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Sinath Prom, a candidate for a bachelor of science degree in the Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses, and her fellow School of Nursing students wait to walk into Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre.
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Kathy Rideout, interim dean of the School of Nursing, urged graduates to “learn, earn, and return,” applying business technology specialist David Dietrich’s phrase to nursing and noting that the “earning” means more than making an income. “I never take for granted when I enter my patients’ rooms that it is an honor to care for them—you now have earned that honor.”
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Alexis Croucher addressed the class on behalf of undergraduate nursing students: “As graduates today, we share the same desire and the same ability to walk toward those people in need of our care and ask, ‘What can I do to help?’”
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Classmates listen as Alexis Croucher, a former actor in New York City and the daughter of a nurse who received her bachelor’s degree in the Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses, spoke on behalf of undergraduates. “My mother once said that if you can blend your vocation and an avocation, there is nothing better that you can do with your life, and that really resonated with me and shaped the path I decided to take to become a nurse.”
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Noting that Gandhi’s famous comment that “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” applies to health care, Heather Menchel spoke on behalf of graduate students: “Boldness is genius. Never be afraid to be bold.”
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“It is truly inspiring for me to be able to claim that I’m a very small piece of your graduating class today,” said Robert Hurlbut (center), the president of the Hurlbut Trust and a pioneer in long-term and assisted living care. “Thank you for choosing the nursing path, one where you will touch so many lives with your compassion, talents, and spirit.”
The son of a nurse who worked at Strong Memorial Hospital, keynote speaker Wade Norwood, the director of community engagement for the Finger Lakes Helath Systems Agency, said his mother’s approach to her life and work inspired him. “Nurses are artists who bring people and science together for the purpose of healing.”
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Sarah Balderston walks across the stage to receive her bachelor’s degree in the Accelerated Program for Non-Nurses.
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Kayla Jean Teal receives her pin from Patrick Hopkins, assistant professor of clinical nursing.
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Fans of Sandra Tarantino, who received her bachelor’s degree in the RN to BS Program, cheer as she walks across the stage.
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Master’s degree candidate Eric Dellerba received the Paul Burgett Nursing Student Life Award.
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The Dean's Award for Excellence in teaching was presented to Sharon Lessard, assistant professor of clinical nursing.