Mount Saint Mary College accelerated nursing graduate Julianna Zeidan smiles proudly at the college’s Commencement ceremony. Zeidan was the final graduate in the procession for both the Nurse Pinning ceremony and the main Commencement exercises.
At the very end of a long line of Mount Saint Mary College graduates at the 63rd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 was Nursing major Julianna Zeidan of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Zeidan, who entered the Mount’s accelerated Nursing program after transferring from Dutchess Community College, was the final graduate in the procession at both the Nurse Pinning ceremony on Friday, May 15 and the undergraduate Commencement ceremony. She was one of nearly 400 total graduates, but she didn’t mind being the final name called.
“I’ve been last my whole entire life, so I’m kind of used to it,” Zeidan explained. “It’s a little special. Everybody always pays attention to you because you’re the last one, everybody’s so excited. You get the biggest cheer right at the end. I get to see all my classmates and friends graduate. It’s nice.”
Reflecting on her two years at the Mount, Zeidan noted that while the accelerated track was intensive, it was an incredibly fulfilling journey.
“It has been challenging, but also the most rewarding time of my life,” she shared. “I met great people and I get to do what I love to do every day now, so I’m excited.”
Among her favorite experiences at the college were the enduring bonds formed during long hours of preparation with her peers.
“Standing here right now today is definitely going to be one of my favorite Mount memories,” Zeidan explained. “But also, our late-night study groups in the library and just all of us together, drinking coffee and eating Pizza Shop or Hudson Taco, and studying until 3 a.m. That’s something I’ll take with me forever.”
During her time at the Mount, Zeidan relied on several standout mentors within the School of Nursing, including two who received top honors at this year’s Commencement. She praised Lynette DeBellis, associate professor and Chair of the School of Nursing, who received the 2026 Mount Saint Mary College Faculty Award for her outstanding work with students. Zeidan also highlighted Thomas Powell, Professor of Practice, who was recognized by the student body with the Student Government Association (SGA) Excellence in Teaching Award.
She added, “All my clinical instructors from the start to now have been absolutely amazing and taught me the different lessons along the way as well.”
With graduation in the rearview, Zeidan already has a clear vision for her future nursing career, which is deeply rooted in personal passion and professional history.
“After I successfully pass my NCLEX, I’m going to be entering skilled nursing and long-term care up in Rhinebeck,” Zeidan said. “There’s a nursing home that I’ve worked at for years and years and years and what my heart loves.”
Zeidan is in good shape with the NCLEX, judging by the college’s latest figures: The Mount’s pass rate was 100 percent for first-time test takers in the first quarter of 2026, which is well above both the state and national rates.
As she celebrated her milestone achievement, Zeidan expressed deep gratitude for the network of loved ones who supported her academic journey from start to finish.
“A big shout out to my family, my friends, and my whole support system,” she said. “My mom, my stepdad Eric, my brother, all my uncles, my grandmother, and my grandpa watching me from up above, I know he would be so proud. This is all for them.”