The new graduates from the NRI Institute of Health Sciences gather for a group photo.
NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Graduates New Healthcare Professionals STORY BY SHANNON ANASTASIO | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN
The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its most recent commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 1 at the original Wellington Mall. A total of 18 students received associate of science degrees in nursing (ASN) and seven graduated from the diagnostic medical sonography (DSM) program. At the ceremony, Pastor Michael Rose gave the invocation, while State Rep. Anne Gerwig was the guest speaker. Student speakers included Wendy Hernandez and Michelle Mathis of the nursing program, and Jeeline Hillaire of the sonography program.
“When we began this path, many of us were driven by a simple yet profound desire: to make a difference,” Hernandez said. “What we didn’t fully understand then, but surely do now, is just how deeply nursing would change us.” She credited the NRI team and her fellow students with helping her along in the process. “The reason I was able to keep going and push forward was not only because of my stubborn drive to become a nurse, but because of those around me who helped support me,” Hernandez said.
Mathis has worked as a licensed practice nurse (LPN) for more than 20 years and returned to school to become a registered nurse (RN). During her speech, she thanked the many professors at NRI for their support in making her dream possible. “The wonderful staff gave endlessly of their time and support, lectures after lectures, test after test,” she said. She urged her fellow graduates to remember that nursing is a calling. “It’s about serving others with your hands, your heart and your knowledge,” Mathis said. “It’s about listening WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE | July 2025 31