Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing Celebrates 84th Commencement

The Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing (MSWSPN) celebrated the commencement of their 84^th graduating class on June 20, 2019 at The Smith in Geneva. The class of six students is now eligible to take their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam. Graduates include Kathryn Meighan Bibbens, Canandaigua; Luisa Casper, Port Byron; Lisa Jordan, Walworth; Ellen Reed, Shortsville; Mariah Rodriguez, Geneva and Mikayla Stanley, Red Creek.

Kathleen Mills, MS, RN Associate Professor welcomed students to the commencement ceremony and recognized the faculty for a job well done. Dr. Susan Carlson DNP, NPP, RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, director of the Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing gave the Director’s Address. Ashley Anderson, RN Radiation Oncology Nurse at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic gave the keynote address and class president, Mikayla Stanley gave the class address.

Lance Ward, Chair, Finger Lakes Health Board of Trustees presented the diplomas and pins to the graduates.

Program Coordinator, Deanna Mills, MS, RN handed out special awards.

The Mary Breckinridge Award covers payment of the PN-NCLEX exam for an LPN Student who has worked diligently to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dream to enter the nursing profession.

Funding for this award is generously provided by Carl Belawske. Mary Breckinridge was a pioneer in rural healthcare. She founded the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) which provided healthcare delivered by nurses on horseback to the underserved population in the Appalachian Mountains. During the first two decades of operation, the FNS was able to significantly decrease the area’s infant and maternal mortality rates below the national average. It was through her determination to improve healthcare to the rural population where she lived that health disparities in rural health were brought to the national and international spotlight. Ellen Reed was presented with this award.

The Practical Nurse Licensing and Examination Award, presented to Mikayla Stanley, was established by the MSWSPN Class of 2007 and supported by each subsequent graduating class. This award is given to the graduate who exemplifies, through written illustration, the personal commitment and dedication needed to travel the journey that nursing school presents.

Kathryn Bibbens was recognized with the Fidelia Harmon Memorial Award for highest academic achievement in the nursing program.

Mikayla Stanley received the Marion S. Whelan Memorial Award, given to a graduate practical nurse who exemplifies the characteristics of dedication to nursing and self-discipline, which were such an important part of Miss Whelan’s life.

Photos from the event can be viewed on Flickr.

The 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 1,600 nurses. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2018 for their outstanding achievements.

Photo Caption:

MSWSPN Class of 2019

left to right: Mariah Rodriguez, Mikayla Stanley, Kathryn Bibbens, Luisa Casper, Lisa Jordan, Ellen Reed