Newman University recognized 24 candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree during the spring 2019 Nursing Pinning Ceremony held May 10 in De Mattias Performance Hall.
The traditional formal event allows for nursing candidates to receive their Newman University nursing pins, recognizing completion of the baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) program.
The Newman pin is unique to the university and was designed by the first graduating BSN class in 1984 at what was then Kansas Newman College. The pinning ceremony dates back more than 130 years in the United States.
President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., addressed the candidates and their families and friends before the pinning took place.
Carrocci was excited to see her 31st nursing pinning in her career, she said.
“Every class is unique,” said Carrocci as she congratulated the students. “Every class has its own personality. It’s always fun to get just a glimpse of what you’ve been through and what you’ve accomplished.”
The ceremony also included the naming of the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award.
The award is given to a graduating nursing student who has a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the nursing profession and involvement in the Newman and greater Wichita communities.
The spring 2019 award was bestowed upon Khoi Nguyen of Hutchinson, Kansas.
Nguyen has served in many capacities during her time at Newman. She has been a student ambassador, a Traditions and Transitions facilitator, treasurer for the Multicultural Leadership Organization, a member of the Honors Council, a peer tutor and an awardee of the St. Catherine’s Medal, which is awarded for academic excellence.
While doing all of this, Khoi completed an internship with the Partnership for Global Justice and traveled to Liberia with sisters from the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the death of the Five Martyrs of Charity.
Khoi will start her nursing career in the coronary intensive care unit at Wesley Medical Center. She said her goal is to eventually attend medical school and become a family practitioner focusing on women’s health.
“Learning is an important part of nursing and I want to carry the spirit of learning throughout my career,” said Nguyen. “I’m definitely very happy and very honored to be receiving this award. I’m proud of the journey I have gone through and of who I have become.”
front row: Angela de Souza, Brooke Cooper, Lakyn Anders, Suzanne Mies, Mollie Richmeier and Kali Rahman. middle row: Ashley Cole, Kyndal Dutton, Rebecca Schmeidler, Jenny Nguyen, Kelsey Smarsh, MaCray Bugner and Abbie Scott. back row: Nicole Beck, Alyssa Lyman, Kristina Enslinger, Karlye Cocking, Wade Winter, Margaret “Maggie” Lallement, Nicole Miller and Demi Ames.
The Newman University BSN candidates for spring 2019 are:
*Indicates Sigma Theta Tau inductee
*Indicates RN to BSN Program
Demi Ames, Arkansas City, Kansas
Lakyn Anders, El Dorado, Kansas
*Nicole Beck, Wichita, Kansas
MaCray Bugner, Andale, Kansas
Karlye Cocking, Andale, Kansas
*Ashley Cole, Wichita, Kansas
Brooke Cooper, Wichita, Kansas
*Angela de Souza, Wichita, Kansas
Kyndal Dutton, Winfield, Kansas
Kristina Enslinger, Wichita, Kansas
Sylvia Gonzalez, Wichita, Kansas
Margaret Lallement, Goddard, Kansas
Alyssa Lyman, Wichita, Kansas
Suzanne Mies, Colwich, Kansas
Nicole Miller, Winfield, Kansas
Jenny Nguyen, Wichita, Kansas
Khoi Nguyen, Hutchinson, Kansas
**Whitni Noyes, Andover, Kansas
Kali Rahman, Wichita, Kansas
Mollie Richmeier, Wichita, Kansas
Rebecca Schmeidler, Wichita, Kansas
Abbie Scott, Wichita, Kansas
Kelsey Smarsh, Colwich, Kansas
*Wade Winter, Andale, Kansas
