MSWSPN Celebrates Commencement and 70th Anniversary!

Geneva- The Marion S. Whelan School of Nursing in Geneva celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, June 18, as it honored graduates and marked the 70th anniversary of its Practical Nursing program during the school’s Commencement and Pinning Ceremony.

The ceremony, the 91^st to be held since the school’s inception, was also 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 class of 15 students is now eligible to take their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam. Graduates include: Arvin Anonuevo (Geneva); Haily Atkins (Port Gibson); Taylor Balke (Geneva); Juliana Bochenek (Auburn); Karen Castillo (West Henrietta); Star Clark (Watkins Glen); Hannah DiMarco (Spencerport); Sarah Hollenbeck (Penn Yan); Kelsey Howard (Auburn); Kelsey Hunt (Penn Yan); Nahairyya Murray Mizel (Rochester); Jerell Petty (Lyons); Peachez Ross (Rochester); Paige Shaver (Lyons), and Katie Sprague (Ovid).

 

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

The class address was delivered by Katie Sprague.

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

• Sarah Hollenbeck was recognized with the Fidelia Harmon Memorial Award for highest academic achievement in the nursing program.
• Nahairyya Murray Mizel was awarded the MSWSPN Service Award for outstanding service in medical/surgical nursing.
• Juliana Bochenek 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.  Paige Shaver was honored with this award.
• Katie Sprague 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.

Marking the school’s 70th year, alumni who now live and work throughout the Finger Lakes joined graduates and their families, highlighting seven decades of local impact and healthcare excellence.

Founded in 1956, the Marion S. Whelan School of Nursing has prepared practical nurses to enter rewarding healthcare careers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to provide exceptional patient care. Today, the School remains one of only three hospital-based practical nursing programs in New York State, continuing its longstanding tradition of educational excellence.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026 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.