Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing celebrates graduation of 27 in Pottsville
Jun. 11—POTTSVILLE — The Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing, Lehigh Valley Health Network, celebrated its 124th graduation ceremony Thursday, with 27 new nurses graduating after living and learning through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The commencement was held outside at Veterans' Memorial Stadium in Pottsville, with friends and family invited to attend in person and take part in the ceremony.
Lynne Hausman, director of the school of nursing, began the ceremony by commending the graduates on their journey.
"All our graduates have traveled the long hard road of study, clinicals, late nights and sacrifice to reach tonight," Hausman said. "Tomorrow, they set off on their separate paths, each in pursuit of their own professional goals."
Dr. Robert Barraco, chief academic officer, was happy to see so many people gathered for the ceremony after the graduates persevered through the pandemic.
"Today, you will be getting your diplomas, and it becomes real: You will take care of people when they are most vulnerable, during living and dying, when they look to you for healing and comfort," Barraco said.
William Reppy, president of Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill, said the experience the graduates have gained over the past year will help them carry out their highly trusted profession.
"When you began your studies nearly three years ago, would you ever expect that you would be training, learning and practicing in what would become a worldwide pandemic?" Reppy said. "Needless to say, you have seen more than most nursing students, training you could never get from a textbook."
Melanie Bendinsky, a registered nurse for over 40 years and former program coordinator for the school of nursing, advised the graduates in her commencement speech to continue to tell their nursing stories.
"My advice to you is not to focus on the difficult times and negative experiences but on the positive ones," Bendinsky said. "Those will sustain you through your career."
Valedictorian Antonio H. Madera told his fellow graduates to embrace their futures as the next generation of nurses.
"I encourage you not to aspire to make a living, but aspire to make a difference," Madera said. "Always remember we are the ones, as nurses, making a difference in someone's life."
In closing, class President Madison Noelle Garland said that no matter where they end up, they will all be incredible nurses.
"Be safe, be kind, and don't ever forget how hard you've worked to get to where you are today," Garland said.
