On Sunday, August 14, 2022, 17 students made history at Maria College as the first graduate students to receive a master’s degree from the nearly 65-year old institution. The 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony was the first of its kind for Maria College, celebrating the students’ successful completion of the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program.

In June, for Immigration Awareness Month, the Maria College community donated personal care items for Albany-based organization Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE) that supports newcomers build sustainable lives in the United States. Together with Keybank, we provided items for more than 60 people.

On June 15, the Maria College community gathered to officially welcome Lynn Ortale, PhD to campus as its 6^th President. She will begin her role on July 1, 2022. Dr. Ortale and her family were welcomed by Maria College faculty, staff, students, Board trustees, and special guests Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy, Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, and City of Albany Treasurer Darius Shahinfar.

Maria College Health and Occupational Sciences student, Jodie O’Connell-Ponkos, was recently featured on News 10 for her work with equine therapy after discovering the healing power of horses when she experienced a traumatic injury resulting in the loss of her arm. 

A leading provider of nursing education, Maria College is meeting the community’s need for qualified nurses by adding an option for students to enroll in its highly regarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion program in a fully online format. Enrollment is now open for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters in the 12-month, full-time, online BSN Completion program.