Auburn’s Neville Arena on May 3 was the venue for a distinctive ceremony when nursing graduates received their pins. While graduation highlights the completion of academic study, the pinning ceremony marks the transition from student to nurse. 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.
One hundred and seven students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in Spring 2024. Nine students who received their bachelor’s degree in nursing were in the RN-BSN program. The diploma is the reward for hard work and dedication declaring that they are now ready to step into the professional world.
The following awards were presented at the ceremony:
The President’s Award was presented to Garrett Cox. Cox was also named Graduation Marshal, an honor given to a graduate who exemplifies outstanding leadership, academic, and professional abilities. Honorees represent AUSON by carrying the gonfalon at the graduation ceremony.
The Dean’s Award was presented to Axel Moreno, who has demonstrated the qualities that best exemplify professional nursing.
Outstanding Contribution to the School of Nursing Award was presented to Tyler Berenguer who brought recognition to the School of Nursing by active participation in university and community organizations.
Most Supportive Student Award was presented to Heather Skidmore. Heather was voted by fellow students as being the most supportive of fellow students.
The Faculty Award was presented to Autumn Sherwood for academic excellence.
The Perseverance Award was presented to Caitlyn McClellan who demonstrated perseverance by overcoming limitations or challenging circumstances during her time in nursing school.
The Sigma Award was presented to Abigail Drahman. 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 Grace Vicinanzo. 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?”
RN-BSN Faculty Award was presented to Paige Clement for academic excellence.
We congratulate the new graduates on their well-deserved success and wish them good luck in their future endeavors!
