Auburn’s Neville Arena was filled with a sense of pride and anticipation as family members, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate the pinning ceremony for the graduating class of Summer 2025 from the AU College of Nursing. This momentous and distinctive event, held on August 8, marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the soon-to-be nurses.

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.

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. 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.

Dr. Gregg Newschwander, Dean of AU College of Nursing, opened the ceremony reminding graduates of the significance of their chosen profession. “Today, we honor your commitment, compassion, and the countless hours you’ve dedicated to reaching this milestone,” he said.

The highlight of the event was, of course, the pinning itself. One hundred and eleven students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, 88 graduated in the Traditional BSN program and 23 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:

Carson Fike 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 Dean’s Award was presented to Anna Grace Whitehead, who has demonstrated the qualities that best exemplify professional nursing.

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

The Most Supportive Student Award was presented to Carson Fike. 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 Logan Patrick for academic excellence.

The Perseverance Award was presented to Chapel Ann Wetzel, presented to a graduate who has demonstrated perseverance by overcoming limitations or challenging circumstances during their time in nursing school.

The Sigma Award was presented to Tiana Anchrum. 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 Logan Patrick. 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 Elizabeth Myer, for academic excellence.

The morning 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.

The pinning ceremony at the Arena not only marked the end of one journey but the beginning of another. These graduates are now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dedication to make a profound impact on the lives of those they care for.

“Planning the pinning ceremonies is one of my favorite parts of my job,” said Hannah Peacock, student services coordinator. “It offers the unique opportunity for us to individually recognize the post-graduation plans of each of our students and celebrate their successes in a personal and intentional way.”

We congratulate the new graduates on their well-deserved success and wish them good luck in their future endeavors! You are the future of healthcare! Your skills and dedication will touch countless lives.