Trocaire alumna and Buffalo School Board member, Catherine Fisher Collins ’71, told the Class of 2005 that learning does not stop when you receive your degree.  Dr. Fisher Collins was the keynote speaker at the college’s 45th annual Commencement exercises held at Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo.  Dr. Fisher Collins set forth to the graduating class, “To receive a degree from Trocaire College is an honor.  Its alumni have achieved some of the highest positions in the professions and in business.  That is a record you will be proud of long after you leave this auditorium.”

Dr. Catherine Fisher Collins earned a Doctoral degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo where she also received a Masters degree in Allied Health Education, Evaluation and Curriculum Development.  Dr. Collins completed her undergraduate studies at Buffalo State College where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Technical Education.  She graduated from Trocaire College in 1971 in the Registered Nursing Program.  Dr. Collins is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and graduate from the University at Buffalo’s School of Nursing, and holds three certifications in health education.

Dr. Fisher Collins has held positions in health care and education and is currently an associate professor at SUNY Empire State College and adjunct at SUNY at Buffalo Women’s Studies Department. As an active member of the Buffalo School Board she advocates for children in public education.

Trocaire President Dr. Paul B. Hurley, Jr., presented the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award to Sister Nancy Hoff ’65, President of the Sisters of Mercy in Buffalo.  Sister Hoff received this award in recognition of her professional and community achievements.  The student address was given by Michael Chiacchia, a Surgical Technology graduate.   Two-year associate degrees and one-year certificates were awarded to 236 graduates in the areas of health care, business, education and liberal arts.