Auburn’s Neville Arena was filled with a palpable sense of pride and anticipation as family members, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate the pinning ceremony for the graduating class of Spring 2025 from the AU College of Nursing. This momentous and distinctive event, held on May 9, marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the soon-to-be nurses.

Pinning is unlike any graduation ceremony because it honors nursing graduates who will work in a career where they will have to be selfless for the good of many others. This exciting time in a college student’s life comes around every four or five years! It is a memorable event, accompanied by the delight that comes from accomplishing a goal that students set for themselves when they started the program. The certificate is the reward for hard work and dedication, declaring that they are now ready to step into the professional world.

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the nursing profession, symbolizing the transition from student to professional nurse. Originating from the days of Florence Nightingale, the pinning ceremony has become a rite of passage, steeped in symbolism and history.

Dr. Gregg Newschwander, Dean of AU College of Nursing, opened the ceremony with an inspiring speech, reminding graduates of the significance of their chosen profession. “Nursing is not just a career, but a calling,” he said. “Today, we honor your commitment, compassion, and the countless hours you’ve dedicated to reaching this milestone.”

As the ceremony progressed, the auditorium echoed with applause and cheers. The highlight of the event was, of course, the pinning itself. One hundred and fifteen students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in Spring 2025, 94 graduated in the Traditional BSN program and 21 were concurrent/RN to BSN program. Graduates stepped forward, one by one, to receive their pins from Dr. Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs. Each pin, a symbol of their perseverance and achievement, was carefully placed on their uniforms, marking their official entry into the nursing profession.

The following awards were presented at the ceremony:

Nora Heeney was named Graduation Marshal, an honor given to a graduate who exemplifies outstanding leadership, academic, and professional abilities. Honorees represent AUCON by carrying the gonfalon at the graduation ceremony.

The President’s Award was presented to Anna Donegan. The President’s Award is designed to recognize the outstanding graduate in each school or college who has completed at least three semesters at Auburn University with a minimum scholastic average of 3.40, including the transfer record, and who exhibits outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability.

The Dean’s Award was presented to Emma Chumley, who has demonstrated the qualities that best exemplify professional nursing.

The Outstanding Contribution to the College of Nursing Award was presented to Olivia Holland, who brought recognition to the College of Nursing by active participation in university and community organizations.

The Most Supportive Student Award was presented to Nora Heeney. This award goes to a student who was nominated by their fellow students for being a positive influence throughout their time in the upper division.

The Faculty Award was presented to Kenley Garner for academic excellence.

The Perseverance Award was presented to Brennen Smith, who demonstrated perseverance by maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA while working during his final academic year.

The Sigma Award was presented to Leticia Raymundi Pinheiro. The award is given to a student who is a member of the National Nursing Honor Society, Sigma. Award recipients have shown their dedication to the Sigma organization and displayed academic, professional and social excellence.

The "Nurse of Nurses" Annual Award was presented to Leticia Raymundi Pinheiro. The student is selected by peers based on the student’s nursing skills, confidence with these skills, and their leadership qualities. The nursing students when voting for the recipient of this award consider the question: “If I were a patient, who in my class would I want to be the nurse caring for me?”

The RN-BSN Faculty Award was presented to Sandriata Valentin, for academic excellence.

Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award was presented to Dr. Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs. The award, presented annually, serves to recognize a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in teaching, research, outreach, and service.

The Distinguished Alumna Award was presented to Dare Underwood Meeks. The award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding alumnus in awarding the Distinguished Alumni Award. These individuals have performed at the highest levels of their profession and have made valuable contributions to the advancement of healthcare.

The afternoon ended with a sense of joy and accomplishment, as graduates celebrated with their families at the College, and looked forward to the next chapter of their journey. With their pins proudly displayed, these new nurses are ready to make a difference in the world of healthcare.