Upcoming Events
Thursday October 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm
The 'Addicted' Brain: Navigating the System with Dr. Laura Leahy
CNY Biotech Accelerator - 841 E. Fayette Street, Syracuse
Join the Upstate Foundation on October 2, 2025, for an evening program titled "The 'Addicted' Brain: Navigating the System." This hybrid event, available both in person at the CNY Biotech Accelerator, and virtually, will feature a presentation by Dr. Laura G. Leahy, a Board Certified Psychiatric and Addictions Advanced Practice Nurse. Dr. Leahy will provide an overview of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and discuss strategies for healthcare professionals, patients, and families to navigate the healthcare system. The presentation will frame SUDs as chronic, relapsing illnesses that, despite the stigma in our country, are treatable.
The program agenda includes a conversation with MaryBeth Dunnewold, the founder of the Julia E. Oyer Addiction Education Fund, and a panel discussion with hospital and community providers. This event is designed to offer attendees a deeper understanding of how to obtain the assistance required for recovery and lead healthy lives. Registration is required to attend this important event.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Laura G. Leahy, DrNP, APRN, PMH-CNS/FNP, CARN-AP, FAANP, FAAN is a Board Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatric & Addictions Advanced Practice Nurse with over 30 years of clinical and teaching experience. She is the founder of APN Solutions, LLC, a private practice in Southern New Jersey, and serves as an Advanced Senior Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Leahy specializes in psychopharmacology, substance use disorders, and integrative, patient-centered therapies across the lifespan.
The Julia E. Oyer Addiction Education Fund was established in memory of Julia E. Oyer to help educate patients, families, and healthcare professionals about addiction. The fund's purpose is to change the narrative around addiction, emphasizing that it is not a moral failing but a treatable, chronic medical disease.
Julia, a brilliant young woman with a passion for healthcare, tragically passed away at age 29 due to complications from alcohol withdrawal. Her family created this fund to honor her and prevent others from experiencing a similar loss. The fund aims to provide resources and financial support to ensure that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is addressed as a root cause of illness and that patients and their families receive the necessary support to navigate the healthcare system and begin their journey to recovery.
Thursday October 9, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Prime Your Brain: Using Neuromodulation to Drive Neuroplacsticity in Rehabilitation
Join us at the Collegiate Hotel and Suites for an early evening of connection and conversation. Each event in the Emerging Trends in Health Care series features a short, engaging talk on a timely topic, followed by informal networking with fellow health care professionals.
In this session, presenters Bokkyu Kim, PhD, PT and Yi-Ling Kuo, PhD, PT will explore how non-invasive brain stimulation is shaping the future of rehabilitation, introducing cutting-edge research and real-world applications of neuromodulation in brain injury and chronic pain, and how these tools may personalize and improve physical therapy outcomes.
Food and drinks will be available, with one complimentary drink ticket provided at the door. There is no cost to attend, but pre-registration is required.
Emerging Trends in Health Care is a meetup-style lecture series designed to bring alumni, students, and faculty together to exchange ideas, spark dialogue, and explore innovations shaping the future of health care.
Recent Alumni Events
2025 White Coat and Scholarship Awards Ceremony
August 23, 2025 - Syracuse, NY - The Upstate College of Nursing proudly hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Onondaga County Civic Center. This meaningful event celebrated approximately 60 students as they marked an important milestone in their nursing education and professional journeys.
The ceremony brought together students, faculty, alumni, and families in recognition of the dedication and compassion that define the nursing profession. A highlight of the evening was the symbolic presentation of white coats, signifying each student’s commitment to patient care, ethical practice, and professional integrity.
Dr. Mantosh Dewan, President of Upstate Medical University, addressed the students with words of encouragement and inspiration as they embark on this next step in their careers. His message reinforced the profound impact that nurses have on patients, families, and communities.
Congratulations to all of our students who participated in this year’s White Coat Ceremony. The Upstate College of Nursing Alumni Association is proud to celebrate your achievements and looks forward to supporting your continued growth and success in the field of nursing.
WHITE COAT ROCK HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES!
SPINAL CHORDS ARE PROOF THAT DOCS CAN ROCK.
May 15, 2025 - If you weren’t at Funk ’n Waffles on May 15th, you definitely missed something special.
White Coat Rock, a first-of-its-kind benefit concert hosted by the Upstate Nursing and College of Health Professions Alumni Associations, brought the house down with live music, Upstate pride, and serious support for student scholarships. The event sold out in advance and filled the iconic Syracuse venue with energy, laughter, and a crowd that was ready to cheer for their favorite healthcare rock stars.
The show kicked off with Spinal Chords, a high-voltage band made up of Upstate faculty, staff, and students. The crowd couldn’t get enough of powerhouse vocalist Olivia Laniak, a medical student who brought both talent and stage presence to every song. She was joined by a stacked lineup of Upstate talent: medical students Jian Li on keyboards and Humza Khan on guitar, Shaun Sergott from Neurology on guitar, Dr. Mike Vertino (Department of Neurology) on bass, and on drums—none other than Dr. Larry Chin, Chair of Neurosurgery and Dean of the College of Medicine.
Local favorite, Jam Theory, followed and rocked us into the night with a setlist that kept the crowd on its feet until the final note.
The night was more than just a good time - it was a meaningful celebration of our Upstate community and a powerful way to give back. All proceeds from the concert support scholarship and other initiatives benefitting the College of Nursing and College of Health Professions.
Photos from White Coat Rock courtesy of B. Fitz Photograpy
Find them on Facebook and Instagram @B.Fitz.Photography
COLLEGE OF NURSING DEAN'S RECEPTION 2025
COLLEGE OF NURSING CELEBRATES GRADUATES AT ANNUAL DEAN’S RECEPTION
May 3, 2025 - The College of Nursing held its annual Dean’s Reception at SKY Armory in downtown Syracuse to honor graduating students on the eve of commencement. This year, 42 students were celebrated for completing their nursing degrees. The program included congratulatory remarks from Dean Tammy Austin-Ketch, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, along with student addresses, residency certificate presentations, and the announcement of the 2025 Student Marshal. A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of this year’s DAISY Award recipients, introduced by Caitlin Nye, PhD, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CHSE.
The Upstate Nursing Alumni Association was proud to support this special milestone, continuing its commitment to fostering community and celebrating academic achievement. The event provided an opportunity for faculty, alumni, and students to connect in a meaningful way and marked the transition from student to professional for the next generation of nurse leaders. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
See more photos <Link coming soon>
DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE POSTER SHOWCASE
CELEBRATING DNP STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2025 POSTER SHOWCASE
Congratulations to our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students on a successful 2025 DNP Poster Showcase! Held on March 25, 2025, this event highlighted the incredible work of our students as they presented their final scholarly projects - evidence-based initiatives designed to address real-world healthcare challenges and improve patient care.
The evening began with welcome remarks from Dr. Suzanne Sullivan and Dr. Lori-Jeanne West, followed by compelling presentations from DNP students Kayla Butler and Jayne Vamvakias. Their projects exemplified the DNP program’s focus on translating research into clinical practice, showcasing innovative approaches to improving healthcare outcomes.
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Aisha Lubega, Dr. Kristen Soper, Dr. Sheri Stone, and Dr. Caitlin Tomko provided further insight into the impact of evidence-based practice in nursing. Dean Tammy Austin-Ketch, commended the students for their dedication and contributions to the future of nursing.
The event continued with a poster session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with students about their projects, which covered a wide range of topics aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery.
Congratulations to all our DNP students on this major milestone!
See more photos here
2024 College of Nursing White Coat and Schoalrship Awards Ceremony
October 16, 2024 - The Upstate College of Nursing proudly hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony and Scholarship Awards, a meaningful event celebrating both new and continuing students as they commit to advancing their nursing education. This year’s ceremony recognized students at different stages of their nursing journeys, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.
With generous sponsorship from Family Care Medical Group, the event brought together students, faculty, alumni, and supporters in celebration of the nursing profession. Special thanks to Family Care Medical Group for their invaluable support, which helped make this impactful evening possible.
Among the distinguished speakers was David Cadet, RN, who shared a powerful story of resilience and growth following a life-changing accident. His journey of experiencing patient care from "the other side of the bed" inspired students to reflect on the compassion and empathy that define great nursing. His message was a moving reminder of the profound impact nurses have on patients' lives—and on each other.
Dr. Mantosh Dewan, President of Upstate Medical University, also spoke, offering words of wisdom and encouragement as students embark on their next steps in the field. A central moment of the ceremony was the symbolic presentation of white coats, signifying each student's dedication to ethical practice and patient care.
In addition to the white coat presentations, scholarship recipients were honored with certificates, acknowledging their dedication to excellence in nursing. Congratulations to all our students and scholarship recipients—your commitment to patient-centered care, integrity, and growth is an inspiration to us all. The Upstate College of Nursing Alumni Association is proud to support your journey and looks forward to all you will accomplish.
Thanks again to our event sponsor Family Care Medical Group.