Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences marked a milestone on May 18, graduating its fifteenth class in a heartfelt ceremony at The Smith Opera House in Geneva. Thirty students received their degrees and nursing pins during the commencement and pinning ceremonies.
This year’s graduates hailed from across the region, including Rochester, Ithaca, Palmyra, Geneva, and beyond.
Dean Kathleen Mills, EdD, MS, RN, served as Master of Ceremonies and delivered the Dean’s Address. Gregory Hoffman-Fragale, Chief Nursing Officer for UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, gave the Chief Nursing Officer Address. Maura Delehanty, MSOL, RN, Director of Critical Care, was this year’s keynote speaker.
Class President Kaneesha Underwood offered remarks on behalf of the Class of 2025. She was honored with the James J. Dooley Memorial Award for her leadership and mentorship throughout the program.
Several other graduates received special recognition:
- Paige Podgorski earned the Academic Achievement Award for highest academic performance.
- Altrishawna Wilson was selected by her peers to receive the Class Choice Award for exemplifying relationship-based care.
- Kayleigh Stanwix received the Emily Carson Memorial Award in recognition of her compassion and patient advocacy.
- Camille Burns and Karisma Johnson-Hart were each honored with the Aubrey DeMillo Memorial Award, given to graduates who embody compassion, confidence, and a passion for learning.
- Marissa Smith received the student DAISY Award. Amy Tones, MS, RN, received the faculty DAISY Award for their commitment to compassionate care and the college’s mission.
Faculty Advisors Shauna Larsen and Amy Tones presented the pins, and the college recognized its faculty for their dedication to training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
To learn more about Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences—including flexible schedules, tuition assistance, and loan repayment programs—visit flhcon.edu or call (315) 787-4005. The application deadline for the 2025–2026 academic year is June 1.
Watch the Pinning Ceremony
Watch the Commencement Ceremony
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