New York City was the site of an exciting multi-state 1199SEIU Training Fund graduation on June 7 that featured Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick as the keynote speaker. Over 35 Massachusetts graduates and their families, union staff, employers, college representatives and Fund staff visited New York to participate in the event.

Governor Patrick congratulated over 850 Fund-sponsored graduates who completed their degrees within the past academic year. He recognized the effort and persistence that is necessary to go to school, work, and tend to the wide variety of other responsibilities in life. The Governor was particularly enthusiastic about the partnerships that have been forged between the Massachusetts Training Fund and community colleges in the Commonwealth.

Harneen Chernow, Massachusetts Fund Director, introduced the two speakers from MA who did a wonderful job sharing their personal and educational journeys. Sheila Pinho, from Cape Cod Hospital, completed her Associate Degree in nursing from Cape Cod Community College; and Sandra Lin, from Steward Quincy Medical Center, completed her Associate Degree in Respiratory Care from Massasoit Community College.

“I was very lucky to be a part of the respiratory therapy program at Massasoit Community College,” Lin said. “Thank you to my family, the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund, 1199SEIU and Steward Quincy Medical Center for your support.”

Sheila Pinho echoed Lin’s appreciation for the fund.



“To Cape Cod Healthcare, 1199SEIU, and the Training Fund - I thank you. Without your support, I and many members would not realize their dreams,” said Pinho.