Throughout his distinguished career, Al Caffiero displayed a caring attitude, altruism, creativity, clinical insight, dedication to the profession and an inspiring degree of optimism. Consistent with his vision for the profession and his caring attitude toward students, he and his friends established this scholarship.

This scholarship that is awarded to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students during their second year of study at UB.

Applicants must be DPT students in their first year of professional study. Selection criteria include history of community/professional service, financial need, professional promise and academic performance.

The ASCEND Scholarship fund provides $9,500 in tuition for the final academic year and is available to graduate, doctoral, and professional students pursuing a degree in one of these areas of study:

• Medicine
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Pharmacy
• Physical therapy

Recipients should have a desire to work in the United States and contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

Recipients will be strongly encouraged to attend ASCEND career development events initiated by Triad Healthcare Recruiting.

The Office of the Vice President for Health Sciences presents the award.

$9,500, awarded in equal amounts during the fall and spring semesters.

Applicants must be:

• a United States citizen or permanent resident.
• a graduate, doctoral or professional student in the following areas of study:  medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or pharmacy.
• expected to graduate in the academic year the scholarship is awarded.

Recipients should have a desire to work in the United States and contribute in a meaningful way to their community.

Dharshan S. Jayasinghe, CEL’ 12, BS ’03, is the CEO of Triad Healthcare Recruiting and his wife, Shannon Jayasinghe, serves as president. They both strongly believe in social responsibility and community service, improving the health and wellness of communities, and improving access to college education.

In this spirit, they have committed $1 million to develop the ASCEND Triad Healthcare Recruiting Scholarship, which provides academic support to passionate and committed students at over 50 colleges and universities across the United States.

Preferably, applicants propose collaborating with a SPHHP faculty member on a project with global health significance. Application to the program will be competitive and will be based on the submission of the following required items:

• A 1-page research summary which should include a description of the study, the aims of the study, a proposed action plan and timeline and a description of how the project contributes to global health knowledge.
• The applicant’s CV which should include academic achievements, relevant job experiences, awards, honors, etc.
• A project budget (for international travel only), including estimated expenditures for travel and lodging.
• A faculty recommendation form, available on request, to be completed by the advising/mentoring faculty member and submitted by the faculty to the OGHI staff. 

Students applying for conference travel funding must submit the following information:

• Confirmation of their abstract’s acceptance for an oral or poster presentation at a major international conference
• A short statement (not more than 1 page) detailing how their participation at the conference will enhance their education and global helath knowledge
• The applicant’s CV which should include academic achievements, relevant job experiences, awards, honors, etc.
• A faculty recommendation form, available on request, to be completed by the advising/mentoring faculty member and submitted by the faculty to the OGHI staff. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 8, 2026, and will be reviewed upon receipt. All application materials should be emailed to Jennifer Foster (fosterj@buffalo.edu). Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Kathleen Shaffer’s contributions to UB included course instruction and fieldwork supervision of students. She is best remembered for her excellent clinical skills and mentoring relationships with students.

One-third in state tuition for up to four years (based on the tuition the year the scholarship is awarded).

Applicants must be currently enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in one of the five UB Health Sciences schools.

• Applicants must be first-generation students (students whose parents did not receive a college degree).
• Priority will be given to women. The Foundation and the University may modify or disregard any selection criteria that are determined in whole or in part to be contrary to law or to then existing University policy.
  
• Residents and fellows are not eligible.

With a focus in health law and corporate law and specialized expertise in hospital/university affiliation agreements, Maureen R. L. Mussenden served as associate counsel in UB’s Academic Health Center. A native of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, she earned a BA from Keuka College and a JD from Cornell Law School. She was a member of several legal organizations and also was actively involved with numerous community organizations. She died in 2010 at age 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

To honor the memory of Maureen R. L. Mussenden and the professional and personal values she espoused, the Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship has been established to help support the education of students pursuing a graduate degree in one of the UB Health Sciences Schools.

Throughout his distinguished career, Al Caffiero displayed a caring attitude, altruism, creativity, clinical insight, dedication to the profession and an inspiring degree of optimism. Consistent with his vision for the profession and his caring attitude toward students, he and his friends established this scholarship.

This scholarship that is awarded to doctor of physical therapy (DPT) students during their second year of study at UB.

Applicants must be DPT students in their first year of professional study. Selection criteria include history of community/professional service, financial need, professional promise and academic performance.