

Brinson brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in business strategy and communications, including fostering relationships that support organizational growth. She most recently was vice president, business development leader at CannonDesign, and previously held positions with Millington Lockwood and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Earlier in her career, she served as chief of staff to the Erie County Comptroller and as town clerk with the Town of Tonawanda.

Added Jason Konesco, executive vice president, ���Ĺ���, “In addition, Melissa also brings significant education-related knowledge to her new role, having served more than 14 years as a governor-appointed member of the Buffalo State University’s board of trustees and as president of the Kenmore Tonawanda Union Free School District for six years.” 

Brinson currently serves as president of NAIOP, Upstate New York Chapter, as vice president on the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust board of trustees, and chair of the Western New York Heritage Press board of directors. In addition, she serves on the board of the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club and on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce economic development and public policy council. Brinson earned her M.B.A and bachelor’s degree from University at Buffalo. She resides in Buffalo.

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