Trocaire College, the only independent private, two-year college in the City of Buffalo, was founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy as Sancta Maria College, offering higher educational opportunities to women of the Order. The College gained distinction early on in the field of Nursing and Health Science education.

Trocaire College, however, has since evolved into a uniquely comprehensive, coeducational institution. While still sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Trocaire College granted admission to lay female students in 1965 and male students in 1972. In 1967, In an effort to honor the heritage of the founding Sisters, the College's name was officially changed to Trocaire, the Gaelic word for "mercy."

The College's mission to create a community of learning in which students are empowered to discover themselves and gain access to professions in Business, Education, Health Science, and the Liberal Arts, is firmly rooted in our desire to improve the quality of life of those students we serve.

Our first-ever capital campaign with the Sisters of Mercy, Support Hope, successfully generated the funds needed to undertake and complete a major renovation project that consolidated all operations in one main building.

Many firsts have occurred at the college in Trocaire's 46 years, including:

• The initiation of the first private college Associate Degree Nursing program in Western New York
• The first Associate Degree program in Early Childhood Education in Erie County
• The first and only remaining Associate Degree Radiologic Technology (Diagnostic) program in Erie County
• The first Evening Nursing program in Western New York

More recently, the College has expanded and strengthened program offerings to include:

• Hospitality Management
• Computer Network Support Technology
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Echocardiography
• Transfer programs in Liberal Arts and Business

Trocaire...the way ahead.

Trocaire College continues to strive toward excellence and diversity in its offerings. The College was awarded approval from the State Education Department to offer Computer Network Support Technology in the Fall 1999 semester. Additionally, under President Hurley's direction, Trocaire established a Center for Workforce Development, specializing in customized job training, as the college endeavors to meet the needs of employers throughout Western New York.

Building on the continued success of the health care programs, President Hurley's vision for the future includes strengthening articulation agreements with four-year colleges, placing emphasis on programs in Business and the Liberal Arts, as well as looking to corporate training as a major emphasis.

Trocaire College at a Glance

• The only independent private, two-year college in the City of Buffalo, NY
• Founded in 1958 by the Sisters of Mercy as Sancta Maria College; today one of 18 Mercy colleges and universities throughout the United States
• Accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• Chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York
• Enrollment is approximately 1000 full- and part-time students and reflects the diversity of the Western New York community
• Student to faculty ratio of 16/1
• A strong tradition in healthcare with 80% of students in related programs - the highest percentage of total enrollment in healthcare studies among area colleges
• A choice of associate degree programs and certificate programs in a variety of fields
• 94% of the class of 2004 found work or study in their field upon graduation and 98% are employed in the Buffalo/WNY area
• An easily accessible campus location in a residential area of South Buffalo, adjacent to Mercy Hospital and the beautiful, natural surroundings of Cazenovia Park