2021 Trocaire Trailbalzer Magazine

The magazine for alumni, students and supporters of Trocaire College 2021
FOLLOWING IN HER
FOOTSTEPS:
A mother’s second career inspires her daughter to find her own passion for nursing
• PAGE 6
LEVEL UP YOUR HEALTHCARE CAREER: Trocaire’s BPS in Healthcare
Management can provide the perfect next step • PAGE 5
VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS: Check out how some of our 2020-2021 graduates
marked their accomplishment remotely • PAGE 10

THE MAGAZINE OF
TROCAIRE COLLEGE
Vol. 7, Issue No. 1
The Trocaire Trailblazer is for
alumni and friends of Trocaire
College, a private, careeroriented
Catholic institution
that strives to empower
students toward careers of
achievement and lives of
purpose through our supportive
environment and hands-on
programs in healthcare,
business, and technology. It is
published once a year by the
Office of Communications.
For more information, email
communications@trocaire.edu.
EDITOR
Kristy Holfoth
CONTRIBUTIONS
Monica Stage
Jessica Wittman
• president’s message
2021-22
BOARD OF
TRUSTEES
Thomas H. Waring, Jr.
Chair
Lisa M. Kirisits, CPA
Vice Chair
Tracey A. Maw ’94
Corp. Secretary
William Barrett Wadsworth
Treasurer
Peg Adams, MBA
Brian F. Attea, Esq.
Justin P. Azzarella
Lawrence E. Christ
Sister Anne Curtis, RSM
Sister M. Jeanne Thomas
Danahy RSM, ’67
Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.
Sarah E. Gilson
Angela Laviano Hamister
Richard P. Hershberger, Ph.D.
Kathy Jamil
Teresa M. Majors, CPA
Sister Lisa Mary
McCartney RSM, Ph.D.
Gerald A. Nagle, MBA
James Notaro, Ph.D.
Michael P. Rade, MD
Jeffrey Rubin, DMD
Sister Mary Ann
Schimscheiner RSM, ’67
Rob Swann ’96
Lisa M. Wheeler ’95
Sean Willett
The past year has been one that proves the old adage “the only constant in life is change.”
Though we had hoped the relentless tide of pandemic-related adjustments would be behind us
at this point, it appears our adaptability will continue to be put to the test this fall and into the
holiday season.
Trocaire has flourished despite the challenges of the past 18 months. Our students have continued to
graduate and go out and succeed in a transformed workforce, whether it be in healthcare, business
or technology. Our alumni are making a difference at every level—front-line care, behind-the-scenes
support and executive leadership. Our program offerings continue to evolve, expand and enjoy some
of the best academic and industry professionals as faculty.
This annual magazine is a wonderful opportunity for us to share these stories and reconnect with all
of you. In these pages, you’ll find stories about a recent graduate who chose his path to Trocaire back
in eighth grade, and a family tradition of finding a second home in our Catherine McAuley School of
Nursing. You’ll also learn why our Bachelor of Professional Studies in Healthcare Management is such
a strategic option for current healthcare professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.
As the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt, we at the college have had to make some difficult
decisions to help ensure Trocaire can continue providing the best educational experience possible.
Following much discussion and consideration, one of those decisions was requiring that all
employees, students and contractors be vaccinated against COVID-19. We felt it was crucial we make
our campus community the safest it could possibly be for the Fall 2021 semester and beyond.
As a Catholic institution in the Mercy tradition and a major educator of healthcare professionals in
the Buffalo-Niagara region, it is our duty to prioritize the health and well-being of both the Trocaire
community and the community at large. Requiring a COVID-19 vaccine—which has been proven
safe and highly effective—is the best way to do that.
In these pages, we hope you enjoy reconnecting with some of the people and programs that make
Trocaire the unique place it is. Be well, and thank you to all who have supported our students during
these unprecedented times—its impact is deeply felt and appreciated.
Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D.
Trocaire College President
2 trailblazer 2021

FIRST VIRTUAL SPRING SOIRÉE
On April 29, 2021, Trocaire College held its first virtual Spring Soirée. The
event helped highlight the remarkable work being done in the community
by our distinguished honorees and showcased Trocaire’s success in providing
Western New Yorkers an affordable, private education with a career-oriented focus in
thriving fields such as healthcare, business and technology.
During a 20-minute virtual presentation, Trocaire presented its President’s Award
to KeyBank and First Niagara Foundation, accepted by Gary Quenneville, NYS Region
Executive and Buffalo Market President. Karen Chiantella Camacho ’96, Product
Escalations Manager at PointClickCare, was presented with the Distinguished Alumni
Award, and the Outstanding Student Award was presented to Amanda Gillespie ’20.
Thanks to the generous support of our community partners, the Spring Soirée was a
success! This signature event generated over $90,000 to support tuition assistance for
deserving Trocaire students.
Advance2000 | Catholic Health | ComDoc, A Xerox Company | Erie County Medical Center
Family Choice of New York | Five Star Bank | Hamister Family Foundation
Independent Health | Ellen Koessler | Lemur Studios | Note Advisors, LLC
Park Edge Sweet Shoppe | Rich's Catering and Special Events | Caputi Liquors
Spring
Soirée ’22
Thursday,
April 28, 2022
2021 trailblazer 3

LEADING THE WAY
LONGTIME NURSE TRANSITIONS TO
ADMINISTRATOR IN NEW ERA FOR
AURORA PARK
Back in March 2020, Stacy Bastian ’08, ’12, BSN, LNHA was
settling into her new role as administrator of Absolut Care at
Aurora Park. The East Aurora nursing, rehab and long-term care
facility had just come under new management, and Stacy was
looking forward to making improvements in communication,
trust and quality.
Then came COVID-19.
“Initially coming in, I knew that to facilitate trust, it would take
meeting with people, talking with them, establishing relationships
with them,” Stacy said. “And it was challenging, obviously, because
we were isolated. People couldn’t come in.”
She said that made the communication she and her staff did
have with families of patients and members of the community—
whether it was a phone call, an email or a robo-call—even more
crucial.
“They were listening, so you better say the truth, say it right and be
empathetic to the stress they were under,” she said. “Many times
when people were frustrated—whether they cried, or yelled, or got
emotional—we just listened. It starts with listening, hearing what
they say and hopefully finding a means to address it.”
“With COVID, we couldn’t fix things, we couldn’t stop it—it was a
train that we were all on, and it was uncharted territory,” she said.
“But if they trusted that we cared for their loved one like they were
our family and showed that, and demonstrated compassion, that
made all the difference.”
The Heart of a Nurse
Stacy came into her new role after more than two decades in
nursing at The McGuire Group’s Harris Hill Nursing Facility. She
started from the bottom, working as a certified nursing assistant
(CNA) and then a licensed practical nurse. She attended Trocaire
for her AAS in Nursing and graduated in 2008, returning to obtain
her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2012. Eventually, she
became director of nursing.
However, having the ability to affect change on an institutional
level rather than departmentally intrigued Stacy. There are several
paths to qualifying for a position of leadership in healthcare, but
she chose to pursue her Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
Her job now is to oversee the overall function of her facility.
“Department heads manage silos of areas that service the
residents, yet the silos have to work together collaboratively as a
team to provide holistic care,” she explained. “The administrator
oversees that to make sure it functions smoothly. It’s also customer
service to residents and families, and it’s building those community
relationships.”
When McGuire’s parent company, RCA Healthcare Management,
acquired the troubled Aurora Park facility in addition to five
other Absolut Care locations across the state, she thought it was
the perfect opportunity to make the jump to administration with
ownership she knew cared.
“It was without hesitation, and I knew I would be supported,” she
said. “I wanted to bring what I knew [at Harris Hill] to a facility
that maybe didn’t have that support previously. And thank God,
because in the most challenging time healthcare has seen in our
lifetime, they were side by side with us.”
4 trailblazer 2021

Her years in nursing have only benefited Stacy in the new role.
“I think it makes you a better nurse and administrator if you
can relate to the front line staff that you supervise,” she said. “A
CNA is a backbone of a facility. They are your eyes and ears; they
know the residents and have intimate time with them. If you can’t
respect, listen and value what they do … you’re only as good as
your team and the trust they have in you.”
A Passion for Long-term Care
Though she is no longer on the front lines of patient care, Stacy
said she still loves working in the long-term care world. Though
it’s often thought of as a less exciting option compared to the
fast-paced, acute, life-saving situations found in hospital and
emergency settings, Stacy said there is a beauty to what long-term
care healthcare workers do.
“No matter what area of nursing you work in, it’s necessary,
it’s important, and it should be valued,” she said. “We get that
precious time to develop a rapport and bond with the residents
and families. Some are at their most vulnerable. Some don’t have
family support. Despite all the negativity you hear, there are
miracles that happen every day in these facilities. Whether it’s
the touch of a hand or the listening and support to a family or
resident, that’s huge, and it’s priceless.”
She said Aurora Park’s elderly clientele deserve to be treated with
dignity and respect, and that is her top priority in addition to
tending to their physical health.
“They’ve earned that—they’re the matriarchs and patriarchs of
their families,” she said. “Nobody wants to come to a nursing
home. But if they have no choice because of their medical or
financial needs—we are their home. We work in their home.”
With COVID restrictions loosening, Stacy said she is refocusing
on her initial quality improvement goals for Aurora Park, and
grateful for the dedicated and caring core of staff she oversees.
“You have to build a strong foundation, and effective change
just takes time. We’re on a journey,” she said. “But it’s exciting,
because you can see—despite the pandemic and despite the
challenges—the gains we’ve made, the relationships we’ve built,
the differences that we’ve made even in the worst of times. That’s
what it’s about.” •
Trocaire’s Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Healthcare Management
PROGRAM Q&A
How is this degree unique?
The healthcare sector is rapidly
expanding, creating new
opportunities for individuals
with the appropriate managerial
experiences and leadership skills.
Trocaire’s BPS in Healthcare
Management is unique thanks to
the college’s depth of experience
in healthcare and our employer
network. The program’s flexible
curriculum was designed with input
from employers, industry experts,
and scholars from across the field
and includes online delivery, making
it attractive to working healthcare
professionals who are ready to move
up in their organization. You’ll apply
theory and best practices and use
your new knowledge and experience
to advance on the job right away.
Who would benefit most from
pursuing this degree program?
As the number of healthcare
occupations continues to grow, the
need for positions in healthcare
management is growing faster
than the healthcare sector as a
whole and faster than other similar
management positions. A career in
the healthcare management field
is a good choice for those who want
to work in a business or managerial
capacity within a healthcare setting.
Individuals with a two-year clinical
degree and others working in the
healthcare field who are looking
to advance into management and
leadership roles can take advantage
of Trocaire’s flexible online
curriculum. Some students may be
able to earn the degree in one year of
study to save time and money.
What skills will participants
master in this program?
With healthcare-specific courses
in management theory and
practice, law and compliance, data
analytics, critical management
communications, project
management, teambuilding, and
strategic planning, the program
offers a valuable credential and
provides experienced professionals
with the critical thinking,
conflict resolution, interpersonal
communication, teamwork,
supervisory, and leadership skills to
manage healthcare environments
successfully. An Externship Seminar
provides you with the opportunity to
put your knowledge and skill to work
in the field.
What roles could graduates of
this program hold?
A BPS degree in Healthcare
Management offers a new level
of career and advancement
opportunities in healthcare
Dr. Yang Zhao
Director, BPS Management programs
settings. Just a few of the potential
roles include medical and health
services manager, administrative
services manager, healthcare
compliance manager/officer,
healthcare administrator,
department supervisor, unit/
project manager, and leadership
roles in acute care, long term care,
emergency services, ambulatory
care, healthcare insurance agencies,
medical device and pharmaceutical
sales, and healthcare IT/Electronic
Medical Records management. •
2021 trailblazer 5

A NEW FAMILY TRADITION
A NEW FAMILY TRADITION
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ATTEND NURSING SCHOOL
JUST SIX YEARS APART
When Shelby Przybysz was 15 years old, back in 2012, she
watched her mom, Tracy, head to her nursing classes at
Trocaire College each day.
Tracy was eight months pregnant, and the long Buffalo winter had
already begun. She had an hour-long commute, a cold walk from
her parking spot to campus, and clinical assignments that kept her
on her feet for 8-12 hours at a time. She also had a blended family
of six kids to wrangle.
“She is a wonder woman,” Shelby thought to herself back then,
and many times since. Little did she expect that she—a selfproclaimed,
life-long hater of all things “gross,” would follow her
mom’s example and find her own passion for nursing six years
later.
Head Down, Lean Forward
Tracy is now a registered nurse for Hospice Buffalo, a career
she loves (see box). But in 2011, she was a part-time writer and
editor for a bridal magazine and had just remarried. She and her
husband each brought three kids to the marriage, and she decided
she needed a career with more stability and better benefits.
Tracy said she gets bored easily, likes to be moving and loves a
challenge. Her mother had been a nurse, and she concluded it was
the right choice for her next chapter.
“Choosing nursing was a very logical, thought-out decision,” she
said. “Plus, I’d be helping people—that was always very important
to me, feeling like there’s purpose in what I do.”
She enrolled at Trocaire, eager to get her associate’s degree and
begin working as a nurse as soon as possible before continuing her
education. She found out she was pregnant in her first semester,
gave birth in November that year and took one semester off to care
for her newborn.
On top of her studies, Tracy was splitting time between her home
in Fredonia and her new husband’s home in Buffalo and raising
her kids. Shelby remembers seeing her mom nodding off as she
studied on the couch, the baby sleeping in one arm and a textbook
in the other.
Tracy said her mindset during this chaotic time was, “What needs
to get done today?”
“When things got too overwhelming, I have a game I’ve always
played with my kids, and myself, called ‘5 Things,’” she explained.
“I would ask, ‘what five things can I do right now- just five?’”
For studying, that might mean reading five paragraphs, then
taking a break. For cleaning a messy house: pick up five things.
Just break it into little pieces and take baby steps,” she said. “Focus
on that one day, and eventually one day turns into a week, which
turns into a month, which turns into a year, and eventually you get
through. ‘Head down, lean forward’ is always what I would say.”
Shelby’s Turn
Tracy’s strategy worked—she graduated from Trocaire in May
2015, the same month Shelby graduated from high school.
6 trailblazer 2021

While her mom tried a few different healthcare settings and
eventually found her calling with hospice care, Shelby tried to
find her own calling over the next few years. She considered going
to culinary school, studying art history, traveling; the possibilities
were never-ending.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do—I wanted to do everything,”
she said. “It always just kind of fell away. I moved south for a few
years and waited tables … but realized one day, I don’t want to do
this for the rest of my life.”
Tracy took action when Shelby moved home to Western New York,
sending in her application for Trocaire a week before the Spring
2019 semester started. And just like that, Shelby was on a path to
a nursing career.
“At first I was terrified,” she said. “I needed that push from Mom.
If she hadn’t pushed me, I wouldn’t have gone.”
Trocaire Experience
Even with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting her second year
of classes, Shelby said Trocaire’s small, close community, caring
professors and nontraditional student body made it the perfect
place for her.
“We have people who are just out of high school, people who have
been in the field for a few years and are now coming back, people
who have no experience,” she said. “It makes for a real sense of
inclusivity. I was 21 and all my friends were finishing their fouryear
degrees, and I hadn’t even started. I was worried I wouldn’t
fit in at college. But I came here, and that’s totally not the case.”
Getting over her aversion to handling blood, bodily fluids
and other everyday nursing realities during clinicals has been
challenging, but critical to building confidence.
“Every experience I’ve had—every bedpan I’ve changed, every
catheter I’ve had to drain, every little thing that is nothing to an
actual nurse—has been a step where I’m like, ‘OK, I can be brave,
I can do this,’” Shelby said.
Tracy Jennsion-Cotter ’15, BSN,
shows a photo of herself and
her daughter Shelby at Tracy’s
graduation from Trocaire’s
Nursing program in 2015. Shelby
is on track to graduate from the
same program in December 2021.
She discovered her own nursing niche on her pediatric clinical
rotation at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo, where her
bubbly personality made her a perfect fit with her tiny patients.
After one more semester at Trocaire, she can’t wait to go out and
get to work as an RN, and eventually return to school to get her
Nurse Practitioner degree.
Tracy said it is a thrill to see her daughter challenge herself and
find success after her years of searching for her passion.
“Nursing school even in the best of times is so stressful—to
see Shelby be able to overcome has been amazing,” Tracy said.
“Her personality, wanderlust, abilities and purpose—everything
meshes and fits what she’s doing. I’m so excited for her future.” •
HOSPICE
NURSING
Tracy Jennison-Cotter ’15, BSN, describes her career
as a traveling nurse for Hospice Buffalo.
Can you describe your job?
I drive throughout Erie County and provide in-home
care for Hospice Buffalo patients—I am on call
for when pain becomes unmanageable, patients
experience delirium, or a patient passes away.
Why were you interested in hospice/palliative care
work?
My father had just died down in Georgia, and I didn’t
get to say goodbye. In nursing school, you learn
so much about the body, but you don’t learn very
much about the dying process. I wanted to better
understand. In addition, that’s the time you’re
closest to leaving life and what’s beyond—if you’re
ever going to find out and see beyond your own
faith, you might see it there.
Why do you love your job?
It is a time of life when patients and their families
are at their most vulnerable, and it is so gratifying
to be able to walk alongside them and just provide
education and support in addition to treating their
symptoms. The whole spectrum and scope of
nursing is realized in this specialty. You have the
time to focus on patients and families that you
don’t necessarily have on a hospital floor. It was a
perfect fit for me—who I am, where I am in life, and
what I want to do.
2021 trailblazer 7

FROM P-TECH
TO
SURG TECH
FELICE MASUMBUKO ’21, CST
BEGINS CAREER AT ROSWELL
Many eighth graders think they know what they want to do
when they grow up. Sticking to that plan through fruition is
much less likely.
However, picking his path 6 years ago and participating in New
York State’s P-TECH has allowed Felice Masumbuko to graduate
from Trocaire in May with his AAS degree in Surgical Technology
at just 19 years old. Though the journey hasn’t always been easy—
especially considering a global pandemic striking in the middle
of his degree—he’d do it again if he had the choice.
A Fateful Decision
Felice grew up in Lackawanna. Though he attended Global
Concepts Charter School through middle school, he decided to
transfer to Lackawanna High School to take advantage of the
New York State P-TECH program (see box). The program covers
all costs and provides extensive support as students pursue a
2-year STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree
through a streamlined course of study that begins in high school.
“I was reluctant at first because I had to change schools, but
the linchpin was ‘free college,” Felice said. “I couldn’t turn that
down.”
Possible degrees in Lackawanna’s and Trocaire’s P-TECH program
included Surgical Technology, Radiologic Technology and Health
Information Technology. Students began taking introductory
P-TECH (Pathways in Technology):
A state-funded, private-public partnership launched in 2013 that
works to prepare thousands of New York high school students for
high-skills STEM careers. Trocaire, the Lackawanna City School
District, Erie I BOCES and Catholic Health were chosen as the first
P-TECH program in Western New York, one they named HOPE
(Health Occupation Pathways to Employment).
and liberal arts college courses in ninth grade. By 11th grade,
they had to choose their specific degree path and began taking
their college classes—things like statistics and anatomy &
physiology—on site at Trocaire.
Surgical Technology was a natural fit for Felice, an aspiring
doctor. He said balancing his P-TECH and regular high school
responsibilities was surprisingly manageable—he did his
Lackawanna curriculum for half a day, then had the other half to
attend, study and complete assignments for his Trocaire classes.
Up Close and Personal
Taking care of so many courses while still in high school meant
Felice enjoyed a lightened course load once he arrived at Trocaire
after completing all his classes for Lackawanna. He was able to
take just 2-3 classes per semester, which allowed him to achieve
high grades while also holding down first a part-time position as
a dietary aide at an Elderwood facility and then a full-time job as
an assistant manager at Dollar General.
He praised his instructors and the Surgical Technology
curriculum, but his clinical rotations were high points, as he
assisted on surgeries on real patients and even met surgeons who
said they had started where he was—as a surgical technologist.
His love of his new profession grew with each new experience.
“I love how big of a part surgical techs play, and how much we get
to see,” he said. “Everyone in that operating room is important.
They are a cog in a greater machine to help the patient. I really
like that. Everyone has to work together.”
What’s Next?
Felice graduated from Trocaire in May 2021, passed his
certification exam a few weeks later, and was offered a job at
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center soon after. He had
a clinical rotation there as a student, assisting on procedures
including a pneumonectomy (removal of a lung) and videoassisted
thoracic surgery.
8 trailblazer 2021

“I really love the job and the place because I feel like I make a positive
difference in people’s lives,” he said. “Every successful surgery, every
patient interaction makes me feel like I’m part of something greater. It
feels good to know that I’m able to help people every day just by doing
my job.”
Felice is now a student at University of Buffalo, majoring in bio-medical
sciences. He hopes to eventually become a surgeon himself. Thanks to
his start in the P-TECH program, he’s able to work full-time at a job he
loves as he continues on the path to his ultimate career goal.
CYBERSECURITY
Q & A
6 Tips for Safer Online Experiences
“Hopefully 6 years from now, I’m going to be the doctor in that clinical
situation, telling student techs, “keep going—that was me once.’” •
I love how big of a part
surgical techs play,
and how much we get
to see. Everyone in
that operating room is
important. They are a
cog in a greater machine
to help the patient.
Dan Neville, director of the Trocaire Technology
Institute and associate dean of Trocaire’s
Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and Healthcare
Informatics programs, weighs in on some easy
ways to make your online activities safer.
Social media polls/message forwarding: You know those polls
circulating Facebook that everyone shares, the ones that have
a bunch of questions to “learn a little more about each other?”
Most of the time, the polls are salted with the same questions
used for password hints and reset requests—who was your
favorite teacher, where did you meet your spouse, etc. Just pass.
Please. Similarly, those “forward to all your friends” messages
can be nasty critters. It’s all a numbers game for the bad guys—
collect enough information from enough people, and you’re
bound to find a “winner.” You don’t want that to be you.
Passwords: Yes, I know passwords are pain, but they are easy
targets for hacking, especially when the same password is used
multiple times. Mix it up, and keep a hint list (not a password
list!). Try to use uppercase and lowercase letters, special symbols
and numbers—longer is better. String together some nine-letter
random words to help. Elephant$%Surfboard99 is exponentially
more secure than JohnBaby1992. You can also get a password
manager app that does the work for you: Bitwarden is free, while
LastPass and 1Password are under $50 per year.
Email: Don’t click on links in or provide information in response
to emails that look or sound “off” or are from an unknown
sender. These phishing emails are attempting to get sensitive
information out of you, such as personal details or account
data—in fact, the overwhelming majority of cyberattacks
begin with a phishing attack. A good site to learn more is
www.sonicwall.com/phishing-iq-test/. They present you with
10 emails, and you have to determine if each one is good or
bad. You’ll see your results at the end, and some really good
explanations as to what to look for.
Location Information: When you “check in” some place on
your phone, you allow the cell towers and GPS to figure out your
location. The cell tower already knows the general vicinity, but
GPS can get to within 3 feet. Pictures you take are tagged with
the same information. Want proof? Send a picture to your email
address. Open the picture and right-click on Info or Properties.
Facebook gets rid of that GPS info, but it’s still ridiculously easy
to find out where and when a picture was taken, and potentially
exploit that information.
Vacation Announcements: This one sends shivers up my spine.
Perfect target: your house is going to be empty, you’ll be gone for
an extended period of time, and you’re going to post pictures and
your itinerary every day. Instead, consider “I’m signing off social
media for a few days. See you on the flip side.” Post all the cool
pictures when you get back.
Antivirus: Antivirus software for your computer is an absolute
must. In addition to McAfee and Symantec/Norton, which
both require subscriptions, there are free packages available.
Whatever you do, don’t install two different packages—each will
consider the other a virus. •
2021 trailblazer 9

WELCOME TO THE
ALUMNI FAMILY
DECEMBER 2020 | MAY 2021
Commencement continued to look different this
past year, with a virtual ceremony and at-home
celebrations. But one thing hasn’t changed: how
proud we are of our graduates.
Congratulations, Classes of 2020 and 2021!
10 trailblazer 2021

CAREERS OF ACHIEVEMENT,
LIVES OF PURPOSE
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY AND
SHARE THE TROCAIRE EXPERIENCE
Together with alumni and friends like you, Trocaire College supports students who are determined to succeed,
build careers of achievement and lives of purpose.
Your gift is essential to the success of Trocaire students!
Please make a gift to the Trocaire College Annual Fund today. Each gift to the Annual Fund provides
tuition assistance to Trocaire students. Simply fill out and submit the enclosed envelope to make
your donation today.
The Share Trocaire Fund provides Trocaire students with much-needed tuition assistance so they can stay on
track to graduate with the critical skills our community needs.
Your gift has an immediate impact!
Since 1958, the faculty and staff at Trocaire College, with the
• Enables students to attain high-quality education resulting in
foundational and ongoing support of the Sisters of Mercy, have
family-sustaining jobs.
worked to provide Trocaire students an affordable, career-focused,
• Advances the community’s skilled workforce by producing
private education.
career-ready alumni.
During • the Helps 2016-2017 to bridge the academic sizeable year, tuition Trocaire gap students graduated face 359 after all
students, other and aid more is applied. than 93% received financial assistance in the
form of
• Empowers
grants and
students
scholarships.
with personal
This support—funded
enrichment, dignity,
in part
and
by
donors like self-worth you—gives in the students spirit of the Sisters opportunity of Mercy. to realize their
goals, improve their circumstances, and become caring service
professionals Your gift today throughout helps the make Western their New opportunity York community. tomorrow.
Every By dollar Sharing helps Trocaire, a student you help in need—it’s to remove financial as simple barriers as that. so Thanks our students
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access to a college education to students who otherwise may not
attend due to financial restraints.
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2021 trailblazer 11

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT
SUPPORTED TROCAIRE COLLEGE BETWEEN JUNE 1, 2020 & MAY 31, 2021
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
($25,000 OR MORE ANNUALLY)
James H. Cummings Foundation
Amy J. and Halim A. Habib Family Foundation
New York State Department of Education
New York State Empire State Development
United States Health Resources and Services
Administration
TRUSTEE’S CIRCLE
($5,000 TO $24,999 ANNUALLY)
ABM Education Facilities Services
Kurt Amico
Conference for Mercy Higher Education
Dr. Joseph R. Connelly *
Michael & Mary Beth Cucinotta
Drs. Bassam & Jodi Deeb
David & Janet Desmon
Mr. & Mrs. George Eberl Ŧ
Erie County Medical Center Corporation
Elderwood Administrative Services
Ellicott Development Company
William J. Grant Trust
Kaleida Health
KeyBank
Fred & Lisa Kirisits ŧ
Ellen E. Koessler
The Paul J. Koessler Foundation
Dr. Richard T. Linn
Vincent & Harriet Palisano Foundation
Judith A. Nolan Powell Ŧ
Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Waring, Jr. ŧ
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
($1,000 - $4,999 ANNUALLY)
Advance2000
Amherst Security Professionals Inc.
Brian F. Attea, Esq. ŧ
Justin P. Azzarella ŧ
Thomas E. Baker*
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Basil, Jr.
BD&E
John Burgess Ŧ
Catholic Health
Karen Chiantella Camacho ’96
Dianna Civello
ComDoc, A Xerox Company
12 trailblazer 2021
e3communications
Family Choice of New York
Five Star Bank
Sarah Gilson ŧ
The Hamister Family Foundation
Angela Laviano Hamister ŧ
Dr. Richard P. Hershberger ŧ
Hodgson Russ, LLP
Jack & Kathleen A. Hoffstetter ’71
Jack & Barbara Hudack ’81
James & Diana Iglewski ’86
Independent Health
Edward A. Johnson
Elizabeth N. Kolber Ŧ
Kirisits & Associates CPAS, PLLC
Dr. Allyson M. Lowe
Teresa M. Majors ŧ
Maria College
Jacqueline S. Matheny
Tracey A. Maw ’94 ŧ
Gerard & Barbara Mazurkiewicz
Mary Drew McKeone
Thomas J. Mitchell ’89
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Moravec Ŧ
Dr. James Notaro ŧ Ŧ & Amber Slichta ’94
Note Advisors, LLC
John P. O’Rourke Trust
Carl P. & Mary Catherine Paladino Ŧ
Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Penfold
Janet E. Peters
Rodriguez Construction Group
Dr. Jeffrey Rubin ŧ
Kathleen Saunders
Sisters of Mercy
Dr. Gary Smith
Rob Swann ’96 ŧ
Mark Wachowiak ŧ
William Barrett Wadsworth ŧ
Thomas Warger
Lisa Wheeler’ 95 ŧ
Sean Willett ŧ
Maureen Winnert Ŧ
FRIENDS OF TROCAIRE
COLLEGE
($1 TO $999 ANNUALLY)
Absolut Care
Rachel Andalora
Sandra Andujar
Stuart & Joyce Angert
Michael & Maria Arena
Dr. Allyson Backstrom
Mollie Ballaro
Barbara A. Bargmann
Barnes & Noble Bookstore at Trocaire College
Zenaida Barnum ’70
Brian J. Becker ’09
Angel Beiter
Dr. Mary K. Bennett Ŧ
Robert M. Bennett
James Biddle, Jr.
Dr. Jennifer Blickwedehl
Dr. G. Richard Braen
Michele Brancato
Paula Braun ’69
Dr. Amy Breski
Gary & Mary Britton
Veronica M. Broderick
Martha A. Bronstein ’86
A. Laurie Brosnahan
Thomas J. Bubar ’75
Barbara M. Buchheit ’82
Bonnie Burdzy ’21
Patricia A. Burgess
Karen Burhans
Maureen Burns
Emily Dorothea Busch
Constance Butler ’67
Katherine Byrne '83
Dr.* & Mrs. Noel M. Chiantella
Joanne M. Chmura ’75
Lawrence E. Christ ŧ
Nelson & Patricia Civello
Susan Clark ’88
Tiffany N. Cole ’09
Cosgrove Law Firm
Kathleen Cosgrove-Drury ’74
Jordan Courtney
David & Caroline Croen
Helen Cyrulik ’82
Ginalyn Dake
Sister M. Jeanne Thomas Danahy RSM, ’67 ŧ Ŧ
Mary Ann Deb
Liz DeJac-Wirth

Dr. Betsy DelleBovi
Kathleen Dennehy
Nancy Deubell ’77
Monica Joy Diasio ’78
Lesley Diaz
Susan M. Domres ’82
Amy Downing
Mya Doyle
Eileen Duman
Gale Eberhardt
Barbara Eggleston ’81
Diane Eggleston
Aimana ElBahtity
Harold Erbacher
Patricia Eusanio ’70
Elaine Evanovich ’76
Evergreen Health Services
Jack & Maureen Fecio ’68
Deborah Pope Finamore ’73
Jacob M. Fisher ’14
Agnes Fleig ’71
Dr. Peter W. Forgach
Philomena M. Gallagher
Dr. Thomas Gamble
Jessica Gavin
Mary C. Genzel
Rosemary Diane Giambone ’73
Angela E. Giancarlo
Breona Nicole Gibson ’21
Giorgio’s Limousine Service
Therese M. Gorman & Chester S. Moyer
Carolyn Gorczyca
Kelly A. Govern
Jaqueline Gow
Robert Graeff ’96
Dr. Ellen E. Grant Ŧ
Patrick Griffin
Ann L. Grosso ’74
Virginia Guenther ’81
Margaret M. Gutowski ’70
Kathleen Hahn ’70
Mark Hamberger
Helene M. Hamilton ’70
Katie Hamister
Sharon L. Hanson Ŧ
Anne Marie Harris ’81
Tina Hatchett ’16
Heathwood Assisted Living
Patricia A. Heavey
Jane Higgins ’69
Joanna Hillman
David & Kristy Holfoth
Rosemary Hopkins ’76
Dr. Susan L. Horrocks
Jonathan Hudack
Sean Hudson
Anne E. Hunt
Dr. & Mrs. Paul B. Hurley, Jr. Ᵽ
Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant
Dr. Tara Jabbaar-Gyambrah
Tim Jackson
Drs. William and Genevieve James
Juliana Janson
Dr. Ann-Marie John
Chanice Johnson
Susan Johnson
Veronica Kane-Lockwood ’75
Ethel Kendricks ’81
Jenna Kendzierski ’18
Archangela Kervin
Dr. Linda J. Kerwin ’07
Leigh A. King ’97
Rebecca Klepp ’21
William Korthals
Caitlin Kostowniak
Genevieve Kruly
Meghan Ladolcetta
Sarah Leuthe ’98
Mary Ann Long
Darrel Lynch
Mader Construction Company, Inc.
Margaret Makowski-Greenky ’72
Dr. Alexander Mandych
Sister Diane C. Matje RSM
Sister Lisa Mary McCartney RSM, Ph.D. ŧ
Molly McGee Randisi ’72
McGuire Group
Sharon McHenry ’69
Sharon A. McNamara ’77
Jason G. Meder RN ’98
Carole Mikolajczak
Judith C. Miller
Martin & Karen Miller
Elizabeth Miller Hawkins ’73
Richard Miodonski
Joan C. Mitchell
Rachel Moog
Helen Moran
Michele Muckle ’87
Chet & Ralfa Musialowski
Christopher & Ellen Musialowski
Dr. Nicholas Naples ’77
Daniel Neville
Margaret V. Overdorf
Patricia Owczarak '74
Dave A. Peck ’80
Paula Penepent ’78
Mary K. Perschy
Paulette Kolyer Pilipauskis ’67
James Poulos
Patricia Preston ’73
Sharon Prize Azurin, Esq.
Marya Propis
Mary M. Przepasniak
Thomas P. Ralabate
Lauren Reczek
Cynthia Rich
Kimberly Rider ’97
Donald Roof ’94
Tracy Rozewicz
Arthur A. Russ, Jr.
Dr. Christine Ryan
Dawn Sacks
Susan Saltzman ’67
Molly E. Sayler ’80
John & Patty Schiavone
Sister Mary Ann Schimscheiner RSM, ’67 ŧ
David M. Schwab
Colleen A. Scoville ’84
Barbara Shaw
G. Roman Shchurowsky
Nancy J. Sheehan, Esq. ’84
Siobhan C. Smith Ŧ
Steven C. Smith & Benjamin Gaetanos
Kathryn Sonnen
Southtowns Radiology
LeeAnn Speyer ’84
David Spinney
Monica L. Stage
Sheila Stanchak ’83
Lorie D. Steinwald ’97
Debra Steriovski
Dr. Susan Stocker ’78
Andrew Storer
Mary Pat Sullivan ’76
Susan Sullivan
Carol Sundquist ’87
Rachel Suto McCormick ’85
Cheryl D. Swain
Jessica Taylor
James & Jane Tebo ’70
Heather Thompson
Trautman Associates
Trocaire College Board of Trustees
Trocaire College Faculty Association
Dr. Mitch Tucker
Dr. Jean Turcott
Ann Van Pelt ’91
Bridget Van Sickle
JoAnne Marie Viapiano ’76
Kelsey Wagner
Mary Alice Walz
2021 trailblazer 13

Mark Wattenberg
WB Mason
Drs. Howard & Julie Wescott
Christine L. Whipkey ’10
Carol A. Whitton ’71
Adriane Z. Williams
Sheila Williams ’73
Dorothy Worrall
Rosemary Yager ’76
Amy M. Zielinski
FOUNDER’S CIRCLE
(LIFETIME GIVING TOTAL OF $100,000 OR MORE)
ADF Construction
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
James H. Cummings Foundation
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York
Franklin G. Downing *
Helene Fuld Health Trust
Health Resources & Services Administration,
Nursing Workforce Diversity Program
KeyBank and the First Niagara Foundation
Ellen E. Koessler
Elizabeth N. Kolber Ŧ
M&T Charitable Foundation
The McGuire Group
New York State Education Department
John R. Oishei Foundation
Carl P. & Mary Catherine Paladino Ŧ
Vincent & Harriet Palisano Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Penfold
Russell J. Salvatore, Lh.D.
Sisters of Mercy
The Statler Foundation
United States Department of Justice, Office
on Violence Against Women
The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation
United States Department of Education
LOYALTY CIRCLE
(CONSECUTIVE GIVING 5 YEARS OR MORE)
ABM Education Facilities Services
Amherst Security Professionals Inc.
Mollie Ballaro
Barbara A. Bargmann
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Basil, Jr.
Dr. Jennifer Blickwedehl
Michele Brancato
Paula Braun ’69
Dr. Amy Breski
Thomas J. Bubar ’75
John Burgess Ŧ
Constance Butler ’67
Karen Chiantella Camacho ’96
Catholic Health
Susan Clark ’88
Kathleen Cosgrove-Drury ’74
Sister M. Jeanne Thomas Danahy RSM, ’67 ŧ Ŧ
Drs. Bassam & Jodi Deeb
14 trailblazer 2021
Kathleen Dennehy
David & Janet Desmon
Monica Joy Diasio ’78
Barbara Eggleston ’81
Ellicott Development Company
Erie County Medical Center Corporation
Deborah Finamore ’73
Jacob M. Fisher ’14
Dr. Peter W. Forgach
Philomena M. Gallagher
Mary Genzel
Angela E. Giancarlo
Carolyn Gorczyca
Kelly A. Govern
Amy J. Habib
Helene M. Hamilton ’70
Heathwood Assisted Living
Jane Higgins ’69
Jack & Kathleen A. Hoffstetter ’71
David & Kristy Holfoth
Jack & Barbara Hudack ’81
Dr. & Mrs. Paul B. Hurley, Jr. Ᵽ
Cheryl Hynes ’15
Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant
Edward A. Johnson
Kaleida Health
Veronica Kane-Lockwood ’75
Dr. Linda J. Kerwin ’07
Fred & Lisa Kirisits ŧ
Kirisits & Associates CPAS, PLLC
Ellen E. Koessler
Elizabeth N. Kolber Ŧ
Dr. Richard T. Linn
Margaret Makowski-Greenky ’72
Jacqueline S. Matheny
Tracey A. Maw ’94 ŧ
Molly McGee Randisi ’72
Sharon McHenry ’69
Jason G. Meder ’98, RN
Elizabeth Miller Hawkins ’73
Thomas J. Mitchell ’89
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Moravec Ŧ
Dr. Nicholas Naples ’77
Dr. James Notaro ŧ Ŧ & Amber Slichta ’94
Note Advisors, LLC
Vincent & Harriet Palisano Foundation
David A. Peck ’80
Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Penfold
Mary K. Perschy
Janet E. Peters
James Poulos
Mary M. Przepasniak
Donald Roof ’94
Susan Saltzman ’67
Kathleen Saunders
Colleen A. Scoville ’84
Sisters of Mercy
Siobhan C. Smith Ŧ
Sheila Stanchak ’83
Lorie D. Steinwald ’97
Debra Steriovski
Rachel Suto McCormick ’85
Cheryl D. Swain
Heather Thompson
JoAnne M. Viapiano ’76
Mary Alice Walz
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Waring, Jr. ŧ
Christine L. Whipkey ’10
Carol A. Whitton ’71
Maureen Winnert Ŧ
Rosemarie Yager ’76
Amy M. Zielinski
SISTER BARBARA CIARICO
LEGACY SOCIETY
(PLANNED GIVING)
Ellen Bowman
Thomas J. Bubar ’75
Dr. Joseph R. Connelly *
Maureen English
Dr. & Mrs. Paul B. Hurley, Jr. Ᵽ
Kathleen G. Kearns *
Ellen E. Koessler
William F. Marx
Thomas J. Mitchell ’89
Gerald C. Saxe
Mary Alice Walz
TRIBUTE GIFTS
Gifts made in honor or memory celebrate the legacy
of cherished individuals by making a difference and
impact in the lives of Trocaire students.
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS E. BAKER Ŧ
Jack & Kathleen Hoffstetter ’71
Martin & Karen Miller
IN MEMORY OF REGINA BECKER
Brian J. Becker ’09
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS F. BRINKWORTH
Martin & Karen Miller
IN MEMORY OF SISTER CARITAS
Helen Moran
IN HONOR OF GEORGETTE CORDERA
Rosemary Yager ’76
IN HONOR OF DR. BASSAM M. DEEB
Dr. G. Richard Braen
IN MEMORY OF DR. DENNIS DEPERRO
Rosemary Diane Giambone
IN MEMORY OF MARGARET DEVINE
Margaret V. Overdorf
IN MEMORY OF DAVID K. DONALDSON, JR.
Michael & Maria Arena
Jack & Kathleen A. Hoffstetter ’71
Nicole Politi
Maggie & Michael Stiggers
IN MEMORY OF RITA LEARY ESCOBAR ’81
Anne E. Hunt
IN MEMORY OF DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE
EUSANIO FAMILY
Patricia Eusanio ’70
IN MEMORY OF CHRIST GAETANOS
Judith C. Miller

Nicole Politi
Maggie & Michael Stiggers
IN MEMORY OF CATHERINE IMMACULATE
GORMAN ’81
Anne Marie Harris ’81
IN HONOR OF SISTER MARGARET MARY
GORMAN
Therese M. Gorman & Chester S. Moyer
IN HONOR OF SISTER MARIE ANDRÉ MAIN
Debra Steriovski
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS C. MITCHELL
Jack & Kathleen Hoffstetter ’71
Joan Mitchell
Mary Przepasniak
Thomas Ralabate
Kathryn Sonnen
Debra Steriovski
IN HONOR OF THOMAS J. MITCHELL
Arthur A. Russ, Jr.
Mary Alice Walz
IN MEMORY OF AARON RUBIN
Jack & Kathleen A. Hoffstetter ’71
Trocaire College Board of Trustees
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Waring, Jr. ŧ
IN MEMORY OF GLORIA SALTZBURG
Kathleen Saunders
Jack & Kathleen A. Hoffstetter ’71
IN MEMORY OF RACHEL R. SAVARINO
Angela E. Giancarlo
IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY AND LUCY
SCHIAVONE
John & Patty Schiavone
IN MEMORY OF KEITH STOLZENBURG
Jack & Kathleen A. Hoffstetter ’71
IN MEMORY OF SOPHIA SZYMANOWICZ
Helene M. Hamilton ’70
IN MEMORY OF FLORA G. TURNER
Margaret Makowski-Greenky ’72
IN MEMORY OF SISTER SALLY WALZ
Mary Alice Walz
IN MEMORY OF BETTY WATTENBERG ’68
Mark Wattenberg
IN MEMORY OF ANN WILLIAMS, RN
Sharon A. McNamara ’77
IN MEMORY OF LUCILLE WOOD
Tim Jackson
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
Endowed scholarships established at Trocaire
College are legacies of generosity. Unlike gifts
received for immediate use, endowed gifts keep
giving over time. These prudently invested funds
generate annual earnings that will be available to
provide financial support to deserving students in
perpetuity.
The Cucinotta Family Endowed Scholarship
Fund ¤
The Deeb Family Scholarship Fund ¤
The Desmon Family Endowed Scholarship ¤
The George J. and Christina B. Eberl Endowed
Scholarship Fund ¤
ECMC Endowed Scholarship Fund ¤
First Niagara Foundation Endowed
Scholarship Fund ¤
Amy J. and Halim A. Habib Family Endowed
Fund ¤
Fred and Lisa Kirisits Endowed Scholarship
Fund ¤
The Ellen Klausman Koessler Endowed
Scholarship Fund ¤
Paul J. Koessler Foundation Endowed
Scholarship Fund ¤
Paladino Family Endowed Scholarship Fund ¤
Belasario & Sara Paladino Memorial
Scholarship
Mary C & Urban J Pauly Trustee Scholarship
The Berna Savarino Scholarship Fund
Sisters of Mercy Scholarship ¤
The Sarah and Tom Waring Endowed
Scholarship ¤
Trocaire College Community Award
The Walz Family Endowed Scholarship Fund ¤
GIFTS IN KIND
Aléthea's Chocolates
Anderson’s Frozen Custard
Arbonne/Lisa Buss
¤ indicates newly established
Aromagic Designs/Steven C. Smith
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Brewpub
Buffalo Games
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Zoo
Burchfield Penney Art Center
Karen Chiantella Camacho ’96
Chef’s Restaurant
Dianna Civello
Eric Coleman (Owner of Beer By Coleman
& Director at Trocaire Brewing, Distilling, &
Fermentation Program)
Delta Sonic
Dog Ears Bookstore & Café
Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
Children’s Museum
Explore Buffalo
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
The Franklin Salon & Esthetics
Gates Circle Wine & Liquor
Angela Laviano Hamister ŧ
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Buffalo
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Imperial Pizza
Danielle Jacobs
Jim's Steakout
Lamar Advertising Company of Buffalo
Lasertron
Lexington Co-Operative Market
Dr. Richard T. Linn
Linwood Candle Company
Jacqueline S. Matheny
Norwex/Pam McCarthy
Old Fort Niagara
Paths, Peaks & Paddles
Paula’s Donuts
Purrfect Café
Ristorante Lombardo
Rocco's Wood Fired Pizza
Salon LeBeau
Savoy
Scanlon Jewelers
Dr. Gary Smith
Southtowns Radiology
Chris Stucchio
Tops Family Markets
Trillium’s Courtyard Florist
Trocaire College Enrollment Division
Trocaire College Finance & Accounting
Department
Trocaire College Human Resources
Department
Trocaire College Institutional Advancement
Division
Trocaire College Student Affairs Division
Trocaire College Student Massage Therapy
Clinic
Trocaire College Workforce Development
Division
Thomas H. Waring, Jr.
WNY Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa
Key:
* Deceased
ŧ Current Trustee
Ŧ Trustee Emeritus/a
Ᵽ President Emeritus/a
2021 trailblazer 15

360 Choate Ave. | Buffalo, NY 14220
NON-PROFIT ORG.
US POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, NY
PERMIT #2435
• Alumni News and Notes
Sister M. Jeanne Thomas Danahy RSM, ’67, was
elected to Trocaire College’s Board of Trustees for a
new three-year term, effective June 2021. A member
of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Sister is also
a Trocaire Board Trustee Emerita.
Thomas J. Bubar ’75, RN was named the July 2021
NY-27 Veteran of the Month by Congressman Chris
Jacobs (NY-27). Bubar served in the US Army and was
deployed to Vietnam from 1970-71. During his service,
he reached the rank of Specialist 4 and provided
preventative medical care to service members
stationed overseas. Following his military service,
Bubar received several nursing degrees, including one
from Trocaire College, and held numerous positions
before becoming a nursing instructor.
Thomas Mitchell ’89, RN, was appointed Trocaire
College’s director of Mission, Ministry and Service in
January 2021. Mitchell’s career at Trocaire spans 40
years—he is a longtime liberal arts faculty member
and has also held several administrative roles. In
addition, he served as an RN at Buffalo’s VA Medical
Center for a decade while continuing to teach fulltime.
Isadore DeMarco ’95, NP, RN received Buffalo
Business First’s 2021 Excellence in Healthcare Award.
DeMarco is an administrator at Canterbury Woods,
a pair of assisted living facilities in Williamsville and
Buffalo. He manages a staff of 120 nurses, aides,
therapists and others and monitors care for 100
residents.
Teresa Bellaire ’96, RN received Buffalo Business
First’s 2021 Excellence in Healthcare Award. Bellaire
is a registered nurse on the Clinical Team at Person
Centered Services, a disability services and support
organization in Buffalo. She helps ensures clients
in 18 counties across the state receive the best and
most relevant care available and helps link clients to
relevant specialists.
Andrea Czora ’97, RN received Buffalo Business
First’s 2021 Excellence in Healthcare Award. Czora
is vice president of RCA Healthcare Management
LLC. She leads the clinical operation of five longterm
skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living
facility around Western New York. For the last year
she has had one focus: keeping the 760 residents and
1,000 employees safe from Covid-19.
Terrance Gaiter, who received a phlebotomy
certificate from Trocaire College, received Buffalo
Business First’s 2021 Excellence in Healthcare Award.
Gaiter is senior vice president at Urban Family
Practice in Buffalo. He joined UFP 17 years ago as
an office phlebotomist and now oversees the daily
operations of both the Jefferson Avenue and Niagara
Street locations.
Brian Becker ’09 accepted a new position as taproom
service manager at Big Ditch Brewing Company
in Buffalo. A Hospitality Management graduate,
Becker was previously part of the management team
at Delaware North's Patina Restaurant Group. He
received Trocaire’s Distinguished Alumni Award in
2012.
Lisa Hanavan ’13, MSRS, RPA/RSA, RRA, RT(R)
(MR)(ARRT) received the Trocaire College Medical
Imaging department’s first-ever Kitty Clark Clinical
Instructor of the Year Award. Hanavan has served as
a clinical instructor at Trocaire for four years and was
nominated for "being nothing but amazing," "pushing
students to their next limit" and helping students
find their confidence in performing exams.
Andrea Dickens ’13, BS, RT(R) joined Trocaire College
as the clinical placement coordinator for the Medical
Imaging programs. Dickens has 8 years of experience
working in the imaging field and has worked at
Trocaire as a Medical Imaging laboratory and clinical
instructor for the past 4 years.
Iman Mohamed ’19, RN, accepted a nursing position
in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide
Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Mohamed’s
unit specializes in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
(BPD), a chronic respiratory disease that affects
premature infants.
Jasmaine West ’20, a current BSN student who is
also a graduate of Trocaire’s AAS in Nursing program,
was gifted a refurbished car in January 2021 thanks
to Travelers and the National Auto Body Council’s
Recycled Rides program.
Felice Masumbuko ’21, CST, began a position as a
surgical technologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive
Cancer Center.
2020-2021
Academic Affairs Highlights:
Amy Breski, Ph.D., was promoted to associate
professor, psychology in the Fall 2020 semester.
Tiffany Cole, faculty in nursing, successfully defended
her doctoral dissertation, “Examining nursing faculty
credentials and NCLEX-RN pass rates in pre-licensure
nursing programs.”
Dr. Ann-Marie John, dean of Trocaire’s Catherine
McAuley School of Nursing, is the higher education
representative on the Community Health Center of
Buffalo’s federal grant project titled: Race Matters,
Systems Change to Improve Health Outcomes, from
June-August 2021.
Allyson M. Lowe, Ph.D., vice president, Academic
Affairs was appointed to Board of Trustees for the
Health Sciences Charter School for 2021-2024. Dr. Lowe
also completed the Council of Independent Colleges’
Executive Leadership Academy as a member of the
2020-2021 cohort.
Solomon Nelson, Ph.D., was promoted to professor,
English in the Fall 2021 semester.
Dan Neville, MS, director of the Trocaire Technology
Institute was named an Executive Committee member
of the National CTE Advisory Council for 2021-2023.
He was also named to the Industry Advisory Council,
Charter School for Applied Technologies and to the
Program Advisory Board, Computer Technology for Erie
1 BOCES.
Jess Taylor, instructional designer, earned a Master's in
Education in Learning, Design and Technology in August
2021.
Kelly Wallace, Ph.D., was promoted to associate
professor, biology in the Fall 2020 semester.
Jaime White, M.Ed., RT (R)(CT)(ARRT), director of
Trocaire’s Medical Imaging programs, was honored in
June 2021 with the D’Youville College Saints4Action
Award, presented by the director of D'Youville's Doctoral
Program in Educational Leadership. This award is
given to those who express a strong interest in social
justice; exhibit characteristics of racial/gender equality,
diversity and sensitivity to human rights; and support a
strong foundation of LGBTQ rights.
Amy Zielinski, Ph.D., was promoted to associate
professor, biology in the Fall 2021 semester.
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