25 nursing home residents earned certificates of completion from Gouverneur University
New York, NY: Joining graduation season, the NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur skilled nursing facility celebrated its inaugural class graduation of Gouverneur University, the in-house resident education program launched in October 2025. This program was designed to enrich the lives of both short-term and long-term residents, fostering intellectual stimulation and lifelong engagement through monthly classes on art, fashion, history, and New York City film and media. Twenty-five nursing home residents earned certificates of completion from Gouverneur University as part of its inaugural class.
The ceremony included a traditional graduation march with pomp and circumstance, caps, lanyards, music, and certificates of completion. The keynote address was delivered by Community School District 1 Superintendent Dr. Carry Chan-Howard, along with special remarks from NYC Council Member Christopher Marte. Valedictorian Wendy Lau and Resident Representative Robert Josen also shared their experiences participating in the program and overall living at Gouverneur.
“The residents embraced this new program with enthusiasm, and all were proud to participate in the Graduation. It was a wonderful event for the graduation season,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Chief Executive Officer Susan Sales, MPA, FACHE, LNHA.
“As we continue on the path of recovery, I hope to see even more opportunities for interpersonal connection through activities, concerts, outings, lectures, and special events that enrich our lives and strengthen our community,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Resident Representative Robert Josen. “I am especially grateful to the rehabilitation teams, to whom I owe tremendous gratitude for helping me recover from a debilitating stroke.”
.jpg)
NYC Department of Education Community School District 1 Superintendent Dr. Carry Chan-Howard offers keynote address at Gouverneur resident graduation ceremony (Photo courtesy: NYC Health+Hospitals)
“Lifelong learning at Gouverneur keeps the mind engaged and each day meaningful. How wonderful it was for our residents to learn together all year and celebrate their accomplishments with family members,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Deputy Executive Director Sunni Silver, MPA, LNHA.
The educational program, Gouverneur University, launched with a Q&A panel discussion with Gouverneur CEO Susan Sales and other guests, entitled “Reaching Your Finish Line – Setting Goals and Making Them Happen” with a focus on reflections of life experience, impact and legacy, wisdom and lessons, celebration and looking forward. The program will expand its curriculum to include facilitators from partners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In collaboration with Gouverneur residents, class topics including music and the arts are already being finalized for the upcoming Fall semester.
Residents who participate in continuing education programs and activities experience long-term health benefits that support memory, critical thinking, cognitive stimulation and executive function, while decreasing the overall sense of isolation often experienced in nursing homes.
.jpg)
Gouverneur resident receives certificate of completion, and special citation from NYC Council Member Christopher Marte (Photo courtesy: NYC Health+Hospitals)
“Gouverneur has always been more than a health care facility. It is a community where residents deserve joy, connection, and opportunities to keep learning at every stage of life,” said Council Member Christopher Marte. “I was proud to celebrate the first graduating class of Gouverneur University and recognize 25 residents whose curiosity and commitment remind us that education does not end at any age. Congratulations to the graduates, the staff, and everyone who made this program possible.”
“Congratulations to our first cohort of nursing home resident graduates who successfully completed the ‘Gouverneur University’ educational program. Never stop learning, growing, and pursuing all that brings you joy,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Gouverneur Community Advisory Board Chair Pauline Lock.
