Nurses Month 2021

In honor of Nurses Month, celebrated throughout May, we are proud to introduce you to some of the Russell Sage College Nursing department’s students, faculty and alumni who are making a difference everywhere, from Nursing education to the fight against COVID.

Alexandra Betancourt-Pérez ’21, RN

Alexandra Betancourt-Pérez is a nurse in Albany Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Looking back at Sage, what she knows was invaluable was how her instructors shared their experiences as nurses, and got into the details. “I was so well prepared,” she says. “My professors really cared. They love nursing so they want to make sure that we’re good nurses.” 

Associate Professor of Nursing Marcy Fiet ’99

“Teaching is a lot like coaching women through labor,” says Certified Nurse Midwife and Associate Professor of Nursing Marcy Fiet. “The work can be hard, but the rewards at the end are amazing.”

Patricia Klimkewicz, Ph.D.

Patricia Klimkewicz earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and her MBA at Sage. Sage played a key role in her career development, she said, and helped her excel in leadership roles in academia, health care and the military. 

Donnie Tessitore, NP

Donnie Tessitore earned a Nursing master’s degree and post-master’s certificate at Sage. He is an acute care nurse practitioner at Albany Medical Center and a preceptor for students in Sage’s graduate Nursing programs. In 2020, he was named Albany Med’s Employee of the Year. More than 100 colleagues nominated him for the honor, several specifically citing his mentorship. 

Chelsea Uzibor ’22

Chelsea Uzibor  has seen her view of nursing expanded at Sage. She attended a Public Health class during her sophomore year, which, she says, opened her eyes to a broader understanding of health care and has her thinking of ways she might have an impact on the community.  

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October 30, 2024

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Fueled by a new partnership with The Center for Positive Education, all Russell Sage College students who graduate from teaching and school counseling programs in the Esteves School of Education will enter the workforce with training in Positive Education, preparing them to address the social and emotional learning needs of today’s students and manage their […]
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Russell Sage College Hosts Inaugural ICAN Healthcare Summit to Discuss Building a Diverse Healthcare Workforce, Addressing Health Inequities

Russell Sage College held its inaugural ICAN Healthcare Summit on October 25 at the Armory Building on its Albany campus. The event was focused on solutions to building a more diverse healthcare workforce and the role that plays in creating better health outcomes for communities. Headlining the event was Joel Bervell, a social media star […]
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October 16, 2024

Russell Sage College Celebrates Inauguration of Matthew Shaftel, the 11th President, Announces $10 Million Gift

Russell Sage College celebrated the inauguration of its 11th president, Dr. Matthew Shaftel, with the announcement of a $10 million gift during an October 16 ceremony in the Schacht Fine Arts Center on its Troy campus. Shaftel – a longtime higher education leader who last served as dean and full professor in Ohio University’s College […]
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