ALBANY, NY, March 2, 2018 – Benita Zahn, DPS, award winning journalist and NewsChannel 13 co-anchor, will deliver the keynote address at Maria College’s commencement for the Class of 2018 on May 20 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.
Benita earned her Doctorate in Professional Studies/Bioethics in 2014 from Albany Medical College/Alden March Bioethics Institute where she also earned a Masters in Bioethics. In addition to her news co-anchor duties, she also reports on issues including wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition and the latest health care trends. In 2007, Maria College bestowed upon her the Catherine McAuley Award for Distinguished Service.
Her work has garnered numerous awards, including the 2015 Resourceful Woman Award (Troy YWCA), 2014 Arthur Kapner Spirit of the Chamber Award (Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber), named one of the 100 Women of the Century (Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber), seven-time Emmy nominee, NYS Broadcasters award recipient, Gold Medal and Bronze Medal – New York Festival’s International Television, Distinguished Communicator Award/ American Women in Radio and Television, Women Against MS honoree, the NYS Health Education Week Award, media awards from the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association, 2014.
Maria College president Dr. Thomas Gamble stated, “The Board of Trustees and I, on behalf of the entire Maria Community, are honored that Dr. Benita Zahn has accepted our invitation to speak at the 2018 Commencement and on the commemorative 60th anniversary of the College. Her leadership in covering health related issues and her “can do” attitude will be a role model for our graduates, many of whom will be entering the healthcare field and transforming their learned skills into service. Benita’s dedication to our community is truly inspirational and a true embodiment of the Mercy mission.”
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About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The private, co-educational, Catholic college in Albany serves approximately 800 students in a variety of degree and certificate programs including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, and health and occupational sciences. With an unwavering commitment to the humanities, the College instills in its graduates a respect for the dignity of each person and the ability to transform learned skills into caring service.
More information on Maria College is available at: www.mariacollege.edu
For Immediate Release
communication@mariacollege.edu