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 2024 from the AU College of Nursing. This momentous and distinctive event, held on August 2, 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. Ninety five students graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in Summer 2024, 82 graduated in the Traditional BSN program and 13 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:
Allison Parker 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 Isabelle Lubben, who has demonstrated the qualities that best exemplify professional nursing.
Outstanding Contribution to the College of Nursing Award was presented to Kylie Snyder, who brought recognition to the College of Nursing by active participation in university and community organizations.
Most Supportive Student Award was presented to Asher Tatum. Asher was voted by fellow students as being the most supportive of fellow students.
The Faculty Award was presented to Gabriel Jordan for academic excellence.
The Perseverance Award was presented to Kaitlyn Goodman, who demonstrated perseverance by overcoming limitations or challenging circumstances during her time in nursing school.
The Sigma Award was presented to Anna Fuentes. 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 Gabriel Jordan. 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 Bunny Daly, for academic excellence.
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.
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.
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.
