Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrated its 2026 graduating class earlier this month, with 39 students receiving diplomas and nursing pins during ceremonies at The Smith Opera House in Geneva.
The college marked its 16th graduating class during commencement and pinning ceremonies held on May 17. Officials said nearly half of the graduates — 17 students — are beginning their nursing careers with the University of Rochester Medicine Finger Lakes Health.
Kathleen Mills, dean of the Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences, served as master of ceremonies and delivered the dean’s address. Jose Acevedo, president and CEO of UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health, delivered the president’s address, while Finger Lakes College of Nursing Board Chair Eileen Gage served as keynote speaker.
Class President Alexus Spann gave the class address before Acevedo and Mills presented diplomas to graduates.
During the earlier pinning ceremony, faculty advisors Amy Tones and Jolie White presented nursing pins to the graduates.
Several students were recognized with special awards during the event.
Marcus Harris received the Academic Achievement Award for the highest academic achievement in the nursing program, as well as the James J. Dooley Memorial Award for leadership, mentorship, and commitment to family, community, and healthcare.
Abigail Blair received the Class Choice Award, selected by classmates for demonstrating relationship-based care and healthy connections with others.
Caitlin Sutton received the Emily Carson Memorial Award, while Trinity Maestre received the Aubrey DeMillo Memorial Award.
Graduates came from communities across the Finger Lakes and beyond, including Geneva, Penn Yan, Waterloo, Ovid, Auburn, Seneca Falls, Lyons, Rochester, Newark, Clyde, and Branchport.
Finger Lakes Health officials said the college continues to focus on hands-on nursing education with flexible scheduling options and tuition assistance programs for healthcare workers pursuing careers in nursing and allied health professions.
