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/.  

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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 . 

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“Trocaire is committed to increasing our student recruitment efforts to address the workforce needs and challenges facing our community,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý. “Bill’s experience will be a valuable asset as we can draw on his extensive strategic and tactical enrollment knowledge to develop Trocaire’s long-term plans and enrollment goals.”

Sliwa brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, enrollment management and marketing to his new role with Trocaire. He most recently served as a consultant with the National Association of College and University Business Officers working with multiple colleges on revenue development and budget building. Sliwa is also the owner of Enrollment & Revenue Solutions, where he has served in interim enrollment and admissions roles with Texas Southern University, Canisius University, Ferrum College, and Alfred University in recent years. Prior to that, he served in various enrollment positions at higher education institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Sliwa is a member of National Association for College Admission Counseling, New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Buffalo State University.

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The CPT Program offers financial and educational support for eligible participants, covering tuition, books, and most academic supplies and fees. Wraparound support, including educational case management, tutoring, and job placement assistance is also available. 

“Healthcare careers remain in demand here and across the state, and the CPT Program provides an added incentive for students who want to pursue or advance their careers in this in-demand industry,” said Jason��Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý. “As an opportunity college, Trocaire continues to explore ways to collaborate with others in the community to ensure we are addressing local workforce needs by providing qualified, skilled candidates upon graduation.”������

Funded by the New York State Department of Health and administered regionally by the FLPPS Workforce Investment Organization, the CPT Program has supported nearly 1,800 students across Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and a portion of the Southern Tier. Together, Ģ����ý and FLPPS aim to prepare skilled professionals who can meet the growing demand for health, behavioral health, and social care roles. 

For the upcoming spring 2026 semester, Ģ����ýs offers the following CPT Program-eligible programs: certificate programs in licensed practical nursing and medical assisting.   

“The CPT Program is about more than an education—it’s about creating opportunities for students, supporting employers, and strengthening our communities,” said Carol��Tegas, CEO of FLPPS. “By continuing our partnership with institutions like��Ģ����ý, we’re helping students gain the skills and support they need while building a stronger, more sustainable workforce that reflects and meets the evolving needs of New Yorkers.”��

The CPT Program is open to individuals new to the field as well as those who are currently working in health, behavioral health, or social care who are seeking career advancement. Participants must complete their education or training program by spring 2027 and commit to three years of full-time service at a qualifying NYS Medicaid-enrolled provider serving at least 30 percent Medicaid and/or uninsured individuals. The service commitment must be fulfilled by 2031; a regularly updated list of qualified employers in the FLPPS region is available on the CPT Program website.  

Individuals must apply for the CPT Program through the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) that serves the county in which they have permanent residency. Learn more about the CPT Program at .  

For more details on the program including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit /admissions-and-aid/tuition-financial-aid/career-pathways-training-program/.  

Deadline to apply for the CPT Program for the spring 2026 semester at Trocaire is Dec. 1, 2025. 

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“Qualified veterinary technicians are needed now and the demand for these positions is only projected to increase into the future,” said Dr. Katherine Fitzgerald, dean of veterinary sciences, Ģ����ý. “We designed our program and new state-of-the-art teaching facility space to offer an optimal learning environment with plenty of hands-on opportunities for students to work with animals of all sizes and species, so our vet tech graduates are fully prepared to work in a variety of animal facilities.”

Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians, working with veterinary staff and providing treatment to animals, which can include performing tasks such as surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, medical equipment sterilization, radiographic procedures, diagnostic testing, medication administration, client communication and more. As the student progresses through the curriculum, their learning will be a balance of classroom, clinical experiences, and hands-on labs. Trocaire’s veterinary technician associate degree program, which is available both in-person and online, launched last year. Visit the veterinary sciences program offerings for more information.

In addition, Trocaire offers specialized training and hands-on experience in cybersecurity, data analytics, and healthcare informatics to meet the local workforce’s need for talented and specially trained tech workers. Visit the technology professions programs for more information.

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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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Limited opportunity for first-time nursing students to lock in the current tuition rate

Today Ģ����ý announced it is offering a tuition freeze for students starting their associate degree in registered nursing this fall.

Students who commit to the RN program starting fall 2025 as a first-time freshman (either part-time or full-time) will have their tuition rate frozen* while they remain enrolled at Trocaire and complete both their associate and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Upon earning an RN degree, students will automatically be accepted into the bachelor’s degree program and receive the locked-in tuition rate they have been previously paying. This is a limited-time opportunity, with applications due by July 15, 2025, for the fall 2025 semester. 

“As the high demand for qualified nurses continues to rise, this ensures tuition stability for students who are dedicated to receiving a four-year nursing degree,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “Further, this program offers students the flexibility to work as an RN while they continue their education to complete their bachelor’s degree.” 

For more details on the tuition freeze opportunity and Trocaire’s nursing application, visit Trocaire.edu/TuitionFreeze.

*This freeze applies to tuition only and does not��apply to any College or miscellaneous fees (late fees, clinical fees, lab fees, etc.).

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Collegis empowers data-driven admissions and streamlines prospective student support

announced today a multi-year partnership with to advance its enrollment strategy and elevate the student experience. Through this collaboration, Trocaire will leverage Collegis’ and its platform to guide prospective students from inquiry to enrollment.

The partnership comes as Trocaire begins implementing its new three-year strategic plan, with a sharpened focus on increasing enrollment and creating a seamless, student-centered admissions process. 

“Ģ����ý is looking forward to working with Collegis to help grow our enrollment in alignment with our mission. ��Collegis has a proven track record of achieving results in higher education including revenue-growth, enrollment expertise and optimization of student experiences while having an ‘edu-preneurial’ mindset,” stated Jason Konesco, executive vice president at Trocaire. “We chose Collegis for their ability to be a true partner working collaboratively with our team to create a tailored solution that will best reflect the needs of our institution.”

Collegis will serve as an extension of the Trocaire admissions team, providing personalized support and helping prospective students navigate their journey from initial inquiry to first contact to the first day of class. With just over 1,000 students across its South Buffalo location and Transit Achievement Center in Lancaster, Trocaire empowers students to achieve personal enrichment, dignity, and self-worth through education in various career-focused degree programs including healthcare, business, technology, veterinary sciences and the liberal arts. 

Earlier this year, Trocaire first connected with Collegis at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) Annual Meeting. Additional follow-up meetings, including a site visit from the Collegis team, solidified a shared vision for a collaborative, student-first approach.

At the core of this partnership is , Collegis’ integrated technology and analytics platform that empowers institutions to make data-informed decisions while extending operational capacity. Recently named a “cool tool” by EdTech Digest, with Connected Core, Ģ����ý will gain actionable insights into prospective student behavior, streamlined admissions workflows, and access to enrollment specialists trained to deliver high-quality student engagement.

“This partnership reflects what we do best: supporting institutions like Trocaire to help them grow in ways that honor their mission,” said Pat Green, vice president of enrollment solutions at Collegis Education. “We’re proud to bring data, tech, and talent to Trocaire’s team and we are passionate about supporting the next generation of students preparing for careers of purpose and lives of service.”

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has partnered with Finger Lakes Performing Provider System (FLPPS) on the Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program, a state-funded program designed to address workforce shortages in health, behavioral health, and social care sectors across New York State, and aims to build a diverse and skilled workforce capable of serving New York’s most vulnerable populations.

Through this program, tuition and education-related expenses, including textbooks, most supplies, and other academic fees— are covered after financial aid is applied for eligible participants to pursue education and training in one of 13 high-demand health, behavioral health, or social care roles. Support services are also available to participants to ensure academic success.

Programs offered at Trocaire include licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, registered nurse to bachelor’s degree in nursing, and medical assisting. 

“Trocaire always strives to be the opportunity college that provides all available resources for student success and by partnering with New York State we can help to remove the financial barriers that some students face when seeking to enter careers in healthcare,” said Dr. Bassam Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “The CPT Program complements Trocaire’s mission to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow to meet the needs of the community. Since introducing the CPT Program in the spring 2025 semester, we have had 20 students who have either started or advanced their healthcare studies and we look forward to extending this opportunity to additional eligible students this fall.”

The CPT Program is open to new academic students and offers pathways for both individuals entering the health, behavioral health, and social care workforce for the first time, and current workers seeking career advancement.

As part of the program, participants are required to complete their education and training by Spring 2027 and then commit to three years of full-time employment with a New York State Medicaid-enrolled provider that serves at least 30 percent of Medicaid members and/or uninsured individuals. This service commitment must be completed by 2031.

“We’re proud to support individuals who are eager to enter or advance in the health workforce but may face financial or social barriers to do so,” said Carol Tegas, CEO of FLPPS. “The CPT Program is about more than education—it’s about equity, opportunity, and meeting the real needs of our communities. Our partnership with Ģ����ý helps ensure that talented, committed individuals can access meaningful careers, while we build a stronger, more resilient health workforce for the long term.”

The CPT Program also offers robust support services to help participants thrive—ranging from program readiness and educational case management to ongoing academic support, career coaching, and job placement assistance. These services help participants successfully transition from education to employment and provide continued support throughout their three-year service commitment.

For more details on the program including eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit . Deadline to apply for the CPT Program for the fall 2025 semester at Ģ����ý is August 11, 2025. Deadline to apply for the 2026 spring semester is December 1, 2025.

Individuals must apply for the CPT Program through the Workforce Investment Organization (WIO) that serves the county in which they have permanent residency. The FLPPS region covers Western NY, the Finger Lakes, and a portion of the Southern Tier. Learn more about the .

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