Plaza College welcomed Surgical Technology Cohort 3 for the Winter 2026 semester on the morning of January 5th, 2026 – with students arriving early and eager to begin their orientation experience. The morning kicked off with breakfast and the distribution of acceptance packets, led by Admissions Counselor Ariana Carter and Director of Admissions, Veronica Rattner. This warm welcome gave students a chance to meet their peers and get a glimpse of their academic journey ahead.
Once everyone was settled, Dr. Caroline Callahan, Dean of Enrollment Management, delivered greeting remarks to the new cohort. She expressed enthusiasm for the students’ college experience and the opportunities that lie ahead. She also highlighted ways to make the most of college, noting that research consistently shows students who are actively engaged on campus – joining clubs, volunteering, attending classes, and participating in events – tend to perform better academically.
After her remarks, Director of Student Activities Risa Cohn kicked off a lively round of “Human Bingo,” giving students a fun way to break the ice and start connecting with their classmates. The room buzzed with conversation as students raced to complete their Bingo cards, with the winners walking away with small prizes.
Provost Chad Callahan then offered a warm welcome, expressing his excitement for the incoming cohort and acknowledging both the physical and mental demands of the path ahead. He emphasized the pride that comes with earning a seat in the Surgical Technology program, reminding students that they had worked hard to be there. Echoing Dr. Callahan’s earlier message, he encouraged students to focus on shifting their mindset, noting that success in surgical technology requires full commitment. While the days will be long and the work demanding, he reassured students that the result – a rewarding and meaningful career – would be well worth the effort.
Next, Program Director and Professor of Surgical Technology, Mr. Nicholas Brown took the stage. Director Brown provided an in-depth overview of the Surgical Technology program, outlining departmental policies and procedures, laboratory rules and regulations, and the expectations students will be held to throughout their time in the program. During this session, students also had the chance to meet their Surgical Technology faculty, getting to know the instructors who will guide them through both academic and clinical experiences. The overview offered students a clear understanding of what lies ahead and the standards that will shape their journey in the program.
A highlight of the orientation was hearing from Kaylee Venta, a recent graduate of Surgical Technology Cohort 1. Kaylee candidly shared her experience navigating the rigor of the program, balancing coursework, clinical rotations, and personal responsibilities. She spoke about the perseverance, discipline, and resilience it took to push through challenges, encouraging students to trust the process and remain focused on their goals. Her story showed that staying committed and seeing things through can make even the toughest moments worth it.
Students wrapped up the morning with a celebratory lunch and raffle before diving straight into their first lectures – wasting no time stepping into their new roles as Surgical Technology students. With strong support, clear expectations, and a cohort ready to rise to the challenge, Surgical Technology Cohort 3 is officially scrubbed in and ready for a successful journey ahead.
