Alumni Hall of Fame - Stephanie E. Von Bacho

Stephanie E. Von Bacho ’88, EdD, MSEd, MS, RN, NEA-BC
Senior Director, Learning and Development,
University of Rochester/University of Rochester Medical Center/UR Medicine

Nominated by Kathleen Parrinello

“Like many students, MCC provided me with a critical foundation and purpose during a very difficult time in my life. My father passed away from a sudden heart attack my senior year of high school and my mother was diagnosed with cancer the same year. My intention to study art at an out of state college quickly changed as I found myself wanting to study nursing to be of service to others. The nursing program at MCC launched my nursing career and my belief that I could make an impact.”

Dr. Stephanie E. Von Bacho is currently the Senior Director of Learning and Development for the University of Rochester, the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), and UR Medicine. In her more than 37 years with the organization, Stephanie has served in several leadership roles in both nursing and human resources, supporting employee learning and development.

Stephanie first earned her Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from Monroe Community College and completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Rochester School of Nursing while working as a Registered Nurse in the burn trauma unit. She completed her master’s in nursing administration from the University of Rochester School of Nursing, using her capstone project to foster the creation of a burn camp for children. Our Special Camp was established in 1994 with the support of the Finger Lakes Region Burn Association and continues to serve the needs of children who have suffered a burn injury under the name Camp Courage. Stephanie also worked with Nazareth College to establish an Art Therapy Program. Stephanie then assumed the role of nurse educator in the Department of Nursing Practice a role that was eventually expanded to include the Medical Center and later the University of Rochester. As a lifelong learner, Stephanie went on to receive a master of education from the University of Pennsylvania and, more recently, she earned her doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

As the Senior Director of Learning and Development, she has championed the establishment of the UR Career Pathways Program, which focuses on creating and supporting career pathways for entry-level employees into high-demand positions. Collaborating with community partners, including MCC, to create opportunities for development and career mobility is meaningful work for Stephanie.

Beyond her professional work, Stephanie is active in the community, serving on the Monroe Community College Foundation board of directors, the University of Rochester Toast to Your Health event, and previously the Seneca Waterways Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Genesee Valley Hunt Races and the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association.

In her free time, Stephanie enjoys kayaking, hiking, flyfishing, and skiing. She lives with her husband, Scott, on a small farm in the Finger Lakes.