Ģ����ý announced the appointment of Michael Konopski to dean of enrollment management.

“As Trocaire focuses on enhancing our student recruitment efforts, Mike’s experience in growing enrollment will be integral to developing both near and long-term strategic enrollment plans for the college,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “He has more than 20 years working in the Western New York higher education space and understands the needs and challenges of our community when it comes to meeting enrollment goals.”

Konopski brings nearly 40 years in higher education enrollment management to his new role with Trocaire, having held enrollment leadership positions at Niagara University, D’Youville University, Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, Shepherd University in West Virginia, and Georgetown College in Kentucky. Konopski most recently served as vice president of enrollment management at Transylvania University in Kentucky.

Konopski has served as past president of both the Kentucky Association of Secondary and College Admission Counselors and the National Catholic College Admission Association. He earned a master’s degree in student personnel administration from SUNY Buffalo State University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Geneseo.

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Today, Ģ����ý announced the promotion of Jennifer Blickwedehl, Ph.D. to chief academic affairs officer. She takes on the role from Richard Linn, Ph.D., who recently retired.
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“Congratulations to Jenn on this well-deserved promotion,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “As the Trocaire team strives to create a more holistic and integrated approach to academic life, Jenn’s experience will be instrumental in encouraging partnerships between programs and support offerings to set our students on the right path for both academic and career success.”
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As chief academic affairs officer, Dr. Blickwedehl leads all academic matters at the college, shaping the institution’s academic vision while fostering collaboration and a more unified approach for student success. The academic affairs area integrates academic programs, student learning support services, and registrar functions. Dr. Blickwedehl joined Trocaire in 2010 as an adjunct instructor, progressing to professor and associate dean of curriculum and instruction and program director of general studies. She most recently served as Trocaire’s associate vice president of academic affairs, and program director of general studies, biology, management, and healthcare management. Dr. Blickwedehl earned her Ph.D. in immunology and microbiology from University at Buffalo and her bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Westminster College. A resident of West Seneca, Dr. Blickwedehl serves on the advisory board for West Seneca Central Schools Academy of Life Science.��

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Today Ģ����ý announced it has named Melissa Masters Brinson to the newly created role of chief external affairs officer.

In this position, Brinson will oversee the college’s external affairs team, including marketing communications, institutional advancement, grants, and workforce development, to strengthen partnerships and advance college initiatives that drive community and workforce engagement.

“Melissa’s diverse mix of extensive private and public sector experience combined with her knowledge of the community will help us explore new opportunities and strengthen relationships while remaining committed to Trocaire’s focus on providing the right academic pathways to address the evolving needs of our local workforce,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý.

Brinson brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in business strategy and communications, including fostering relationships that support organizational growth. She most recently was vice president, business development leader at CannonDesign, and previously held positions with Millington Lockwood and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Earlier in her career, she served as chief of staff to the Erie County Comptroller and as town clerk with the Town of Tonawanda.

Added Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý, “In addition, Melissa also brings significant education-related knowledge to her new role, having served more than 14 years as a governor-appointed member of the Buffalo State University’s board of trustees and as president of the Kenmore Tonawanda Union Free School District for six years.” 

Brinson currently serves as president of NAIOP, Upstate New York Chapter, as vice president on the Buffalo Niagara River Land Trust board of trustees, and chair of the Western New York Heritage Press board of directors. In addition, she serves on the board of the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club and on the Amherst Chamber of Commerce economic development and public policy council. Brinson earned her M.B.A and bachelor’s degree from University at Buffalo. She resides in Buffalo.

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Ģ����ý was ranked in the top one-quarter of 4,500 colleges and universities for return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and Workforce.

Trocaire also has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications, which recognizes institutions that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success. Trocaire was recognized with the Higher Access, Higher Earnings classification. Further, Trocaire received an institutional classification for nursing, showing that the college offers the most degrees related to this academic program.

“As part of our mission of being an opportunity college, we have long served a demographic of students who in many instances work part-time and are raising their own families,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “These rankings solidify the work we do every day to provide the resources and supportive environment our students need to help them reach their academic goals and pursue a career pathway that allows them to make a difference in their own lives, while contributing to the workforce needs of our community.”

The Georgetown University studies 4,500 colleges and universities by return on investment. According to the study, A First Try at ROI: Ranking 4,500 Colleges finds that bachelor’s degrees from private colleges, on average, have higher ROI than degrees from public colleges 40 years after enrollment. Community colleges and many certificate programs have the highest returns in the short term, 10 years after enrollment, though returns from bachelor’s degrees eventually overtake those of most two-year credentials.

Researchers used data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scoreboard database, including earnings for students several years after enrolling, average net price at each institution and the type of degree a collage most commonly awarded.

The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area.

In 2025, 479 institutions have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

Institutions were assessed on two measures: one for access, which is based on the percentage of students who receive Pell Grants and the percentage of undergraduate students who are from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds, and one that is based on undergraduate students’ post-attendance earnings eight years after entering the institution.

The methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities. More information about the 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, including the methodology, can be found . 

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.

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New role fulfills the College’s commitment to financial education and mission

Today Ģ����ý announced the appointment of Jerry Inglet to program director for workforce development, financial health and education. In this new role, Inglet will oversee financial health and education initiatives within the college’s workforce development arm, effective March 31.

“Trocaire is excited to announce Jerry’s appointment to our workforce development team. In this new position, he will not only provide financial education to Trocaire’s students but will also establish partnerships with local marriage and family therapists, registered investment advisors, financial planners, broker-dealers, wealth managers, community banks, accountants and divorce attorneys,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Through these collaborations, Jerry will help develop and offer financial therapy, financial education for college planning, and family governance for business owners.”

With more than 25 years of experience in finance and more than 10 years in higher education, Inglet most recently served as a senior family legacy advisor for Wilmington Trust, where he provided financial education, financial therapy, family governance support, and guidance on the financial aspects of the college planning process for families. He is a Certified Financial Therapist and Accredited Financial Counselor.

“I hope to help as many people in WNY as possible to think more critically, feel more confident, and behave more intentionally with money,” said Inglet. “Trocaire has a strong commitment to training students for careers in healthcare, and financial health aligns closely with the college’s current goals and offerings in the healthcare space.”

Inglet earned a doctorate in educational leadership from D’Youville University, two master’s degrees from University at Buffalo in school counseling and urban policy, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Xavier University.

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Fundraiser honors community leaders and funds student tuition

Ģ����ý’s announced today that it will host the Spring Soirée on April 24 at 6 p.m. at The Buffalo Club. This annual fundraiser, which includes a cocktail reception, live entertainment and an auction, celebrates all who empower the spirit of Trocaire, including honoring three deserving individuals and organizations. The public is invited to attend. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .

This year’s award recipients include:

Ģ����ý President’s Award

Gerard Place: This award is presented to a person, group, organization, or corporation whose partnership with Trocaire furthers the college’s mission, vision, and Mercy values, and supports Trocaire students and alumni. Celebrating 25 years of service, Gerard Place continues to change the lives of people living in poor and underserved parts of the City of Buffalo with programs ranging from housing to education and workforce training. Trocaire partners with Gerard Place to offer certification programs that are essential to helping people break out of poverty and procure careers in healthcare. 

Distinguished Alumni Award

Bonnie Kane Lockwood ‘75: This award recognizes a graduate who serves as a positive role model to fellow alumni and current students. Lockwood is celebrating her golden anniversary of receiving her associate’s degree in radiologic technology from Trocaire, from which she was the first New York State licensed x-ray technologist in Buffalo General Hospital’s angiology department. Lockwood pursued a career in public service, holding multiple Legislative and City of Buffalo roles including as director of special projects for Congressman Brian Higgins and now serves as the director of Governor Hochul’s Western New York office.

Outstanding Student Award

Emma Westerling ‘23 ‘24 ‘25: Currently employed with General Physician Women’s Health, Westerling is expected to graduate this year with a degree in healthcare management. She is also a 2023 graduate of Trocaire’s radiologic technology program and a 2024 graduate of the college’s diagnostic medical sonography program. Throughout her time at Trocaire, Westerling has been an engaged student who has repeatedly made Dean’s list. She participates in honor societies and department initiatives while pursuing her multiple degree paths.

Proceeds from the Spring Soirée support tuition assistance for Trocaire students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit .

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Ģ����ý has named Michael L. Draves, CPA to its board of trustees for a three-year term.

“The college is excited to have Mike join our board of trustees. He brings a wealth of experience in both the corporate and academic arenas,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “We look forward to his contributions to our strategic planning over the next three years.”

Draves is executive in residence, accounting at University at Buffalo (UB) School of Management. In this role, he teaches classes on financial auditing and uses his more than 25 years of experience to assist accounting students with career counseling, advise School of Management faculty and staff about practice matters, and develop new and existing relationships in the business community for the benefit of students and faculty. In addition, Draves serves on the UB School of Management’s Accounting Advisory Council.

Prior to his retirement from KPMG in 2021, Draves served as partner and Upstate New York audit practice leader, providing professional audit services to multinational, mid-market and emerging companies. A resident of Buffalo, he also serves as board member and treasurer for Junior Achievement of Central Upstate New York.

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New position serves as college’s second ranking officer

Konesco will work closely with Dr. Deeb in pursuing and addressing key strategic efforts to ensure long term sustainability for the college. In his role, Konesco will administer the functions of workforce development, grants, business development for credit and non-credit offerings in collaboration with academic leadership and enrollment and enhance external community partnerships. In addition, Konesco will work in collaboration with members of the President’s Council to provide primary administrative leadership, direction, and evaluation for all activities of the college in addition to acting for the president in his absence as the college’s second ranking officer.
 
“As an education enthusiast, I am excited to take on this new challenge and new role at Ģ����ý during this critical point in higher education,” said Jason Konesco. “I plan to be proactive, while remaining adaptable and flexible in making critical decisions that align with the strategic plan of this fine institution. Additionally, I am thrilled to be moving back to my hometown from Indianapolis to be among family and friends while I pursue my personal and professional goals.”
 
With more than 25 years of experience in education, Konesco most recently served as president, investor and board member of Perceivant, Inc., an interactive and educational software company that changes the way college students learn and instructors teach. He is also the former CEO and co-founder of ClearScholar, Inc. which was acquired by Civitas Learning in 2018. Prior to these leadership roles in educational technology companies, Konesco spent nearly 17 years in higher education as an administrator at Harrison College, including serving as president and CEO of this Indiana-based institution.
 
Konesco earned an MBA in finance from Butler University and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Notre Dame. He currently sits on two university boards – the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe.

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is hosting its first Giving Day on Sept. 24 to provide scholarship support to current students. The Giving Day goal is to make a difference in the lives of students, allowing them access to a rich education rooted in strong Mercy values.

“Ģ����ý Giving Day is designed to raise awareness of the college and generate crucial funding to support our students. The philanthropic support of our alumni and friends plays a powerful role in the lives of Trocaire students. When you give back, you demonstrate that you believe in the power of transformation and you help write the next chapter of our history,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “This day is all about participation. Your support has an immediate and lasting impact by helping to ease the financial stress for our students. This giving day, we ask you to join us in creating a better future, one gift at a time.”

After all financial aid assistance is applied, Trocaire students on average can face a gap in funding of about $6,300. On Giving Day, 100% of donations made will benefit the Share Trocaire fund which provides students with tuition assistance so they can stay on track to graduate.

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was recently awarded $216,090 by New York State through the for classroom and laboratory upgrades to support its new veterinary technician program and its existing echocardiography and surgical technology programs.

“Ģ����ý is thrilled to receive this essential HECap grant from New York State at this critical time in higher education. This investment will bring crucial emerging technologies that are relevant to the medical and veterinary fields into interactive learning environments for our students,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Being able to provide students with practice on the most current machines and equipment will ensure that they’re well prepared to start work in their chosen profession on day one. Trocaire graduates will be in even greater demand with this leg up.”

Most of the grant will be utilized to fund equipment for Trocaire’s new veterinary sciences department at the college’s Transit Road site, which includes a digital radiology machine, anesthesia machines, dental sinks, surgical tables, oxygen equipment, lab tables, cages, microscopes, and secure pharmaceutical storage. Enhancements to the surgical technology and echocardiography labs on Trocaire’s main campus in South Buffalo include a laparoscopic surgery simulator and cardiovascular ultrasound machine. HECap grants assist in the financing of capital projects and equipment purchases that would enhance the programmatic offerings or the student life at the college or provide economic development benefits to the area surrounding independent institutions of higher learning in New York State. For every $1 of state funds awarded, colleges and universities provide at least $3 of matching funds.

Ģ����ý is awaiting final approval for the licensure-qualifying Veterinary Technology Program from the New York State Department of education which is anticipated in July of 2024.

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