MSWSPN Celebrates 90th Commencement

Geneva-Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing (MSWSPN) celebrated their 90th graduating class on June 19, 2025 in the auditorium at Geneva High School.

The ceremony was also lived streamed on fingerlakes1.com so that family members, friends and others could share the special moment with the graduates.

Graduation photos can be viewed on Flickr 

The streaming video can be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/yjwIMP41XuY?feature=share.

The class of 14 students is now eligible to take their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam. Graduates include: Sophia Cinamella (Geneva); Abigail Clark (Rochester); Yassyel Codner-Sone (Shortsville); Nicholas Greco (Ovid); Allison Kenyon (Ovid); Shiann LaBar (Prattsburg); Delores McDew (Rochester); Joshua McLaughlin-Waite (Ovid); Alaina Marie Meath (Phelps); Haleigh Mills (Ovid); Makenna Prober (Clyde); Gabriela Robinson (Horesheads); Logan Shaulis (Ovid), and NaVashti Wiggins (Geneva).

Greg Hoffman-Fragale, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN, CENP, LNHA, Chief Nursing Officer, UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health welcomed students, families and guests to the ceremony. 

Dr. Jose Acevedo, President & CEO, UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health and President, Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing & Health Sciences, delivered the President’s Address. 

Kathleen Mills, EdD, MS, RN, gave the Director’s Address and presented diplomas to the graduating students. 

Martha Eddy DiCicco, MSEd., RN CNE was the guest speaker. The class address was delivered by Joshua McLaughlin-Waite.

Deanna Mills, EdD, MS, RN and Nichole McDermott, MS, RN, CNE, presented the special awards.

• Haleigh Mills  was recognized with the Fidelia Harmon Memorial Award for highest academic achievement in the nursing program.
• Delores McDew was awarded the MSWSPN Service Award for outstanding service in medical/surgical nursing.
• Yassyel Codner-Sone received the Marion S. Whelan Memorial Award, given to a graduate practical nurse who so well exemplifies the characteristics of dedication to nursing and self-discipline which were not only a part of Miss Whelan’s life but are exemplified every day in the professionalism and dedication shown by the nurses in the Finger Lakes Health Education Department and throughout the organization.
• The Alice Bergstresser Memorial Award is given to the graduate practical nurse who exemplifies the characteristics Alice portrayed in her everyday living; namely, determination, dedication and compassion.      Nicholas Greco was honored with this award.
• Joshua McLaughlin-Waite received the Advocate Award, given to the given to the graduate practical nurse who has shown the qualities most important to healthcare delivery; caring, quality, professionalism and passion.
• Haleigh Mills received the William J. DiCicco Memorial Award, which is given to a graduate practical nurse who exhibits the attributes that Bill demonstrated throughout his life: devotion to family, a strong work ethic, the value of education and love of country.
• The DAISY Student Award, which is given to the graduate nurse for the above-and-beyond care and compassion shown to patients and their families, was awarded to Delores McDew and Joshua McLaughlin-Waite.

Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing, one of only three hospital-based nursing programs in New York State, was founded in 1956. Since that time, it has graduated over 1,800 nurses. MSWSPN was ranked as one of the Best Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) programs in New York by Nursing Schools Almanac. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 for their outstanding achievements.

Finger Lakes Health offers a Tuition Buy-Back program that provides eligible Finger Lakes Health employees in job categories including Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs to BSNs) and Medical Technologists with assistance in repaying student loan debt. Finger Lakes Health also offers many sign-on bonuses, tuition assistance programs and options to fund your education for a career in healthcare. 

To learn more about Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing please visit mswspn.com or call (315) 787-4005.

Photo:

Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing Class of 2025