MARIA COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH DAUGHTERS OF SARAH TO ADVANCE HEALTHCARE CAREERS
Albany, N.Y. (June 23, 2025) – Maria College and Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors are partnering to offer employees access to academic certificate and degree programs that support their career growth and long-term success in healthcare.
Through this collaboration, Maria College will provide flexible academic pathways —including certificate and degree options — specifically designed for working professionals. These pathways will help Daughters of Sarah employees advance their healthcare careers without stepping away from their vital roles.
“Our employees will have the chance to pursue their educational dreams while continuing to care for our residents,” said Mark Koblenz, J.D., president/CEO of Daughters of Sarah. “Supporting their development means better care for those we serve and stronger teams overall.”
Added Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale: “Consistent with our Mercy mission, we design programs that meet caregivers where they are. Our approach provides the flexibility, access, and support they need to grow professionally while continuing to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
The partnership creates seamless nursing education pathways for Daughters of Sarah staff. Employees can progress from the Practical Nurse Certificate to Licensed Practical Nurse in just 16 months, advance to the Associate Degree in Nursing to become Registered Nurses, and complete a fully online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This flexible structure supports professional growth while enabling employees to maintain their important caregiving roles.
Maria College will provide comprehensive academic support, including on-site admissions events, personalized advising, virtual success coaching, and select courses offered on-site at Daughters of Sarah’s campus to facilitate participation.
Daughters of Sarah will provide space and technology for admissions events and on-site instruction. The organization will also offer clinical placements for Maria College students and assist staff in accessing scholarships and other funding options.
“This partnership with Daughters of Sarah is a powerful example of how we can come together around a shared mission to expand access to education,” noted Dr. Wendy Trevor, vice president for strategic innovation and partnerships at Maria College. “Our programs are designed to meet working caregivers where they are and help them take the next step in their academic and professional journeys.”
The program will officially launch in fall 2025, with the first group of Daughters of Sarah employees beginning their studies through Maria College.
For more information, please visit MariaCollege.edu.
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’s, associate’s, and master’s degree and certificate programs, including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, public health, and health and occupational sciences. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
About Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors
Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors is a non-profit, faith-based senior community dedicated to helping seniors at all stages of wellness continue to live their best lives. The Community, comprising the Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the Massry (Assisted Living) Residence at Daughters of Sarah, and the Daughters of Sarah Jewish Foundation, ensures seniors are surrounded by engaging activities, attentive care, and personalized services. Daughters of Sarah provides families with peace of mind and confidence that their family members' well-being and contentment are of paramount importance.
It is the mission of Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors to enhance the quality of life, assure the safety and dignity of, and foster the independence of those they serve through residential, personal care, health, and other services consistent with Jewish values and traditions.
PHOTO CAPTION
Mark Koblenz, J.D., president/CEO of Daughters of Sarah, and Dr. Lynn Ortale, president of Maria College, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The collaboration enables Daughters of Sarah Community for Seniors employees to advance their careers with Maria College certificates and degrees — all while continuing to care for their residents. It provides on-site support, personalized advising, and clear pathways from Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse and beyond. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/4xdy9nkh