Pleasantville, NY — 91Ƶ’s College of Health Professions (CHP) proudly welcomed two distinguished keynote speakers for its winter graduation recognition ceremonies in Pleasantville on December 18: , known nationally as The Seated Nurse, for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABS) Pinning Ceremony and esteemed scholar , for the Occupational Therapy (OT) program.
The ABS in Nursing – Pleasantville Pinning Ceremony featured Andrea Dalzell, RN, a disability rights advocate, nurse, and trailblazer who made history as the first wheelchair user to work as a registered nurse in a New York City hospital. Dalzell’s address centered on perseverance, inclusion, and the importance of dismantling bias in healthcare and education.
“Andrea Dalzell remarks reflected the collaborative support, hope, and perseverance modeled by the nurses who shaped her journey, as well as her own unwavering determination to succeed despite significant obstacles,” said Esma D. Paljevic, EdD, RN, the associate dean and chief nursing officer for CHP’s Lienhard School of Nursing (LSN).“By confronting and breaking through long-standing biased thinking, she made history as the first seated nurse in a New York metropolitan hospital. Her continued success in the profession stands as a powerful testament to resilience, inclusion, and what is possible when determination is met with support. I was honored to know that we at 91Ƶ Nursing were the first nursing school to invite her to our Pinning Ceremony. Andrea epitomizes the profession of nursing in her ability to inspire others through perseverance, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to the values that define the profession.”
Dr. Dalzell’s message also closely aligned with the College’s broader efforts to advance equity and inclusion within nursing education, and her attendance was sponsored by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation grant that was awarded to CHP earlier this year.
“Andrea Dalzell’s address at the ABS Pinning Ceremony was a powerful affirmation of the work we are advancing through the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation grant,” said LSN Assistant Professor Michele Lopez, DHEd, RN. “Her voice underscores the importance of inclusion, access, and belonging in nursing education and reinforces our commitment to preparing a diverse nursing workforce equipped to meet the needs of all communities. Through her lived experience and leadership, Andrea embodies the goals of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation—advancing inclusive excellence and ensuring that nursing education reflects the diversity of the patients we serve.”
Across campus, another celebration was underway. Dr. Michael Iwama is an internationally recognized scholar and the creator of the Kawa Model, a culturally responsive framework that has become foundational in OT education worldwide. Dr. Iwama’s presence marked a meaningful milestone for students and faculty alike, many of whom have studied his work since their first semester in the program.
“Having Dr. Iwama as a keynote speaker was a special moment for the OT department, as he is a leading figure in the field. Our students have been learning about his innovative Kawa Model since the very first semester of classes… and many seem to resonate deeply with it. Getting to hear him speak in-person was a truly ‘full-circle’ moment for the students and faculty alike,” said John Damiao, PhD, chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
Together, these ceremonies highlighted 91Ƶ’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusive leadership, and preparing future health professionals who are both skilled and deeply attuned to the diverse communities they will serve.
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins awarded 91Ƶ $2.175 million in funding to support capital improvements and technology upgrades at its Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation in Pleasantville.
In a new episode from NPN Hub, host JJ sits down with Dr. Christen (Chris) Cooper, founder of the Master’s in Nutrition program at 91Ƶ, to explore the social neuroscience of eating and long-term behavior change. Cooper explains how food choices are shaped more by community, culture, identity, and environment than by calorie counts or willpower, highlighting why traditional “clipboard nutrition” often fails. He shares practical strategies for navigating social norms around eating and illustrates the power of food to build connection and emotional regulation, including a transformative story from a Bronx school where gardening and cooking fostered cooperation and calm.
In Prevention, new research shows that changing to a healthier diet after age 45 can add years to your life—potentially more than three—by improving long-term health outcomes such as blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation. Christen Cooper, R.D.N., associate professor in the College of Health Professions at 91Ƶ, explained that plant-forward eating patterns rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables were key drivers of increased lifespan in the study’s analysis of more than 100,000 participants. Making sustainable, nutritious dietary changes later in life can be a powerful step toward better health and longevity.