, a private, Catholic college providing a pathway for students to build careers of achievement and lives of purpose, today announced the appointment of Dr. Joanna Hillman as dean for health, science, and general education. In this role, she will oversee Trocaire’s biology, general studies, management, healthcare management, and technology programs, and supervise the director of behavioral science.

“Joanna has been a vital member of our campus community and this promotion is well-deserved,” said Dr. Jennifer Blickwedehl, chief academic affairs officer, Ģ����ý. “This is a newly created position at Trocaire and Joanna’s expertise in curricular design, assessment, and online pedagogy will be invaluable as we continue to create a more holistic and integrated approach to academic life for our students.”

Dr. Hillman joined Trocaire in 2018 as a biology instructor and most recently was a professor of biology. Her campus leadership spans the faculty senate, the IDEA committee, and many interdepartmental projects. Dr. Hillman has also served as the Roswell Scholars program coordinator, faculty supervisor for Phi Theta Kappa, and is a member of the Middle States Steering Committee.

Dr. Hillman holds a doctorate in cellular and molecular biology from the University at Buffalo/Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from University at Albany. She resides in Eden.

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This decision was made with the best interest of our Ģ����ý community in mind and was not made lightly. Our status as a major educator of healthcare professionals in the Buffalo-Niagara region means it is our duty to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of our students, employees, and the community at large,” said Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D., president of Ģ����ý. “Requiring a COVID-19 vaccine, which has been proven safe and highly effective, is the best way to ensure a safe educational environment for all.

Trocaire is planning to bring back as many on-campus, seated classes as reasonable for the Fall 2021 semester. Requiring vaccinations will allow Trocaire to revise the safety precautions that have been followed throughout the pandemic, including ending requirements to wear masks and socially distance on college property, except for those who are unvaccinated; removing capacity restrictions and social gathering limits; and ending daily health screenings.

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Wellness Center

Genevieve Kruly
Title: Director of Wellness
Contact Info: Room 118, (716) 827-2412, krulyg@trocaire.edu
Last Position Held: Coordinator of Accessibility Services (Medaille College)
Years in Higher Ed: 3
Best thing about Trocaire so far: The people—everyone has been kind and helpful!
Fun Fact about Yourself: I love to run–I’ve completed four half marathons in the last year, three of which have (sadly) been solo!

Jennifer Elliott
Title: Program Coordinator, OVW grant
Contact Info: Room 129, 716-827-2543, ElliottJe@Trocaire.edu
Last Position Held: Domestic Violence Advocate, Family Justice Center
Years in Higher Ed: First Year in Higher Ed
Best thing about Trocaire so far: Everyone has been so kind and supportive, love the positive work culture.
Fun Fact About Yourself: Huge MARVEL Fan

Avery Seyler-Wetzela
Title: Graduate Assistant
Contact Info: Seyler-wetzela@trocaire.edu
Last position held: Customer Associate
Years in Higher Ed: 5 years
Best thing about Trocaire so far: Everyone is so welcoming and nice! Trocaire has a wonderful atmosphere.
Fun fact about yourself: Playing the cello is one of my favorite hobbies.

TRiO Grant/Student Support Services

Adriane Z. Williams
Title:  Director, TRiO, and SSS Program
Contact Info: Room 137, 716-827-2523, WilliamsAd@trocaire.edu
Last Position Held:  Associate Director, Academic Advisement
Years in Higher Ed: 27
Best thing about Trocaire so far: Everyone I encounter has been super nice and helpful
Fun Fact about Yourself: I enjoy playing Scrabble

Timothy Mark Jackson Jr.
Title: TRiO Grant Student Service Advisor
Contact Info: Room 140, 716-827-4339, jacksont@trocaire.edu
Last Position Held: TOP (Trocaire Opportunity Program) Counselor
Years in Higher Ed: 3 years
Best thing about Trocaire so far: If you have a question, there is always someone here willing to help you or point you in the right direction to get your question answered!
Fun Fact about yourself: I am in an alternative rock band called Mom Said No. We play all around Buffalo and have an album out on all streaming platforms called “Welcome to the Loser’s Club.”

Holly Ryan
Title: TRiO Grant Administrative Assistant
Contact Info: Room 140G, 716-827-2469, RyanH@trocaire.edu
Last Position Held: Program Service Coordinator
Years in Higher Ed: 8
Best thing about Trocaire so far: The friendliness of the staff so far in getting me acclimated to Trocaire life
Fun Fact About Yourself: I absolutely love vegetables, especially broccoli, and I am an avid adventurer for the outdoors who loves to bike, hike, zip line and just explore the new and exciting things around Buffalo!

Student Engagement

Lauren Ashley Reczek
Title: Director of Student Engagement
Contact Info: Room 143, 716-827-2487, ReczekL@trocaire.edu
Last Position Held: Interim Director of Student Engagement
Years in Higher Ed: 4.5
Best thing about Trocaire so far: working with students from Orientation to Graduation and seeing them develop on their journey!
Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy thrifting with my friends and family.

Michael Stilson
Title: Graduate Assistant for Student Engagement
Contact Info: Room 141, stilsonm@trocaire.edu
Last Position Held: Graduate Assistant at Medaille College (Career Planning)
Years in Higher Ed: 1
Best thing about Trocaire so far: I love how supportive our students are in helping each other out. I also admire the resiliency of our students, especially in these challenging times.
Fun Fact About Yourself: I have never met a dog I did not like. They are all just so sweet!

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Maria Bohorquez, MPH, BSN, RN was named director of the Practical Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing programs. Jacob Fisher ‘14, MS, RN was named director of the AAS Nursing (RN) program. In these roles, the pair will oversee the day-to-day operations of their respective programs and develop strategic initiatives to help students achieve end-of-program outcomes such as graduation rates, licensure pass rates and job placement rates.

Maria Bohorquez

Bohorquez has more than 15 years in the healthcare field, including eight in the Canadian Armed Forces as a platoon commander, medical liaison nurse and nursing training officer. She has also been the director of care at two long-term care facilities in London, Ontario and the director of clinical health services for the Halton Region Health Department, where she oversaw public health initiatives. Most recently, she held a public health consulting role for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bohorquez, who is Spanish/English bilingual, also has five years of experience instructing an RN-NCLEX prep course. She has a Masters of Public Health from Western University.

Jacob Fisher

Fisher has been a presence at Trocaire for years, first as an AAS student himself, graduating in 2014, then as a mentor, tutor, lab instructor and full-time assistant professor. He also worked for several years as a hospital aide and then registered nurse within the Wyoming County Community Health System.

Fisher obtained his Masters of Science of Nursing Education from Daemen College in 2017 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in the same field.

“We are delighted that our new Nursing program director positions have brought us great talent from both within and beyond Trocaire,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Allyson M. Lowe. “Jacob brings deep institutional knowledge as a faculty member and Trocaire pride as an alumnus of the program, while Maria offers both Trocaire and the greater Western New York nursing community her experience with military service, nursing leadership and expertise in public health. Both directors will benefit our students as models of lifelong learning in the profession.”

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Recent Media Coverage

: 1/7/20, WKBW Channel 7

: 1/21/20, WIVB Channel 4

: 2/4/20, WGRZ Channel 2

Basics

Background: I am from Great Valley, just outside of Ellicottville.  I currently live in Williamsville with my wife, Jodi.

Family: In addition to my wife, I have a daughter, Kendyl, who’s in college at Buffalo State. My parents live in Great Valley and I have one sister, who is married and lives in Boston, MA.

Hobbies:  I have a few but have put several them on hold as I am working to build several businesses.  One of my favorite hobbies is to travel with my wife.  While I haven’t had the time recently, I love to ski.  I was a ski instructor for 15 years at Holiday Valley and have also coached racing (skiing) at Holimont. I love to read and spend time with family and friends.

Interesting Fact: It took experiencing a massive heart attack (which the cardiologists determined was due to stress) to cause me to wake up, leave my nearly decade-long career in education and realize my true passion for all things craft beer.

Beer and Brewing

Favorite Beer:  This is a tough one, but I’d have to say Belgians are my favorite style, so probably a Belgian Triple – there are too many favorites to name just one brand!

Entry to the Brewing Industry: My craft beer journey started by helping my father launch the Ellicottville Brewing Club in 1990. I then went on to assist in the opening and/or operating of Ellicottville Brewing Company, Southern Tier Brewing Company and Big Ditch Brewing Company. I’ve been immersed in brewing, sales, marketing, policy creation, training, staffing and ambassadorship.  I now own and operate Beer By Coleman, a craft beer consulting and concierge business. I also am the events co-chair of the Buffalo Niagara Brewers Association. Becoming the director of Trocaire’s Brewing program is another exciting opportunity, one I am grateful to take on.

Favorite Thing about Being a Brewing Educator/Advocate:  Everything I do in the craft beer/beverage world that pertains to helping create and grow the most ultimate craft scene we can here in WNY.

Role Breakdown:  I’m working to create a program that is a little broader, that will serve both those in the craft beer/beverage industry and those who are beer aficionados/enthusiasts. We want the program to attract a wide range of people and not just those who want to learn how to become a brewer. We want to help educate people’s palates and understanding of the liquids that are produced. We also want to work with the brewing companies, mead and cider makers and distillers to create workshops and classes that will directly address the real-world challenges they face in their business.

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Dr. Blickwedehl begin her role effective Jan. 6, 2020. She also will serve as director for the college’s General Studies program as part of her associate dean position, and in that capacity “sustain a high-quality academic culture that emphasizes collegiality, engagement, commitment to Mercy mission and professional development to facilitate excellence of curriculum and instruction and student success,” according to a communication announcing the position.

Additionally, the position will provide leadership for program review and innovation, new curriculum and program development, collaboration with other program areas, and fostering an inclusive learning community for the General Studies program, as well as the recruitment, supervision, evaluation and professional growth of Arts and Sciences faculty.

Dr. Blickwedehl holds a doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has performed biomedical research at . Her new appointment follows nine years of service as a faculty member at Trocaire. She has also served as Faculty Senate president for six consecutive years and co-chaired the most recent Middle States self-study re-accreditation process for the college.

Dr. Blickwedehl lives in West Seneca with her husband John and their two children, where she is an advisory board member for the West Seneca Central Schools Academy of Life Sciences and the West Seneca Youth Theater.

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A US veteran of the Vietnam War recently called out the exemplary care he received during a surgical procedure in April 2019 at the Buffalo VA Medical Center in a letter to both the current US Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the director of the .

As part of his praise of his entire care team, from his doctors to the rehabilitation staff, the veteran called out two members of the Trocaire community: clinical instructor Edith Holt, RN, MSH; and Jillian Agro ’19, who at the time was a Trocaire student nurse. She is now an RN at Buffalo General Hospital, on a neurology unit.

“Everyone I came in contact with on the hospital floor was professional and caring in a manner to be lauded,” he wrote. “These individuals deserve thanks.”

Thanks to this veteran’s letter, both Edith and Jillian received the VA Western New York Healthcare System’s “Own the Moment” recognition. The honor recognizes employees who “support a high-performing organization focused on exceptional customer service, rebuilding trust and fulfilling our commitment to our nation’s veterans.”

Congratulations to Edith and Jillian on this honor, and thanks to all veterans, past and present, for your service. We’re proud that members of our Trocaire community are on the front lines of your healthcare teams, providing the care you deserve!

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The summit was organized by Silo City IT of Buffalo, Acme Business of Olean, and Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce in honor of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Joining Neville on the event’s Cyber Attack Prevention Panel was Jay Wiley, deputy chief information security officer for M&T Bank; and Scott Morris, chief information security officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY.  The discussion covered:

• Resource commitment to cyber attack prevention
• How organizations can ensure they are prepared for a cyber attack
• How organizations can take steps to protect customer information
• How to protect against ransomware attacks
• How should an organization prioritize its prevention efforts?
• The effect of governmental regulations
• What should be an organization’s primary focus in defensive preparation?

Prior to the panel, attorney Daniel Greene of Beckage Law Firm gave a keynote address on the legal aspects of a cybersecurity incident investigation. He was followed by Special Agent Tiffany Loar, cyber security forensics specialist for the United States Secret Service, who presented on the various aspects of cybersecurity incident response, including establishing a chain of evidence and the role of first responders.

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Dave Ferris, Coordinator of

Christie Baynes, Student Service Advisor in the

Archangela Kervin, Student Service Advisor in the

Verjuan Gordon, Director of the & Trocaire Opportunity Program

Lisa Kraska, Coordinator

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