Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing (MSWSPN) celebrated their 89th graduating class on June 20, 2024 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 and accessed from Finger Lakes Health’s website at www.flhealth.org and the streaming video can be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/y3ehU2ZJ2PI.
The class of 8 students is now eligible to take their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam. Graduates include: Elice Babcock (Lacona); Jessica Butler (Canandaigua); Felicia David (Phelps); Elizabeth Fellows (Naples); Alyson Greco (Newark); Nicholas Pope (Webster); Monet Rivera (Rochester) and Sarah Wech (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.
Kathleen Mills, MS, RN, gave the Director’s Address and presented diplomas to the graduating students. Deanna Mills, MS, RN, Program Coordinator, presented the graduates with their pins. Class of 2021 graduate Breighanne Christensen, RN was the guest speaker. The class address was delivered by Elice Babcock.
Deanna Mills presented the special awards.
- Alyson Greco was recognized with the Fidelia Harmon Memorial Award for highest academic achievement in the nursing program.
- Nicholas Pope was awarded the MSWSPN Service Award given for outstanding service in medical/surgical nursing.
- Alyson Greco 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. Monet Rivera was honored with this award.
- Elizabeth Fellows 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.
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 2024 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.
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Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing Class of 2024
(L-R)Elsie Babcock, Elizabeth Fellows, Sarah Wech, Felicia David, Nick Pope, Alyson Greco, Jessica Butler, Monet Rivera