Pinning Ceremony Recognizes 天涯海角社区 Nursing Graduates
May 2, 2025
The Nurses Pinning Ceremony for 2025 celebrated the graduation of students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Associate in Science in Nursing (A.S.N.), and Practical Nursing (PN) programs. The ceremony was held May 1 on the Northwest Campus Gymnasium.
In nursing tradition, the graduates received a pin to symbolize completion of the programs and the hard work and sacrifice needed to succeed. Many of the graduates will enter the workforce while others plan to continue their educations.
The graduates heard from several speakers representing the class of 2025.
B.S.N. graduate Jelani Young pledged to be the kind of nurse that makes patients ask, 鈥淐an you please be my nurse tomorrow?鈥�
Keegan Justin Jones, A.S.N. graduate and president of the Nursing Student Association, thanked the faculty for pushing them to be the best they could be. 鈥淲e stand here not just as graduates, but as future nurses ready to serve and become leaders and healers in our community.鈥�
Jessica Chausse, who participated in the ANEW evenings and weekends nursing program, said she began the program when her son was four months old.
鈥淚t was challenging to learn how to be a nurse while I was also learning to be a parent,鈥� she said. Chausse, who also works full time, noted that, although difficult, her journey wasn鈥檛 unique and applauded every student who balanced school with family and work responsibilities, complimenting their determination.
Practical Nursing graduate Edward Spencer encouraged his fellow graduates to not 鈥渢ake this moment for granted.鈥�
Wherever their professions take them, he said, 鈥淏e the light that shines at the end of the end of the tunnel for each one of your patients.鈥�
He closed by quipping that, thanks to 天涯海角社区鈥檚 Nursing program, patients will be in 鈥渂etter hands鈥� than Allstate.
Awards for academic excellence, clinical research and leadership were also presented:
- B.S.N. Excellence and Leadership and Clinical Research Award: Samantha Dunkelberger
- Carolyn Long Excellence Awards: Janelle Phaneuf and Eliza Darira Cabrera Muniz
- ANEW Academic Excellence Award: Jessica Chausse
- ANEW Clinical Award: Ashley Rickles
- Laure Frank Academic and Clinical Excellence Award: Nicole Brandenburg
- Nursing Student Association Officer Awards: Keegan Justin Jones, Lindsay Carnes, Gianna Falbo, Joan Cherisme, Vanessa Moseley
Congratulations Class of 2025!
