“Before Trocaire, I hadn’t set foot on a college campus in eight years. I truly believed college wasn’t for me—that my dream was out of reach. But something changed. I took a chance, and from the moment I applied, I was met with support, encouragement, and a community that believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

As a first-generation college student and a mom, this journey wasn’t easy. There were long nights, tough exams, and moments of doubt. But I kept going—for my kids, for my family, and myself. Ģ����ý gave me more than an education; it gave me confidence, purpose, and a future I’m proud of.

Now, I’m stepping into the healthcare field with the skills and heart to make a difference. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to start over—and that with the right support, anything is possible.

If you’re thinking about going back to school, take the leap. Trocaire changed my life; it can change yours, too.”

The post Fall 2025 Alumni Spotlight: Yazmin Colon, Radiologic Technology ‘25 appeared first on About.

“From the dental field to the frontlines of healthcare, my journey to becoming a nurse wasn’t easy—but it was worth every step.

As a mom of two, balancing school, work, and family, life was a challenge. But at Ģ����ý, I found more than an education—I found a community that believed in me. With the support of my professors, classmates, and family, I pushed through the long nights and self-doubt to earn my degree.

I’m proud to have served as Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa and to have made the Dean’s List. But most of all, I am proud to be a Trocaire graduate, ready to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you, Trocaire, for helping me turn my passion into purpose.”

The post Fall 2025 Alumni Spotlight: Candace Nguyen ‘24 appeared first on About.

“I’m a proud Ģ����ý alumna from the graduating classes of 2023 and 2024. I’m currently working as an MRI technologist, a role I’ve grown to love deeply.

My journey in healthcare began with Trocaire’s Radiologic Technology program. Before that, I had no experience in the field, but I quickly discovered a passion for being part of patients’ lives and making a meaningful impact. While in the Rad Tech program, I worked at the front desk of a local outpatient facility and also had the opportunity to tutor first-year students at Trocaire—both experiences that helped shape my path.

After graduating, I was hired as an X-ray technologist at the same outpatient facility. While working in that role, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management at Trocaire, graduating in 2024. With my injection license in hand and over a year of experience in X-ray, I was offered the chance to train in MRI—a field I’ve come to enjoy more and more each day.

My advice for any current student is don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but it is a sign of growth. Everyone needs support at times, always remember that you are not alone.

I’m incredibly grateful for the path I’ve taken and wouldn’t change a thing about my journey!”

The post Summer 2025 Alumni Spotlight: Kristen Schmitz ’23, ’24 appeared first on About.

Ģ����ý is celebrated for its friendly atmosphere, quality education, and accessible admissions process. Paula Leszak, an alumna, clinical instructor, and current student, exemplifies the transformative power of education at Trocaire.

Before her nursing career, Paula utilized her degrees in psychology and public administration in various leadership roles. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse by enrolling in Trocaire’s evening AAS RN Nursing program, graduating in 2012. She then completed her MSN and obtained certifications as an Adult Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

With a background in primary care and addiction medicine, Paula is now expanding her skills by adding massage therapy to her repertoire and is set to graduate in May 2025. As a clinical instructor, she shares her knowledge and experiences with nursing students, highlighting the collaborative and nurturing environment at Trocaire.

Reflecting on her journey, Paula emphasizes the importance of Trocaire in shaping her career and personal growth. She encourages anyone with a desire to learn to explore Trocaire’s programs, praising the college for its supportive community and commitment to student success.

The post Spring 2025 Alumni Spotlight: Paula Leszak, ANP, PMHNP, ’12, ’25 appeared first on About.

Congratulations to Trocaire Alumna, Dr. Susan Stocker ’78 on the dedication of Susan J. Stocker Hall at Kent State Ashtabula.

Dr. Stocker retired from Kent State Ashtabula in 2022 after more than 30 years of service to the university. She led the campus as Dean and Chief Administrative Officer for 21 years and was the longest-serving dean in Kent State’s history at the time of her retirement.

Dr. Stocker’s enduring legacy of compassion, service, education, and action embodies the cherished Mercy values of Catherine McAuley. The Trocaire community is proud to have Susan as an alumna. You can read Dr. Stocker’s full article from the or watch the recording of the .

The post Fall 2024 Alumni Spotlight: Susan J. Stocker, Ph.D. ’78 appeared first on About.

“Since graduating, I have been on quite a journey. My required internship evolved into a full-time job while I was still in school and continued after graduation.

I secured my first HR job before graduation and began working the Monday following my graduation ceremony. Over the past ten years, I have worked in various industries such as manufacturing, law, parking, technology, and now property management, all in an HR capacity. I have been fortunate to oversee all HR functions, establish the HR department, and shape the company culture from the ground up. This journey has been exciting and impactful for all the people I have had the privilege to assist and work with.”

Congratulations Libby Kamieniarz ’15 for your Buffalo Business First 30 Under 30 award!

The post Fall 2024 Alumni Spotlight: Libby Kamieniarz ’15 appeared first on About.

Name: Melissa Archer, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN
Grad Year: 2000
Program: Nursing
Title: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner,

Originally published January 21, 2021 — Updated September 2024

In Her Own Words:
Like many high school graduates, I attended college with aspirations. I had hoped to become a physician, join the military and travel the world. However, the universe had different plans and I ended up a divorced mother of two wonderful daughters. Although, I did join the military and went to college, my other aspirations were on hold.

While working a factory job and living paycheck to paycheck, one day I heard about Ģ����ý on the radio. Nursing seemed like an interesting avenue to explore, and I would finally be able to enter the medical profession and help people. I wondered how I would juggle being an active parent, paying bills, and complete this RN program, but took a leap of faith and jumped right in!

Luckily, Sister Marian Mullen, the Dean of Students at the time, was there to help me every step of the way. She was such a support, and it was a turning point in my life. Sister Marian took the time to listen and encouraged me to apply for scholarship support. As a single mom, the scholarship I earned and the family-like atmosphere at Trocaire helped me excel and complete the RN program.

The clinical instructors I worked with thoroughly prepared me for real-life nursing. Throughout my two-decade career as a RN, I could always tell who a Trocaire graduate was—they have compassion down to a science. After Trocaire, I earned my BSN and MSN & currently practice as a Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at SENSES Medical Wellness, PLLC at 360 Genesee Street (on the corner of Genesee and Hickory St.), my family’s medical practice on the Eastside of Buffalo. It’s surreal to go from such humble beginnings, and not only succeed but come back to the same street I grew up on and help others do the same! My goal is to be a change agent in everything I do, while also highlighting the importance of mental health. In doing so, others will be helped to find the best versions of their selves, their families and their communities.

To this end, I lead a 21 person FEMA funded Crisis Counseling Program helping Erie County residents, primarily in the inner city mentally and emotionally cope with the fallout of COVID and then the TOPS massacre on 5/14/2022. Additionally, I worked as a maternal/fetal community education specialist and taught parenting classes and educational seminars, helping parents dealing with challenging circumstances

Additionally, in 2023, I co-founded and is the lead consultant for the Black Women’s Wellness Village of Buffalo, whose mission is to address health inequities for women of color through a radical reimagining of the healthcare experience. by listening and using their voices to advocate, educate and ultimately open a wellness center for women.

Melissa is a US. Army National Guard veteran and has been awarded numerous awards and accolades. Most recently the Black Achievers Award, Distinguished Trocaire Alumni Award & NAACP Presidential Award. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, an international honor nursing society and a current scholar participant of Sigma’s Virtual Mini-Academy: Global Advocacy

She is a board member of Mental Health Advocates of WNY, Crisis Services, Mount Mercy Board of Trustees and Women’s Health Broadcast Board. She is an Open Buffalo Emerging Leader Graduate and on the advisory board. She is the Vice President of the Buffalo Chapter of Girl Friends, Inc.

Thinking back over 20 years ago, Melissa states, “I never would have imagined a Trocaire commercial would have so positively transformed my life. My advice to anyone looking for a better life or career change: look no further than Trocaire. No matter your focus, do it and now! For those of you already working or new to your profession, do self-care every day and make sure your physical and mental health are healthy. Especially during these challenging times of a pandemic and political and social unrest. It is important to check in, so we don’t check out!” Trocaire means everything to me—it is where my start began. My education gave me the personal fortitude, voice, and confidence to make a better life for me and my family. I will always carry on Trocaire’s Mercy values in everything I do and hope to serve as inspiration for the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

The post January Alumni Spotlight: Melissa Archer ‘00 appeared first on About.

Name: Thomas J. Bubar
Grad Year: 1975
Program: AAS Nursing

Veteran of the Month and Outstanding Alumnus, year after year!

In July  2021, Congressman Chris Jacobs named Thomas Bubar Veteran of the Month.

“Tom served our nation honorably in the Vietnam War and provided preventative medical care to his fellow service members, for which he earned numerous medals,” Jacobs said.

In November, Tom was also presented with the Vietnam War Veteran Pin by Congressman Brian Higgins.  Following his military service, Tom came back to Western New York to serve our community, and would later go on to teach Nursing and Medical Assisting to the next generation.

After completing a degree in Sociology at Millard Fillmore College (now SUNY Buffalo), Tom came to Trocaire for his Nursing degree, and a few years later, received his Master’s Degree in Nursing from UB.

Thanks to his dedication as a revered Nursing and Medical Assisting Instructor, hundreds of students have followed in his path.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I enlisted in the Army in 1970. After basic training and medical training, and after serving stateside for nine months, I was sent to Vietnam. While in the Army, I was introduced to the medical field. I served as a preventative medicine technician where I sprayed for mosquitos in Vietnam, tested water quality, and inspected the sanitary conditions of our care center. I also helped my fellow servicemen by performing preventative medical procedures.”

Bubar is grateful that Trocaire opened up doors for him.  In a recent interview, Tom shared his heartfelt gratitude:  “ Trocaire opened doors for me; it represents hope and faith to me. They were very helpful with Veterans’ benefits and I remember having really great instructors. Back in 1975 there was even a basketball team! I played guard and we came in 4^th place in the Medaille Centennial.”

But Tom’s devotion to his alma mater did not stop on the basketball court.  A former member of the Alumni Council and loyal donor for over 40 years, Tom is also a member of the Sr. Barbara Ciarico Legacy Society.  He has generously arranged to support scholarship funds for male Nursing and Medical Assisting students through his estate plans.

“After Vietnam, I decided to pursue the medical field because I knew I would always have a job and I enjoyed helping people.If it hadn’t been for Trocaire, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  I’ve put three children through college and they are all contributing to society as a teacher, a product manager and a CPA because I was able to provide them with an education. 

Tom may have been recognized as Veteran of the Month, but at Trocaire, we consider him an outstanding alumnus, year after year!  Congratulations, Tom!

The post February Alumni Spotlight: Thomas J. Bubar ’75 appeared first on About.

Name: Isadore A. De Marco MSN, LNHA
Grad Year: 1993
Program: AAS Nursing
Current title & position: Administrator,  Continuing Care Retirement Community

What drew you to a career in healthcare/nursing?

I had family members that were licensed nurses and great role models, and I always had an interest in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. My original goal was to become a registered nurse and then a nurse practitioner. I completed my Nurse Practitioner licensure in 1999, and then went on a recommendation from a friend and mentor to pursue a license in Healthcare Administration, which I completed in 2004, receiving my Nursing Home Administrator licensure.  

Describe your Trocaire experience. What does Trocaire mean to you?

Trocaire was a wonderful experience and the foundation on which I was able to build my career. Receiving my first degree (AAS Nursing) allowed me to obtain my first job in healthcare, a charge nurse with the McGuire Group at Seneca Manor Healthcare Facility, which I worked the first 4 years of my career. Trocaire was a wonderful learning environment, with faculty that cared about you and your success in the program. There was a sense of family, which made learning both exciting and rewarding. On a side note, I met my beautiful wife of 22 years at Ģ����ý in the RN program.  

What do you do now, and why do you love it?

I have been a nursing home administrator for 17 years. Being a nurse first and foremost, I enjoy helping and caring for individuals in need. Working with the elderly is very rewarding, knowing each day that you are making a true difference in someone’s life. I also love being part of a team that provides and strives each day for excellence in care for our residents. I have been the administrator at Canterbury Woods for 14 years. We have a great interdisciplinary team—it starts with our certified nursing assistants and licensed nurses, and extends to the vital services our ancillary departments provide as well.   

Any advice you’d like to share with soon-to-be or new nurses?

Work hard each and every day, stay focused and most importantly, find your niche, as a career in nursing offers so many possibilities!  

The post October Alumni Spotlight: Isadore A. De Marco ’93, MSN, LNHA appeared first on About.

What led you to the Nursing Program at Trocaire?

I have always wanted to work in healthcare since I was a little girl. When starting college, I wanted a fast track to get into the field and start my career. Trocaire was that route for me. I completed my prerequisites prior to applying, and so the 2-year registered nursing program was what was next on my checklist to complete for my career.

Describe your Trocaire experience. What does Trocaire mean to you?

Graduating from Trocaire was truly an accomplishment. If you talk to any nurse, regardless of school, it is tough. Thankfully, I did have some great faculty and staff support throughout my education who I still keep in touch with now.

What do you do now, and why do you love it?

I am a registered nurse on the at BestSelf. An ACT team provides mobile intensive treatment and support to people with psychiatric disabilities. This position is everything I have been looking for since first graduating nursing school. For some clients, we are their only support, which makes our job very rewarding.

What do you find fascinating about the mental health field specifically?

Mental health is so interesting to me and always has been.  You see so many different presentations of mental illness when working in the field, and it just fascinates me more than medical diagnoses. The brain is such a powerful organ– by studying and working in mental health you’ll never run out of new things to learn about it.

Any advice you like to share to new nurses or someone interested in Trocaire?

To anyone interested in nursing or newer nurses, give everything a shot. Explore a bit in each specialty, especially in clinicals or whenever you’re able, as you might not know how much you enjoy something. Or, you could be dead set on a specialty and end up hating it in clinicals. There are so many options for nursing careers, from work-from-home insurance options to surgical nursing to cosmetic nursing. Find your niche—this will help you thrive. Nursing is a hard career and a lot of work but it is so rewarding and enjoyable when you find the part of healthcare you enjoy.

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