St. John Fisher University hosts 70th year of commencement ceremonies

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Colleges and universities nationwide have begun honoring their students not only for their academic achievements but also for their resilience in starting their journey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. John Fisher University graduated nearly 1,000 students during its seventieth commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. And with it being the first graduates of the university’s online pathway program, students were relieved to be able to graduate together.

Wegmans School of Pharmacy Dean Christine Birnie describes the Class of 2024 as “tremendous.”

“Over the last four years, we have witnessed your development into professional, empathetic, service-minded clinicians, prepared to service our communities,” Birnie said during her speech at commencement.

The Online Pathways Program, an unexpected road map for students furthering their education during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for a virtual way to learn the on-campus curriculum.

Students News 8 spoke to say their proud of themselves for reaching this milestone.

“It feels like an eternity but also flew by due to COVID,” Vincent Salerno, a graduate from the Wegmans School of Pharmacy said.

Kristina Alkhasyan, a now-graduate, says without the pandemic, she might have never decided to take this step.

“It definitely geared me towards healthcare and it really inspired me to participate in it,” Alkhasyan said. “I’m heading to residency, so it’s definitely pushed me to pursue a clinical path.”

Graduate Alicia Zimmer is headed to a year one residency at Highland Hospital. She received three awards at Saturday’s commencement and says it feels good to see her work recognized.

“I definitely put blood, sweat, and tears into everything I did,” Zimmer said. “It feels really good to be done with this chapter.”

College graduations continue throughout the month of May. We have a full list of dates and times here .

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