Albany, NY – On Saturday, May 6, Maria College celebrated the installation of its sixth college president, Lynn Ortale, Ph.D. The event was held at the Parish of Mater Christi.
“Today marks an important milestone for the institution as we install Lynn Ortale, Ph.D as sixth President of Maria College,” says Dr. Mary Jo LaPosta, chair of the Maria College board of trustees. “On behalf of the trustees, I am confident that Lynn, a mission-driven student-focused leader, will move the College forward to the next level of academic innovation. Lynn has already set a strong foundation since her start on July 1, 2022, through being a servant leader, through cultivating a culture of collaboration, and through establishing key connections with partners around the Capital Region.”
“As we recognize the 65th anniversary, I am humbled to lead and serve Maria College,” says Dr. Ortale. “As an innovative leader in health care education, Maria College is proud to be doing our part to address the nursing shortage, graduating the most nurses in the Capital Region”.
Dr. Ortale brings to Maria College an extensive experience in Catholic higher education and a passion for student success. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to serving as Maria College’s president starting July 1, 2023, she served in senior leadership positions at St. Joseph’s University and Chestnut Hill College. Committed to educating the next generation of higher education leaders, Dr. Ortale is adjunct faculty at DeSales University, as well as an invited national professional speaker on leadership and student success.
“We are deeply grateful for Dr. Ortale’s vision and leadership,” says Chief Academic Officer Anne Jung. “She demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring our students receive the best education possible and a keen understanding of the need for innovation and collaboration in higher education.”
At the Installation ceremony, various dignitaries and special guests shared their support of the President.
“Maria College takes such a creative approach to nursing education, that I am certain that this virtual reality hub will enable our future leaders to meet the challenges that face our healthcare systems around the nation,” shared Paul Tonko, US Congressman. “I know that carried forth by this strong leader Dr. Ortale, this great institute is more than up to this task.”
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy addressed Dr. Ortale with words, “It’s been clear since the moment we met you this past Fall, when you were initially being sworn in, that you have a passion for this work. As Congressman Tonko and Assemblyman McDonald just mentioned, it’s not just the passion for the work, it is the compassion for all of the students and the faculty that you serve.”
Mayor Kathy Sheehan of Albany concluded the remarks by saying, “I join my colleagues in government in thanking you for taking this leadership position at an institution that is so important, not only to the city of Albany, but the entire Capital Region. For us here in the city of Albany, this is a school that provides amazing opportunity and when you talk about the care and support that you provide to students, I hear it from the students.”
The installation was followed by a reception on campus in Marian Hall Fitzgerald Court. The same evening as the installation, the Maria College community continued the celebration at an Inaugural Gala held at Wolferts Roost Country Club.
Maria College thanks lead Inauguration and 65th Anniversary sponsors Paula and Paul Colarusso, Adnet Technologies, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Tilt36T, and Andy Kaufman and Karen Ranallo.
###
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 bachelor degree, associate degree, a master’s degree, and certificate programs including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, and health and occupational sciences. mariacollege.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Meagan Masti
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Design
Maria College
518-861-2577
mmasti@mariacollege.edu