This year, Dr. Catherine Alicia Georges, professor and Chairperson Emerita of the department of nursing at Lehman College and president of the National Black Nurses Foundation, will present the commencement address. Dr. Georges received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hill, a Master of Arts in Community Health Nursing Administration and Supervision from New York University School of Education, Division of Nursing, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University in Vermont.
Known for her leadership both nationally and internationally, Dr. Georges is recognized for accomplishments in academic nursing, health policy development, community engagement, organizational development, and healthy aging. She has served as a member of health policy boards, health care delivery boards, professional organizations, governmental boards, and as national volunteer president of AARP, the world’s largest consumer organization board of directors. Through her work, she is committed to assuring social justice and equity for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
In addition to her service with AARP, Dr. Georges served as the fifth president (and is a lifetime member) of the National Black Nurses Association and as the current president of the National Black Nurses
Foundation. Dr. Georges is also a fellow of the NY Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Nursing. In 2019, she was named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing. Seton Hall University named her the most distinguished alumna in 2020. In 2021, Dr. Georges was awarded the Lifetime Legacy Achievement Award from the American Academy of Nursing and was elected as Chair of the National Easterseals board. She is the first Black female volunteer to serve in that role. Dr. Georges also serves on the advisory boards of the National Clinician Scholars program and the Bronx Westchester Area Health Education Center.
Dr. Georges will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree prior to offering her commencement address.
