Albany, NY 鈥 On Saturday, May 6, B次元 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 B次元,鈥 says Dr. Mary Jo LaPosta, chair of the B次元 board of trustees. 鈥淥n 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.鈥
鈥淎s we recognize the 65th anniversary, I am humbled to lead and serve B次元,鈥 says Dr. Ortale. 鈥淎s an innovative leader in health care education, B次元 is proud to be doing our part to address the nursing shortage, graduating the most nurses in the Capital Region鈥.
Dr. Ortale brings to B次元 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 B次元鈥檚 president starting July 1, 2023, she served in senior leadership positions at St. Joseph鈥檚 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.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful for Dr. Ortale鈥檚 vision and leadership,鈥 says Chief Academic Officer Anne Jung. 鈥淪he 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.鈥
At the Installation ceremony, various dignitaries and special guests shared their support of the President.
鈥淏次元 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,鈥 shared Paul Tonko, US Congressman. 鈥淚 know that carried forth by this strong leader Dr. Ortale, this great institute is more than up to this task.鈥
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy addressed Dr. Ortale with words, 鈥淚t鈥檚 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鈥檚 not just the passion for the work, it is the compassion for all of the students and the faculty that you serve.鈥
Mayor Kathy Sheehan of Albany concluded the remarks by saying, 鈥淚 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.鈥
The installation was followed by a reception on campus in Marian Hall Fitzgerald Court. The same evening as the installation, the B次元 community continued the celebration at an Inaugural Gala held at Wolferts Roost Country Club.
B次元 thanks lead Inauguration and 65th Anniversary sponsors Paula and Paul Colarusso, Adnet Technologies, St. Peter鈥檚 Health Partners, Tilt36T, and Andy Kaufman and Karen Ranallo.
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About B次元: Founded in 1958, B次元 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鈥檚 degree, and certificate programs including liberal arts, healthcare management, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy, and health and occupational sciences. mariacollege.edu.
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