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 Trocaire, including honoring three deserving individuals and organizations.  

This year’s award recipients include: 

• Ģ����ý President’s Award – Goodwill of WNY This award is presented to a person, group, organization, or corporation whose partnership with Trocaire advances the college’s mission, vision, and Mercy values, and supports current and Trocaire 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 Trocaire’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 Trocaire board of trustee and alumni board member. Her professional accomplishments and steadfast commitment to Trocaire 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 Ģ����ý. Osman is expected to graduate this year with a degree in radiologic technology. Throughout his time at Trocaire, 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 Trocaire students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit trocaire.edu/alumni-and-friends/events/.  

### 

About Ģ����ý 
Founded in 1958 in Buffalo, NY by the Sisters of Mercy, Ģ����ý 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. Trocaire offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates and workforce development programs in healthcare, veterinary sciences, business, and technology. Trocaire 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 Trocaire on,  and . 

The post Ģ����ý Spring Soirée set for April 23  appeared first on About.

“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.

“Through this program, students will be introduced to core concepts, tools, and techniques essential for understanding and applying AI in professional, academic and personal settings,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý. “Offering this certification is an example of how Trocaire, as an opportunity college, is helping to address the needs and offer solutions for upskilling today’s current workforce.”

Trocaire has hired Anthony DeSimone, CPA, CMA, and AI integration expert, to create and teach this certification course. For more than 25 years, DeSimone has delivered AI-focused and leadership education, including leading AI accelerator programs and workshops and specializing in making existing standard operating procedures more efficient through AI integration. He serves as president of You’re the Expert Now, LLC and owner of ChatGPhD.com.

“AI is more than just a buzzword, it can give both individuals and organizations a measurable advantage when it comes to improved efficiency and productivity,” said DeSimone. “This program is designed to train professionals across industries in safe, ethical, and effective use of Generative AI, and empower them to integrate AI effectively and strategically within their own organization.”

The six-week program, which includes weekly two-hour in-person or online classes, focuses on topics ranging from AI fundamentals to prompt engineering, workflow automation, and ethical integration into organizations. Students will gain hands-on experience using ChatGPT, building task-specific prompts, creating custom GPTs, and exploring AI’s most advanced features. Students will build a practice AI toolkit, culminating in a capstone project and live feedback session. Graduates of the program will receive a Beginner’s Certificate upon completion. No technical background is required.

The first cohort is slated to launch Dec. 1. For more details and to apply, visit trocaire.edu/academics/workforce-development/chatgpt-101/.

The post Ģ����ý Launches Professional Certification in Generative AI Foundations 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.

announced today that Nora OBrien-Suric, Ph.D., president of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, is the distinguished speaker for Trocaire’s 73^rd commencement ceremony to be held on May 13 at 7 p.m. in University at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts.

“In inviting Dr. OBrien-Suric to speak at graduation, we are recognizing her achievements and are excited to hear her perspective on the challenges and rewards in serving as a healthcare advocate,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Since most of our students will soon be starting careers in healthcare, we look forward to her insights into the field. We know she will inspire our graduates to find their voice as they seek to live out their dreams.”

With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, Dr. OBrien-Suric was named the second president of the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York in 2017, a private foundation serving 16 counties in New York State. Guided by the principles of trust-based philanthropy, the Health Foundation builds strong community partnerships and engages in advocacy to advance health equity, with a focus on older adults, young children, and community capacity-building. Before joining the Health Foundation, Dr. OBrien-Suric had more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy with The John A. Hartford Foundation and The Brookdale Foundation.

Earlier in her career, Dr. OBrien-Suric collaborated with community-based organizations focused on providing services to older adults, including the New York City Department for the Aging and the Institute on Law and Rights for Older Adults. She established the position of Director of National and Internal Partnerships at the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance; and served as the vice chair of the United Nations NGO Committee on Ageing, which provided consultation to the development of the United Nations International Plan on Action on Aging in 2002. In 2021, Dr. OBrien-Suric launched a statewide campaign to advocate for a Master Plan for Aging in New York State. In 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul initiated the plan and named Dr. OBrien-Suric to the state’s Master Plan for Aging Stakeholder Committee.

Dr. OBrien-Suric holds a doctoral degree in social welfare from Hunter College School of Social Work, a master’s degree in gerontology from the California State University at Dominguez Hills, and a certificate in geriatric mental health counseling from the University of Southern California Davis School.

The post Dr. Nora OBrien-Suric Named Ģ����ý Commencement Speaker 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.