A packed week of ceremonies marked major milestones for students at Northeast College of Health Sciences.
The college wrapped up its Fall Ceremony Week with commencement events honoring graduates in its Doctor of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Professional Studies programs.
Ceremony week honors progress at every stage
The week began Dec. 3 with the Commitment to Excellence Pledge, where 94 first-trimester chiropractic students formally entered the profession and its expectations.
On Dec. 4, the college held its Transitions Ceremony for 43 seventh-trimester students moving from classroom learning into clinical training. The milestone reflects more than two years of coursework before students begin hands-on patient care.
Commencement highlights 68 graduates
The Fall Commencement Ceremony took place Dec. 6 at the Seneca Falls campus Standard Process Health and Fitness Center.
The college awarded degrees to 61 Doctor of Chiropractic graduates and seven Bachelor of Professional Studies graduates. College President Dr. Michael Mestan formally conferred the degrees.
Dr. Charles Hemsey served as grand marshal. Graduates also heard remarks from Board of Trustees member Virginia Robbins, J.D., student government representative William Sayre, and faculty member Dr. Ilija Arar.
Keynote focuses on impact and compassion
The college welcomed Dr. Ayla Azad, CEO of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, as the keynote speaker.
Azad urged graduates to define success on their own terms and avoid comparison. “Comparison is the thief of joy,” she said.
She encouraged students to measure their careers by impact, not numbers. “Your career won’t be measured by patient visits, income or clinic hours,” Azad said. “It will be measured by something far more profound: the impact you leave behind, the people you help, the story you write with your choices.”
Azad also stressed compassion in patient care, reminding graduates that small acts of attention and connection can leave lasting impressions.
Together, the week’s events highlighted the college’s mission to prepare skilled, thoughtful healthcare professionals ready to serve their communities.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].