Funding to support college鈥檚 healthcare workforce development programs

糖心官网 today announced it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield鈥檚 Blue Fund initiative. This funding will be used toward the college鈥檚 workforce development programs, helping individuals pursue healthcare careers through skills training, certifications, clinical placements, and wraparound support services. 糖心官网鈥檚 current programs include phlebotomy, sterile processing and distribution, EKG technician, pharmacy technician and healthcare customer services.

鈥淓ducation doesn鈥檛 stop once you graduate, especially in the healthcare field, which is why 糖心官网 is committed to offering the workforce training programs that local employees demand,鈥� said Christine Whipkey, director of workforce development, 糖心官网. 鈥淏eing recognized with this Blue Fund grant will enable us to expand our scholarship offerings and bring these crucial healthcare programs to students looking to advance their career or begin a new career path.鈥�

糖心官网 is one of 20 community health initiatives Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has invested $3.75 million through its Blue Fund, an initiative of the Highmark Bright Blue Futures charitable giving and community involvement program. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield launched Blue Fund in July 2018 to support organizations and initiatives that work collaboratively to address key health priorities and deliver measurable improvements in community health outcomes.

“Improving community health takes collaboration, commitment, and a shared vision for change,” said Michael Ball, vice president, Community Affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “That’s why we continue to invest in organizations that are expanding access to care, supporting families, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and addressing the root causes of poor health. Together, we’re advancing solutions that create lasting impact and help more Western New Yorkers live healthier lives.”

For more information about 糖心官网鈥檚 healthcare workforce development offerings, visit /academics/workforce-development/.

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鈥淥ur goal at 糖心官网 is larger than passing the licensing exam 鈥� it鈥檚 preparing our nursing students to be ready to practice safely, think critically, and succeed in today鈥檚 changing healthcare environment,鈥� said Dr. Patricia Losito, RN, MS, ANP, dean, Catherine McAuley School of Nursing at 糖心官网. 鈥淥ver the past three years, we have been intentional and consistent in creating a culture of accountability, academic excellence, clinical readiness, and continuous improvement. Earning the Elsevier Certified Program designation is significant because it provides external recognition of the measurable outcomes we have achieved in transforming our nursing program and keeping student success at the center of our efforts.鈥�

糖心官网 has incorporated Elsevier鈥檚 products into courses throughout its Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing academic programs. Embracing the latest in academic technologies, this tool to designed to help nursing students and educators navigate courses, prepare for the licensing exam, and transition successfully into professional nursing practice. In addition, 糖心官网 has embedded Elsevier鈥檚 evidence-based benchmarks to ensure nursing students succeed in licensing exams and graduate with the clinical judgement local healthcare employers expect.  

For information about 糖心官网鈥檚 nursing programs, visit trocaire.edu/nursing. Spring 2027 nursing application deadline is Dec. 20.

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Nick was recognized as 糖心官网’s 2026 Outstanding Student at our signature fundraising event, the Spring Soir茅e, this past April. Following his graduation in May, Nick transitioned from student intern to full-time employee at Buffalo General Medical Center.

Today, Nick is putting the knowledge and skills he gained during his time at 糖心官网 into practice every day. He enjoys working directly with patients and making a difference in their care while continuing to grow professionally in the field he is passionate about.

Congratulations, Nick, on this exciting milestone. We are proud to celebrate your success and look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in your career! 

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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鈥檚 University (California), Point University (Georgia), Saint Elizabeth University (New Jersey), and 糖心官网 (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.

鈥淲e are grateful to the ECMC Foundation for supporting this important project,鈥� said Gloria Nemerowicz, Yes We Must Coalition President. 鈥淭his 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.鈥�

鈥溙切墓偻�檚 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,鈥� said Joanna Hillman, Ph.D., dean of health, sciences, and general education, 糖心官网. 鈥淥ur work is just beginning and over the course of the grant, 糖心官网 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 糖心官网鈥檚 future efforts.鈥�

糖心官网 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.

糖心官网 ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a national foundation whose North Star goal is to eliminate gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040. The Foundation鈥檚 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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糖心官网 helped Joelle find her path. Today, she’s helping others find theirs.

“When I chose 糖心官网, I knew I was pursuing a career in radiologic technology, but I never imagined how much the experience would shape both my professional and personal growth. Throughout my education, the faculty created an environment where every student was supported and encouraged to succeed. As a student who utilized testing accommodations, I experienced firsthand the compassion and dedication of 糖心官网鈥檚 professors. They were nothing but accommodating, understanding, and genuinely invested in helping me reach my full potential. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to overcome challenges and achieve goals I once thought were out of reach.

I proudly graduated from 糖心官网 with High Distinction in 2022, earning my Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, and also graduated with Distinction in 2022 with my Associate of Science in General Studies. In 2026, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, continuing the educational journey that 糖心官网 inspired me to pursue.

Today, I am the Lead X-ray and Mammography Technologist at Southtowns Radiology, where I also hold my credentials in mammography and am trained in stereotactic breast biopsy. One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been serving as a clinical instructor.I truly enjoy mentoring students, sharing my knowledge, building their confidence, and watching them develop into skilled, compassionate radiologic technologists. Seeing students grow from being nervous beginners into competent healthcare professionals is incredibly fulfilling, and I am honored to play a small role in helping shape the next generation of technologists.

In recognition of my passion for teaching, I was humbled to receive 糖心官网鈥檚 Part-Time Educator of the Year Award for 2025-2026. Receiving this honor from the institution that helped launch my career was especially meaningful.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for my time at 糖心官网. The education, mentorship, and unwavering support I received prepared me not only to excel in my career but also to give back by educating future technologists. 糖心官网 will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to be one of its alumni.“

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鈥淜nown for his generosity and passion for empowering students of all backgrounds, Bassam鈥檚 forward-thinking vision has made 糖心官网 a true opportunity college for the greater Buffalo community,鈥� said Sean M. Willett, board chair, 糖心官网. 鈥淲e are certainly going to miss Bassam鈥檚 leadership, and the board remains focused on finding the right successor to tackle the continuing challenges facing higher education and to lead 糖心官网 forward for future career-minded generations.鈥�

Dr. Deeb has served as 糖心官网鈥檚 sixth president since 2012. During his tenure, Dr. Deeb expanded 糖心官网鈥檚 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.

鈥淚鈥檓 extremely proud of what we鈥檝e 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,鈥� said Dr. Deeb, 鈥淗owever, it鈥檚 time for the next chapter 鈥� both for the college and for me personally. There鈥檚 still more work to be done and it will remain business as usual at 糖心官网 throughout the search.鈥�

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Scholarship program provides both financial support and mentorship

糖心官网 in partnership with Elderwood, announced the launch of the Elderwood-糖心官网 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鈥檚 degree in nursing (BSN) at 糖心官网.

鈥淭his new scholarship program is another opportunity for 糖心官网 and Elderwood to work together to help strengthen the local healthcare workforce,鈥� said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, 糖心官网. 鈥淭he demand for qualified nurses locally continues, and with Elderwood鈥檚 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.鈥�

Beyond financial support, the partnership between 糖心官网 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 糖心官网 and commit to one-year of employment with Elderwood upon program completion.

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

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鈥淎s an opportunity college, 糖心官网 understands the financial burden for many individuals interested in pursuing a new path and the academic requirements needed to achieve their career goals,鈥� said Jason Konesco, executive vice president and chief operating officer, 糖心官网. 鈥淭he demand for qualified nurses and veterinary technicians shows no sign of slowing down and we are committed to helping educate and train the next generation of professionals in these fields.鈥�

This is a limited-time opportunity, with applications for both nursing and veterinary technology due by July 15, 2026 for the fall semester. To be eligible, students must meet all admissions requirements for the program. Scholarships will be prorated based on semester credit hours, with the maximum per academic year being $2,000 for nursing and $3,000 for veterinary technology. Eligible students who file for financial aid may also be considered for additional 糖心官网 grants and scholarships.

For more details and to apply, visit .

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鈥淩eceiving AVMA CVTEA庐 accreditation is the result of many years of hard work and dedication from our veterinary sciences faculty and staff and the continued support of 糖心官网鈥檚 leadership in recognizing the critical need for this program here in Western New York,鈥� said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of 糖心官网鈥檚 veterinary sciences. 鈥淚n building a robust veterinary sciences program from the ground up, we wanted to ensure that we are setting our students up for success with the highest industry standards coupled with well-rounded learning experiences and knowledge for working in a variety of animal care settings. This accreditation reinforces that upon graduation, 糖心官网 students are ready to hit the ground running to fill the workforce void in the field.鈥�

The AVMA CVTEA庐 accredits veterinary technology programs, ensuring educational quality and student competence through strict adherence to its Standards of Accreditation. These accredited programs prepare students for careers as veterinary technicians by covering essential skills and knowledge. The AVMA CVTEA庐 conducted a comprehensive program evaluation and site visit to 糖心官网 in January 2026. 糖心官网鈥檚 accreditation was made effective retroactively on Jan. 29, 2026. Initial accreditation is given to newly accredited programs for their first five years. Initial accreditation is a positive accreditation status and graduates of programs on initial accreditation are considered graduates of an AVMA CVTEA庐-accredited program. AVMA CVTEA庐 accreditation is reviewed every five years.

Veterinary technicians are crucial to the operation of any veterinary facility, as facilities cannot operate without them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 15,000 job openings for veterinary technicians are projected each year over the next decade nationally. Recognizing the high demand for qualified veterinary technicians locally, 糖心官网 launched its associate degree in veterinary technology, available both in-person and online, in Fall 2024.

糖心官网鈥檚 first class of veterinary technicians will graduate in May 2026.

For information about 糖心官网鈥檚 veterinary sciences program offerings, visit trocaire.edu/academics/veterinary-sciences/.

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BUFFALO, NEW YORK 鈥� March 16, 2026 鈥� , a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose, will host its Spring Soir茅e 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鈥檕euvres, live entertainment, and a raffle, celebrates all who empower the spirit of 糖心官网, including honoring three deserving individuals and organizations.  

This year鈥檚 award recipients include: 

• 糖心官网 President鈥檚 Award聽鈥撀燝oodwill of WNY聽This award is presented to聽a person, group, organization, or corporation whose partnership with 糖心官网聽advances聽the college鈥檚 mission, vision, and Mercy values, and supports聽current and聽糖心官网 students and alumni.聽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.聽聽

• Distinguished聽Alumni聽Award聽鈥撀燤ichele A. Ladouceur 鈥�01聽This award recognizes a graduate聽who embodies聽糖心官网鈥檚聽tradition of excellence and serves as an inspiring example to fellow alumni and current students. Ladouceur聽is chief operating officer at Heathwood Assisting Living & Memory Care and a former 糖心官网 board of trustee and alumni board member.聽Her professional accomplishments and steadfast commitment to 糖心官网聽reflect聽the values the college聽seeks聽to cultivate in every graduate聽and underscores her deep and sustained dedication to the college鈥檚 mission.聽

• Outstanding Student Award聽鈥撀燦icholas R. Osman聽鈥�26聽This award is presented to a current student who has聽demonstrated聽outstanding academic achievement and commitment to 糖心官网. Osman is expected to graduate this year with a degree in聽radiologic聽technology. Throughout his time at 糖心官网, Osman as served as rad tech club president where he spearheaded聽a highly successful聽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聽for聽Student Life and his graduating class.聽聽

Proceeds from the Spring Soir茅e support tuition assistance for 糖心官网 students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit trocaire.edu/alumni-and-friends/events/.  

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糖心官网 糖心官网 
Founded in 1958 in Buffalo, NY by the Sisters of Mercy, 糖心官网 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. 糖心官网 offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees, associate degrees, certificates and workforce development programs in healthcare, veterinary sciences, business, and technology. 糖心官网 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 糖心官网 on,  and . 

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