Maria College Celebrates Class of 2026 at Commencement, Nursing Pinning Ceremony
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 17, 2026) — Nearly 200 Maria College graduates were recognized today at the 64th Annual Commencement and Nursing Pinning Ceremony at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, marking the completion of programs preparing students for careers in healthcare, service, and community leadership.
The Class of 2026 earned master’s degrees in occupational therapy; bachelor’s degrees in health and occupational sciences, health care management, and psychology; and associate degrees in nursing and occupational therapy, along with Practical Nurse Certificates.
“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of Maria College and the Mercy tradition that defines our mission,” said Maria College President Dr. Lynn Ortale. “Our graduates leave prepared to lead with compassion, serve others, and strengthen their communities. Their education has prepared them to improve healthcare and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”
During the ceremony, Maria College awarded honorary doctorates of humane letters to Massimiliano Strappetti and Thomas W. Robert and presented its McAuley Award to Katherine DeRosa.
Strappetti, who resides in Rome, Italy, was recognized for his work in compassionate care, patient advocacy and clinical excellence. His care for Pope Francis drew international attention during the pontiff’s critical illness in 2025, when he advocated for continued treatment during a life-threatening medical crisis. His actions reflect the Mercy-centered values of Maria College, which prepares future health care professionals grounded in service and compassion. College officials presented his degree in Rome last October.
Robert, who delivered the commencement address, recently retired after a 33-year career in health care finance serving faith-based organizations. He held senior leadership roles with Sisters of Providence Health System, Catholic Health East, Trinity Health and St. Peter’s Health Partners. He was recognized for mission-driven stewardship and his commitment to mentoring future leaders in Catholic health care.
DeRosa received the McAuley Award for leadership in mission integration, community health and advancing Mercy-centered values across health care and higher education. She is a seasoned healthcare executive and educator who most recently served as regional chief mission officer and vice president for community health and well-being for Trinity Health-New York, supporting St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany and St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse. She has also spent more than four decades teaching healthcare management and accounting, including at Maria College, where she continues to teach and mentor students.
The inaugural Chrysalis Award for teaching excellence was presented to Anne Devlin of the Arts & Sciences Department, recognized through student nominations for excellence in teaching and mentorship.
Following Commencement, Maria College held the Andrea Lewis Siek School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, marking 146 nursing graduates’ transition from student to nurse.
“The Nursing Pinning Ceremony is one of the most meaningful traditions at Maria College,” explained Ortale. “It marks the moment our graduates enter the nursing profession and are prepared to provide compassionate, skilled care to those they serve.”
Pinning ceremonies date back to Florence Nightingale in the late 1800s, when she first presented pins to honor graduating nurses and formally welcome them into the profession.
During the ceremony, Richard Siek presented the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educator to Deborah Pezzolla, an assistant professor in the Skills Lab, recognized for exceptional teaching, clinical guidance, and compassionate support of nursing students.
For more information about Commencement 2026, visit mariacollege.edu/commencement-2026
About Maria College
Founded in 1958, Maria College is a private, co-educational Catholic college in Albany, N.Y., and one of 17 colleges and universities in the United States sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Guided by the Mercy tradition of compassion, service, and respect for the dignity of every person, Maria College provides career-relevant education in healthcare, liberal arts, psychology, public health, and related fields. The college serves more than 860 students through associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs designed to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and community impact. Learn more at MariaCollege.edu.
Photo Caption: Andrea Pokhai of Glenville celebrates earning her RN from Maria College with President Dr. Lynn Ortale after balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and the demands of nursing school. A returning non-traditional student, Pokhai persevered through long commutes, personal challenges, and rigorous clinicals while earning multiple Dean’s List honors and forming lasting friendships that helped carry her through the journey.