Submitted Photo Pictured left to right: Steve Kilburn, chair, UPMC Chautauqua board of directors, Kyle C. Jordan, coordinator, Medical Laboratory Science Program, Class of 2018 graduates, Maame-Esi Aggrey, Abbey Basford, Stephanie Bress, Emily Dillenburg, Amanda Ledgerwood, Zacheriah Roberts, Michele G. Harms, program director.

JAMESTOWN — UPMC Chautauqua hospital and school leadership, family, and friends gathered at the UPMC Chautauqua Auditorium to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2018 graduates during the 36th Commencement Exercises of the UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program.

Steven Kilburn, chair UPMC Chautauqua board of directors, and Kyle C. Jordan, MLS(ASCP), coordinator, Medical Laboratory Science Program, presented the students with their Certificate of Completion and class pins. The Class of 2018 graduates are: Maame-Esi Aggrey, SUNY Brockport; Abbey Basford, SUNY Fredonia; Stephanie Bress, SUNY Fredonia; Emily Dillenburg, SUNY Fredonia; Amanda Ledgerwood, Kent State University; and, Zacheriah Roberts, Clarion University of PA.

Graduation exercises included a congratulatory message from program director, Michele G. Harms, MS, MLS(ASCP). The class presented a “Year In Retrospect” – a collection of photos taken during the program year.

“I know you will each succeed and excel to wherever you want your dreams to take you,” said Harms. “You know what it takes. Don’t settle for being just ‘okay,’ don’t wait for someone else to lead you – be the leader, and be the mover – because each of you has potential far beyond what you have reached today.”

The invocation was given by Reverend Donald Ray, retired UPMC Chautauqua chaplain. Jordan recognized the faculty for their dedication to the Class of 2018 and passed along some words of wisdom to the graduates.

At the close of the graduation exercises, graduates and their families and guests were invited to tour the hospital’s Clinical Laboratory.

About the UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program

The UPMC Chautauqua Medical Laboratory Science Program is an accredited, 45-week, preceptorship offering intensive study and experience in clinical laboratory science as the final year of a Bachelor’s degree. The classroom-based and hands-on clinical education is designed to develop a responsible and competent laboratory professional who will be prepared to pass national and state examinations to seek employment as a key member of the medical diagnostic team as a medical technologist/medical laboratory scientist.

To apply to the program, visit the hospital’s website at UPMCChautauqua.org.