Commencement 2026 - Maria College
Source: http://www.mariacollege.edu/commencement-2026
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:21
Commencement 2026 - Maria College
Home
Commencement 2026
Please join us at Maria College’s 64th Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026
.
Although Commencement marks the end of the student’s academic journey, the word itself means “beginning.” In this case, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of our graduates’ lives as they move on to the next phase of their careers or further academic pursuits. During the ceremony, graduates are recognized and honored for their academic achievements.
Date:
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time:
10:30am
Location:
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC Amphitheater)
Parking:
Route 50 Lot (Main Parking Lot): 400 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Prohibited Items:
Please refer to
SPAC Ground Rules.
Livestream:
The livestream will begin at 10:00am on Sunday, May 17.
Class of 2026 Giving
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER,
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS AND MCAULEY AWARD WINNER
Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient: Thomas W. Robert
Thomas “Tom” Robert recently retired after a distinguished 33-year career as a healthcare financial executive, serving faith-based organizations throughout his professional life and helping carry forward the legacy of women religious and their ministries.
He began his career with Sisters of Providence Health System in Springfield, Massachusetts, serving from 1992 to 2016 while it was a stand-alone system, and continued through its transitions under Catholic Health East and later Trinity Health. From 2016 to 2025, he served St. Peter’s Health Partners under Trinity Health. Over the course of his career, he held a variety of senior finance leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Trinity Health East Service Area Chief Financial Officer.
In these roles, Tom helped guide organizations through the ongoing challenge of balancing mission and margin, ensuring strong stewardship of resources in support of compassionate care, strategic growth, and long-term sustainability. Inspired early in his career by his interactions with the Sisters of Providence, he was drawn to carrying forward the legacy of women religious and the ministries they built. He also became known as a thoughtful and supportive leader who took pride in mentoring colleagues and helping develop future leaders in Catholic healthcare.
Tom continues his commitment to service through board leadership as a current member of the boards of Maria College and Western New England University, and as a former board member of the Innovative Health Alliance of New York and the Alliance for Better Health.
He earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Finance and his MBA from Western New England University. Tom and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of two adult sons.
Honorary Degree Recipient: Massimiliano Strappetti
Maria College has awarded an honorary degree to
Massimiliano Strappetti
, nurse to His Holiness Pope Francis, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to patient advocacy, clinical excellence, and compassionate care — values central to the college’s mission and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.
College President Dr. Lynn Ortale, accompanied by Vicki DiLorenzo, vice president for institutional advancement, presented the degree during a visit to Rome, Italy, last week.
Ortale said Maria College honored Strappetti not only for his skillful care, but also for his
courageous advocacy
during a critical moment in Pope Francis’ illness. In early 2025, the Pope was hospitalized with pneumonia and faced four life-threatening breathing crises. On Feb. 28, doctors had to decide whether to stop treatment or continue with risky, aggressive care. Strappetti urged the team to “try everything, don’t give up.” Thanks to his advocacy, the Pope recovered enough to leave the hospital in late March, return to the Vatican, and join Easter celebrations one last time.
“Mr. Strappetti embodies everything we teach and believe at Maria College,” said Dr. Ortale, noting the hooding took place outside the Vatican. “He didn’t just care for the Pope with skill. He stood up for him when it mattered most. His voice and presence made a real difference in one person’s life, and that’s exactly what we ask of our students as nurses and as human beings.
“That moment captured the spirit of what we mean by ‘Mercy in action,’” she added. “It was more than clinical care. It was a profound belief that every person deserves dignity, hope, and a chance.”
Strappetti began his nursing career in 1991 at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, working first in the hematology and bone marrow transplant department. After three years, he moved to the intensive care unit and became an instructor in life support, trauma care, and disaster medicine. When Pope John Paul II was hospitalized there, Strappetti was assigned to care for him, which led to his transfer to the Vatican. He then served Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, becoming the first nurse in Vatican history appointed to lead a medical team.
“I’m very proud to have received this honor, especially from such an important school — one that feels very close to me and to everyone who dedicates themselves to caring for others,” said Strappetti through a translator. “I accept this recognition not just for myself, but for all nurses who work tirelessly in hospitals and beyond.”
“Mr. Strappetti’s dedication to compassionate care exemplifies the highest ideals of service in healthcare,” added
Dr. Jessica McNally
, chair of nursing and director of clinical experiences at Maria College. “We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions to nursing, inspiring our students to lead with empathy and integrity.”
“Honoring Mr. Strappetti is about reminding our students and community what it means to serve with both hands and heart,” Dr. Ortale concluded. “He models the kind of healthcare professional we strive to develop.”
The McAuley Award Honoree: Katherine DeRosa
Katherine (Kathy) Derosa is a seasoned healthcare executive with over three decades of leadership experience in mission integration, community health, governance, and education. Recently retired as the Regional Chief Mission Officer and Vice President of Community Health and Well Being for Trinity Health – New York, she supported both St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany and St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse. In this role, she worked closely with executive leadership to embed Catholic healthcare values into organizational culture, strategy, and operations.
Her portfolio includes oversight of Spiritual Care, Ethics, and Catholic Identity Formation, as well as serving as a key liaison to the Church and civic communities. She led initiatives that addressed social determinants of health and promoted health equity through community-based partnerships and policy advocacy. She also supported and aligned departments with mission-driven goals that helped create colleague care and satisfaction.
A dedicated educator, she has taught accounting and healthcare management for over four decades at institutions including Hudson Valley Community College, Columbia Green and Maria College. In her retirement year she continues to teach college at all 3 institutions. She maintains a strong relationship with the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Maria College which she credits both with the establishment of her strong career.
She holds degrees from Maria College and The College of Saint Rose, including a B.S. in Business Education and an M.S. in Management, along with advanced coursework in accounting, diversity, equity, inclusion, and spiritual care.
Her community involvement is extensive. She was chair of the board of Healthy Capital District and board member of the Regional Food Bank of New York. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Catholic School Diocesan Board. Kathy is also active in interfaith and healthcare associations and has served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Peter’s Health Partners. She recently was recognized by Interfaith Alliance of NY for her extensive work with the interfaith population of the Capital Regon.
Kathy and her family are life-long residents of the Capital Region. She currently lives with her husband, John, in Loudonville and happily spends time with 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren.
There are no upcoming events.
©2026 Maria College
Home
Commencement 2026
Please join us at Maria College’s 64th Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026
.
Although Commencement marks the end of the student’s academic journey, the word itself means “beginning.” In this case, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of our graduates’ lives as they move on to the next phase of their careers or further academic pursuits. During the ceremony, graduates are recognized and honored for their academic achievements.
Date:
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time:
10:30am
Location:
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC Amphitheater)
Parking:
Route 50 Lot (Main Parking Lot): 400 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Prohibited Items:
Please refer to
SPAC Ground Rules.
Livestream:
The livestream will begin at 10:00am on Sunday, May 17.
Class of 2026 Giving
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER,
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS AND MCAULEY AWARD WINNER
Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient: Thomas W. Robert
Thomas “Tom” Robert recently retired after a distinguished 33-year career as a healthcare financial executive, serving faith-based organizations throughout his professional life and helping carry forward the legacy of women religious and their ministries.
He began his career with Sisters of Providence Health System in Springfield, Massachusetts, serving from 1992 to 2016 while it was a stand-alone system, and continued through its transitions under Catholic Health East and later Trinity Health. From 2016 to 2025, he served St. Peter’s Health Partners under Trinity Health. Over the course of his career, he held a variety of senior finance leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Trinity Health East Service Area Chief Financial Officer.
In these roles, Tom helped guide organizations through the ongoing challenge of balancing mission and margin, ensuring strong stewardship of resources in support of compassionate care, strategic growth, and long-term sustainability. Inspired early in his career by his interactions with the Sisters of Providence, he was drawn to carrying forward the legacy of women religious and the ministries they built. He also became known as a thoughtful and supportive leader who took pride in mentoring colleagues and helping develop future leaders in Catholic healthcare.
Tom continues his commitment to service through board leadership as a current member of the boards of Maria College and Western New England University, and as a former board member of the Innovative Health Alliance of New York and the Alliance for Better Health.
He earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Finance and his MBA from Western New England University. Tom and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 38 years and are the proud parents of two adult sons.
Honorary Degree Recipient: Massimiliano Strappetti
Maria College has awarded an honorary degree to
Massimiliano Strappetti
, nurse to His Holiness Pope Francis, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to patient advocacy, clinical excellence, and compassionate care — values central to the college’s mission and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy.
College President Dr. Lynn Ortale, accompanied by Vicki DiLorenzo, vice president for institutional advancement, presented the degree during a visit to Rome, Italy, last week.
Ortale said Maria College honored Strappetti not only for his skillful care, but also for his
courageous advocacy
during a critical moment in Pope Francis’ illness. In early 2025, the Pope was hospitalized with pneumonia and faced four life-threatening breathing crises. On Feb. 28, doctors had to decide whether to stop treatment or continue with risky, aggressive care. Strappetti urged the team to “try everything, don’t give up.” Thanks to his advocacy, the Pope recovered enough to leave the hospital in late March, return to the Vatican, and join Easter celebrations one last time.
“Mr. Strappetti embodies everything we teach and believe at Maria College,” said Dr. Ortale, noting the hooding took place outside the Vatican. “He didn’t just care for the Pope with skill. He stood up for him when it mattered most. His voice and presence made a real difference in one person’s life, and that’s exactly what we ask of our students as nurses and as human beings.
“That moment captured the spirit of what we mean by ‘Mercy in action,’” she added. “It was more than clinical care. It was a profound belief that every person deserves dignity, hope, and a chance.”
Strappetti began his nursing career in 1991 at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Hospital, working first in the hematology and bone marrow transplant department. After three years, he moved to the intensive care unit and became an instructor in life support, trauma care, and disaster medicine. When Pope John Paul II was hospitalized there, Strappetti was assigned to care for him, which led to his transfer to the Vatican. He then served Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, becoming the first nurse in Vatican history appointed to lead a medical team.
“I’m very proud to have received this honor, especially from such an important school — one that feels very close to me and to everyone who dedicates themselves to caring for others,” said Strappetti through a translator. “I accept this recognition not just for myself, but for all nurses who work tirelessly in hospitals and beyond.”
“Mr. Strappetti’s dedication to compassionate care exemplifies the highest ideals of service in healthcare,” added
Dr. Jessica McNally
, chair of nursing and director of clinical experiences at Maria College. “We are honored to recognize his extraordinary contributions to nursing, inspiring our students to lead with empathy and integrity.”
“Honoring Mr. Strappetti is about reminding our students and community what it means to serve with both hands and heart,” Dr. Ortale concluded. “He models the kind of healthcare professional we strive to develop.”
The McAuley Award Honoree: Katherine DeRosa
Katherine (Kathy) Derosa is a seasoned healthcare executive with over three decades of leadership experience in mission integration, community health, governance, and education. Recently retired as the Regional Chief Mission Officer and Vice President of Community Health and Well Being for Trinity Health – New York, she supported both St. Peter’s Health Partners in Albany and St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse. In this role, she worked closely with executive leadership to embed Catholic healthcare values into organizational culture, strategy, and operations.
Her portfolio includes oversight of Spiritual Care, Ethics, and Catholic Identity Formation, as well as serving as a key liaison to the Church and civic communities. She led initiatives that addressed social determinants of health and promoted health equity through community-based partnerships and policy advocacy. She also supported and aligned departments with mission-driven goals that helped create colleague care and satisfaction.
A dedicated educator, she has taught accounting and healthcare management for over four decades at institutions including Hudson Valley Community College, Columbia Green and Maria College. In her retirement year she continues to teach college at all 3 institutions. She maintains a strong relationship with the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Maria College which she credits both with the establishment of her strong career.
She holds degrees from Maria College and The College of Saint Rose, including a B.S. in Business Education and an M.S. in Management, along with advanced coursework in accounting, diversity, equity, inclusion, and spiritual care.
Her community involvement is extensive. She was chair of the board of Healthy Capital District and board member of the Regional Food Bank of New York. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Catholic School Diocesan Board. Kathy is also active in interfaith and healthcare associations and has served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Peter’s Health Partners. She recently was recognized by Interfaith Alliance of NY for her extensive work with the interfaith population of the Capital Regon.
Kathy and her family are life-long residents of the Capital Region. She currently lives with her husband, John, in Loudonville and happily spends time with 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren.
There are no upcoming events.
©2026 Maria College