Submitted photo
Geisinger School of Nursing associate degree in nursing class of 2026. Front row, left to right, McKennah Bowen, Brianna Hosler, Julianna Hartzler, Kirsten Foose and Bailey Finkenbinder; Second row, Megan Hartzler, Zoe Lower, Grace Yoder, Amber Burdge, Ashlynn Park, Megan Campbell and Dana Englehart; Third row, Gabriella Tuggle, Erin Puissegur, Jessica Fromm, Kyla Swartz, Tamira Lantz and Alyvia Risban; Back row, Ryanna Smith, Madison Leister, Alexis LeFevre, Levi Haubrick, Tai Ematat, Alexander Monroe, Andrew Makanjira and John-Roosevelt Hyppolite.

LEWISTOWN — Geisinger School of Nursing celebrated the graduation of its Associate Degree in Nursing Class of 2026 during a commencement ceremony held May 2 in Lewistown.

Speaking to a standing-room-only crowd, Dr. Julie Byerley, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, told graduates they are entering the profession during a critical time for the nursing workforce.

Byerley referenced Pennsylvania’s ongoing nursing shortage and encouraged graduates to recognize the value of their work.

“At the end of every day, know that healthcare never gives us a day without value or without meaning,” she said.

The ceremony also marked the first commencement address delivered by Lauren Weaver, director of the Geisinger School of Nursing.

Weaver encouraged graduates to focus on the everyday interactions that define nursing care.

“You do not need to change the world all at once to make a difference,” Weaver said. “You change it one interaction at a time.”

Class President Kirsten Foose reflected on the relationships built during the program’s five semesters, describing how classmates evolved from “strangers in a group chat” into “a family of nurses.”

Valedictorian Grace Yoder also emphasized teamwork and personal growth, encouraging classmates to advocate for patients, show kindness and care for themselves throughout their careers.

The keynote address was delivered by Tammy Anderer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s Northwest Region, who urged graduates to “be the best” in their work as nurses, patient advocates and members of their communities.

Anderer highlighted the importance of nurses in rural healthcare systems.

“Nurses are lifelines in rural communities,” she said.

According to Geisinger, approximately 70% of the graduating class has already accepted positions within the Geisinger health system and will continue working in local communities.