Northeast College Celebrates Winter 2026 Ceremonies, First-Ever Graduates in New Programs

SENECA FALLS, N.Y. — Northeast College of Health Sciences celebrated its Winter 2026 Ceremonies from March 31 – April 4, which featured three rites of passage, including Commencement and the first-ever graduating classes from several new academic programs.

The week began with two chiropractic-focused ceremonies, the Commitment to Excellence Pledge on March 31 and the Transitions Ceremony on April 2, on April 3 the College held a new Pinning Ceremony, and concluded with Winter 2026 Commencement on April 4, which also featured the annual convocation of the American College of Chiropractors. Throughout, the College advanced 117 students across multiple healthcare disciplines.

The signature #NortheastBlue energy and moments that define Northeast College Ceremony Week—inspirational speeches, achievement awards, white coats and hugs—were on full display. Building on these traditions, Commencement caps featured new tassels in shades of Northeast blues and greens, representing the new programs, and turned together for the first time. College faculty and staff lined the walkways in a final round of applause for the graduates as they walked off the stage.

Winter 2026 Commencement Celebrates Inaugural Programs and Newest Graduates

Northeast’s Winter 2026 Commencement Ceremony celebrated 26 new doctor of chiropractic graduates alongside 13 AAS graduates in radiologic technology and 14 AAS graduates in diagnostic medical sonography. As well, the College also recognized the first-ever 20 graduates from its new Massage Therapy certificate program – 100% of whom have job placement after graduation. These milestones reflect the College’s continued growth and its commitment to preparing leaders for an integrated, collaborative healthcare environment.

Northeast College President Dr. Michael Mestan conferred all academic degrees and certificates, Director of the Northeast Anatomy Center Dr. Michael Zumpano (D.C. ’06) served as grand marshal, and Dr. Owen Papuga, dean of the College’s Frank J. Nicchi School of Continuing Education, presented the faculty address.

During the Commencement ceremony, the College also hosted the annual convocation of the American College of Chiropractors (ACC), highlighting professional achievement and service. Northeast alumnus and past chair of the College’s Board of Trustees Dr. Frank Lizzio (D.C. ’80) inducted the new ACC Fellows, which included Northeast alumni Dr. Peter Ferraro (D.C. ’96), Dr. Karyn Phillips (D.C. ’89) and Dr. Lindsay Rae (D.C. ’08).

Commencement Keynote Highlights Integrative Care and Northeast Values

Physician, educator and Northeast alumna Sylvia H. Regalla (M.S. ’08) delivered the keynote address. President Mestan welcomed her to the stage, noting her connection to the College as a graduate of its applied clinical nutrition program and now an adjunct professor.

“Dr. Regalla’s work reminds us that excellence in healthcare is not just about treating illness but about helping people build health. Her approach reflects the future of healthcare while exemplifying the core principles of a Northeast education: prevention, whole-person care and collaboration across disciplines,” Mestan said. 

Drawing on more than two decades of leadership in her profession, Regalla addressed Northeast College’s Winter 2026 graduates: “Embrace the now. Be present. Be grateful,” she said. You have come from all over the world bringing with you a shared dedication to becoming the next generation of healthcare leaders. Today, you are not just graduating, you are joining a mission to reimagine health and transform lives.

Transitions Ceremony Celebrates Clinical Start for Chiropractic Students

During Northeast’s Winter 2026 Transitions Ceremony, held April 2, white coats were presented to 23 chiropractic students, marking the end of their seventh trimester and the beginning of their outpatient clinical education. The honored students completed more than two years of training in foundational sciences, clinical sciences, integrated chiropractic therapies and principles of practice as well as a hands-on clerkship in the campus health center. Beginning with their next term of study, the new student-clerks will report to one of the College’s community-serving health centers in Seneca Falls, Depew and Levittown, N.Y., to provide hands-on patient care under the mentorship of skilled faculty clinicians.

First Cohorts Honored at New Pinning Ceremony

A new Pinning Ceremony marking the transition from student to healthcare professional was held on Friday, April 3, celebrating the first graduates of Northeast College’s undergraduate and certificate programs launched in 2024. College President Dr. Michael Mestan welcomed and congratulated the students. Dr. Anne Killen, provost and vice president of academic affairs, then announced each graduate as program representatives presented pins, including Clinical Coordinator Connie Huston for massage therapy, Professor Dr. Fiona Jarrett-Thelwell for radiologic technology and Instructor Nina Stenshorn for diagnostic medical sonography.

Northeast’s Newest Chiropractic Students Commit to Excellence

The Commitment to Excellence Pledge event kicked off Northeast College’s Winter 2026 Ceremony Week on March 31. Fifteen first-trimester Doctor of Chiropractic students took the pledge, marking their dedication to their new academic journey. During the ceremony, students committed to the values of professionalism, leadership and excellence, setting the foundation for their future roles as healthcare professionals.

Relive the Moments

Relive the many memorable #NortheastBlue moments in our photo galleries:

W26 Transitions Ceremony
W26 Pinning Ceremony
W26 Commencement