Class of 2025 Earns Their Nursing Degrees

This May, St. John Fisher conferred more than 1,000 baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees to graduates across six ceremonies. Among those turning their tassels and receiving diplomas were students from the Wegmans School of Nursing’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

During a ceremony honoring master’s and doctoral students, the University also bestowed a President’s Medal upon Dr. Marilyn Dollinger, professor emerita and retired executive associate dean of the Wegmans School of Nursing. Dollinger was recognized for her commitment to advancing the nursing practice and her advocacy for patients and practitioners. Dollinger encouraged graduates to be lifelong learners as they advance in their careers.

“I know that you, graduates of Fisher, are well prepared to provide excellent care to the patients and families you work with—that is the ‘heart and soul of health care’ and what you have learned here,” she said. “But, health care also requires that every one of us continues to listen, learn, and develop new skills so we can answer the calls to action from a system that is at risk.”

Alanna Lippa delivered remarks on behalf of her fellow graduates, noting that those who devote their careers to health care are answering a call to take care of others, and that’s no easy task.

“Health care is complex, challenging, and sometimes downright chaotic. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned during this journey, it’s that we are resilient. We are problem-solvers. And we know how to adapt,” she said. “To the Class of 2025: You’ve chosen a path that will challenge you every day to be your best self. You’ve chosen to dedicate your lives to helping others. So, with that said – the world awaits you.”