Massry Family Gift Supports Excelsior University Nursing Students Serving the Capital Region Community

The $25,000 gift will make scholarship support available for students completing clinical training within the Albany Med Health System.

ALBANY, N.Y. – As National Nurses Week begins, Excelsior University is proud to announce a major gift from the Massry family to support Capital Region nursing students serving the community. Massry’s $25,000 donation will fund scholarships for Excelsior nursing students completing their in-person clinical training at Albany Med Health System. The scholarships are available for immediate use for Excelsior students residing in the Capital Region.  

“We are thrilled to support the nursing program at Excelsior University, and the relationship with Albany Medical Center deepened our interest in supporting this particular venture,” said Julie Massry Knox. “This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding access to education and ensuring that talented nurses are prepared—and inspired—to build their careers here in Albany.”   

“Excelsior University has been a valued partner in developing the next generation of nurses, and we are proud to work alongside them to strengthen the nursing workforce. The support from the Massry family is a meaningful investment in our nursing students and helps remove barriers as they complete their clinical training within the Albany Med Health System,” said Megan Keenan, DNP, MSN, RN, CPHQ, vice president and chief nursing officer for Albany Medical Center. “We have consistently been impressed by the dedication, professionalism, and readiness of Excelsior nursing graduates, and many have gone on to make important contributions across our organization. Together, partnerships like this help support our vision to be the first choice for patient experience, quality, and clinical excellence.” 

“The Massry family’s generous contribution eliminates barriers for local students ready to serve our community in rewarding nursing careers,” said Robin Goodrich, EdD, RN, Purnell executive dean of Excelsior’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Excelsior University is grateful for the partnership of the Massry family and the Albany Med Health System as we work together to educate the Capital Region healthcare leaders of tomorrow.” 

With more than 500 Associate Degree in Nursing students passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses in 2025, Excelsior University is bringing more nurses into the New York state workforce annually than any other institution.  

For more information on Excelsior University, visit www.excelsior.edu. 

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Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY   
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.    

Excelsior is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. Excelsior University’s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.    

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684.