St. Elizabeth College of Nursing Graduates 57 New Nurses

St. Elizabeth College of Nursing (SECON) graduated 57 new nurses on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The 120th graduation was held at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, following a procession across Genesee Street from the College.

The associate degree in Nursing was presented to weekday and weekend graduates by the Interim President and Dean of Student and Faculty Development Julie Wells-Tsiatsos, MSN, RNC-OB, MNN, C-EFM.

The SECON pin was presented by Weekday Senior Class Advisor Jill Gilbert, PhD, MS, RN, and Weekend Senior Class Advisor Tracy Schwendy-Truax, MS, RN.

The valedictorians are Madison Corr from Rome, New York; Julie Kichuk from Utica, New York; and Jennifer Vaeth from Utica, New York. Salutatorians are Qinghan Cai from Albany, New York; Carter McGregor from Rome, New York; and Carolyn Roser from Frankfort, New York.

The commencement address was given by MVHS President and CEO William LeCates, MD.

SECON is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. and registered by the New York State Education Department.

List of Graduates:

A video of the walk to graduation can be found on the SECON Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1308131204620722.