Sixteen Graduate from HealthCare Programs

Sixteen graduates from the Healthcare Certificate Programs at PCCC were honored in a completion ceremony held July 15^th in the PCCC theater on the Main Campus before an audience of faculty, administrators, parents, and friends.

“This ceremony is the culmination of your months of hard work and dedication,” said Rosemarie Roccio, director of HealthCare programs at PCCC, to the graduates. Nine of them trained as medical assistants and seven as dialysis technicians.

Official greetings were offered by Dr. Jacqueline Kineavy, interim president for academic/student affairs at PCCC. “How many of you already have jobs?” she asked the graduates. Several hands shot up, inspiring enthusiastic applause. 

A former nurse, Dr. Kineavy urged the graduates to continue their education. “You never know what opportunities the future will hold,” she said, noting that her own career path took her to prominent positions in college administration.

Representing the healthcare faculty, Mr. Walter Mateo, RN, a dialysis technology instructor, congratulated the graduates and commented, “You kept each other accountable and helped each other out.”  He thanked them saying, “I am so proud I had you as my students,” and urged them to “go out and continue to make a difference in healthcare.”

In an emotional address to the graduates, Ms. Rocchio recalled, “In your time as a student, you gained skills and confidence…I have watched you transform from students to health care professionals.”  She reminded them that healthcare is “more than a career…it is a calling and will always be about people and being present for others.”

In a candlelighting/pinning ritual, the graduates recited the American Medical Association Medical Assistant Code of Ethics and the Dialysis Technician Code of Ethics and also received a gold pin, symbolic of their entry into the healthcare profession. (see photos at top)

Receiving special recognitions were Angelli Manjarrez, recipient of the Academic Achievement Award in the medical assistant program, and Alketa Berlajollie, recipient of the Rising Star Award, also in the medical assistant program. (see photos)

The ceremony also paid tribute to two faculty members, Mr. Ray Agnello, MSN who retires this year, and Dr. Paola Pawlick, who sadly passed away recently. “We will miss them both,” said Ms. Roccio.

Two students, both with the highest GPA (Grade Point Average) in their respective programs and both already employed, delivered closing remarks.  

“We all put in a lot of work and supported each other to reach this goal,” said Angelli Manjarrez (Medical Assistant) to her fellow graduates. “We never gave up.”

Jilliam Olbis (Dialysis Technician) commented “Our knowledge will help our patients, but it is our kindness that they will remember most.” (see photo)

In keeping with tradition, the graduates joined the audience to enjoy a sentimental and touching video (see photo) that recalled their student journey through the programs.  A reception followed the ceremony.

Learn more about Healthcare Certificate Programs at PCCC.

Article and photos by Linda Telesco