BUFFALO, NY, June 20, 2006 – Dr. Paul B. Hurley, Jr., president of Trocaire College, announced today that the college has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo in support of the College’s Inspire Hope capital campaign. The project’s goal will be to address the issue of the extreme shortage of registered nurses in the Western New York area. It will serve economically disadvantaged persons who are educationally under prepared and come from minority populations.

President Hurley thanked the Community Foundation noting, “This project is an investment in preparing Trocaire students to perform as a well-prepared workforce, ultimately providing a direct benefit to each and every person who makes Western New York their home. We are very grateful for the foundations’s generous support of our college.” The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community.

Approximately 75 to 100 registered nursing students from minority populations will be served by this grant and the project will focus on raising the overall completion rate of these students. Components of the project include pre-nursing academy sessions, nursing academy supplemental learning sessions, and professional development sessions related to diversity. Practicing registered nurses from minority populations will act as mentors to help students acculturate into the profession. Project funds have been awarded for one year beginning this August 2006.

Trocaire College has been educating quality, highly-trained health care professionals for over 45 years. The college currently serves approximately 1,000 students at its South Buffalo location.