SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences Awards Degrees at Commencement Ceremony

Ryan Geib, left, Mercy Southeast Community President, and Eric Ammons, right, Regional President, are shown with the graduating class of the SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrates the newest class of caregivers who will soon be serving patients in health care settings across the region. The college conferred 58 degrees at a commencement ceremony held My 4 in Cape Girardeau.

“Nursing has a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families and entire communities,” said commencement speaker Betty Jo Rocchio, DNP, Mercy senior vice president and chief nursing executive. “Never lose sight of the fact that nursing is about human connections and relationships. In the age of technology and digitization, it is easy to be consumed by tasks, but it is in the moments of human connection with patients, families, colleagues that you will revisit the ‘why’ of your choice to become a nurse.”

Rocchio encouraged graduates to embrace the core values of nursing - compassion, integrity, respect and collaboration.

Steven Langdon, Ed.D, SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing and Health Sciences president, welcomed guests and recognized faculty members. Candidates for associate of applied science in nursing Eric Mahnken and Tina Medlock, also addressed the audience. Rev. Samuel Roethemeyer, Emanuel Church of Christ, Jackson (retired) provided a blessing of the hands.

The college conferred 12 bachelor of sciences nursing degrees;19 associate of applied science in nursing degrees; 10 associate of applied science in radiologic technology degrees; two associate of applied science in surgical technology degrees;13 associate of arts in allied health degrees; and two certificates in medical laboratory science.

Five students were recognized for outstanding academic performance by earning the highest grade point average in their respective programs: Bailey Owens, Jackson, surgical technology; Abigail Brandon, Jackson, medical laboratory science; Heather Gosche, Oran, radiologic technology; Aimee Linares, Jackson, associate of applied science in nursing and Keely Felts, Jackson, bachelor of science in nursing.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Career options include nursing (basic RN, LPN/paramedic to RN, RN to BSN), medical laboratory science, radiologic technology, surgical technology, diagnostic medical sonography and LPN (practical nursing).

Since opening in 1990, the college has prepared more than 1300 students for careers in health care.