Northeast College Celebrates Spring 2025 Ceremony Week: Honors Student Milestones and Achievements

Northeast College of Health Sciences celebrated Spring 2025 Ceremony Week on the College’s Seneca Falls Campus, recognizing academic excellence and honoring future healthcare professionals. The weeklong celebration began July 30, with the Commitment to Excellence Pledge, continued with the Transitions Ceremony on July 31, and culminated with the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 2.

#NortheastBlue Graduates

The Commencement Ceremony recognized the academic achievements of Northeast graduates as College President Dr. Michael Mestan conferred degrees to students earning their Doctor of Chiropractic and master’s degrees in applied clinical nutrition and human anatomy and physiology instruction

The ceremony was led by Grand Marshal Dr. Fiona Jarrett-Thelwell and featured remarks from several speakers, including William Sayre (D.C. ’25), representing the Student Government Association, delivered the student address, and Northeast Assistant Professor Dr. Jose Balseca offered faculty remarks and alumnus and Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees Rick Rosa (D.C. ’96) delivered the keynote address.

Two-time College Alum, Board Chair Challenges Grads to Find Greatness

Northeast College President Dr. Michael Mestan introduced Commencement keynote speaker Dr. Rick Rosa (D.C. ’96, M.S. ’25) by celebrating his longtime connection to the institution, praising his “ever-better” philosophy and stating that Rosa “has NYCC in his heart and #NortheastBlue in his veins. He truly loves this College.”

A two-time Northeast graduate and the first to serve twice as chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Rosa delivered an inspiring address centered on resilience, purpose and attaining personal greatness. “I challenge you—rise up and break the chains,” he said. “Break the chains of doubt, break the chains of fear, break the chains of complacency and in their place build a life of courage, of vision and of purpose. The world does not need you chained—it needs you free.”

Rosa, who also earned his M.S. in applied clinical nutrition at the ceremony reminded graduates that success in healthcare—and in life—comes not just from knowledge, but from courage, perseverance and the drive to serve others. Internationally recognized for his expertise in sports chiropractic, Rosa has authored The Six Pillars of Sports Recovery and made history as the first chiropractor to corner a professional boxing match, and more recently, consulted for Mike Tyson ahead of his 2024 fight with professional boxer Jake Paul.

Celebrating the Start of Clinical Practice at Transitions Ceremony

The Spring 2025 Transitions Ceremony honored seventh-trimester chiropractic students as they received their symbolic white coats, marking the shift to hands-on patient care after two years of intensive study in foundational and clinical sciences, chiropractic technique and integrated therapies. It was also the first Ceremony Week for Dr. Eugene Spilker, D.C., DHPE, Northeast’s new assistant vice president for chiropractic, who had the honor of placing the coats on each student.

The event included a special tribute to the late Dr. Veronia Mittak, who joined the College in 1994 and served as a full-time faculty member since 2009. As class advisor to the seventh-trimester D.C. students, Dr. Mittak was remembered for her 30-plus years of dedication to the College and her profound impact on health education and public health advocacy. Student awards were also presented, including the Dr. Lloyd E. Henby Distinguished Service Award, given each trimester to one student who exemplifies leadership, integrity and dedication to the chiropractic profession and community.

First-Tri D.C. Students Affirm Dedication to Excellence and Leadership

Ceremony Week began with the Commitment to Excellence Pledge, honoring the newest class of chiropractic students. During the event, first-trimester students publicly pledged their commitment to professionalism, leadership and integrity as they began their academic journey. Dr. Mestan presented each student with a pin engraved with the words “Excellence. Professionalism. Leadership,” affirming the values at the heart of the College’s mission.

Spring 2025 Ceremony Week celebrated the milestones, professionalism and promise of Northeast College students as they prepare to serve and lead in the healthcare professions. To view commencement videos and highlights, visit Northeast College’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@NortheastCollege.

Relive some of these great moments with our new image galleries:
Spring 2025 Transitions Ceremony
Spring 2025 Commencement