Newman's newest nurses: 2023 pinning ceremony

Twelve nursing graduates, along with their families and close friends, gathered for the fall nurse pinning ceremony Friday, Dec. 8, in Newman University’s De Mattias Performance Hall.

Each semester, the nurse pinning ceremony marks the transition from student nurse to professional nurse.

Students who complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree receive the Newman nursing pin. The token of achievement displays the images of a cross as a nod to Newman’s Christian heritage and a lamp that pays homage to the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.

As Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout welcomed those in attendance, he thanked all guests and expressed his pride for the Newman nursing class.

“As someone who has seen loved ones in a hospital, it always strikes me as interesting that you have folks who, in their normal day job it might just be a Wednesday for them, but for you and your family, it’s the most important day of your life,” Stout said. “Nurses have made a difference in my life and my family’s life. It’s a calling to both heal the body and care for the soul. Thank you for answering that call.”

Newman University nursing class of fall 2023

Ashton Clarkson, director of nursing at Newman, echoed those sentiments and praised members of the 2023 nursing class for their exceptional work.

“I encourage you to follow the Newman University mission to transform society through advocating for others, being engaged in our professional nursing community, being a lifelong learner, leader and always striving for quality and safe nursing practice,” Clarkson said.

Geri Tyrell, dean of the School of Healthcare Professions, also took a moment to thank each of the families who supported the nursing students on their journeys to today.

Cole Gordon receives his Newman nursing pin during the ceremony.

“Your families have encouraged you through your moments of firsts … they have listened to you as you have expressed your fears. But lastly, they have held your hand and wiped your tears as you have had frustrations and moments of failure,” Tyrell said.

“It is not those moments that define us, it is those moments that allow us to grow and move forward. We can safely say, on behalf of your faculty and your families that we have seen some excellent growth. For that, we say congratulations!”

Distinguished BSN Graduate Award

The Distinguished BSN Graduate Award is given to a graduating nursing student who has a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the nursing profession and involvement in the Newman and greater Wichita communities.

This year’s honor was awarded to Kaitlyn Strobel.

“Kaitlyn is an individual who we can count on to fill the gaps when necessary,” Tyrell said. “Within the program, she has assisted with the first semester orientation, nursing club and SAMS (Secure Access Management Services for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In the broader community, Kaitlyn is active in her church and enjoys teaming up with her therapy dog, Emmy, to visit schools and assisted living communities.”

Strobel receives the Distinguished BSN Award from Tyrell. — Strobel receives the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award from Tyrell.

When Strobel received the email that she was the fall 2023 Distinguished BSN Graduate Award winner, she was “shocked.”

“I’m very honored,” she said. “I had no idea when I got the email that I’d even be in the running.”

Strobel, a graduate of Derby High School, chose Newman University for its smaller class setting and personalized experience. She has wanted to be a nurse for as long as she can remember.

“All the encounters I’ve had with nurses and in my family made me want to become a nurse,” she said. “I just love people so much, so getting to take care of them in very vulnerable times is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve also loved science and the human body, so it was a good combo of everything.”

Strobel looks forward to beginning her nursing career at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis. She also plans to continue her education and obtain her advanced practice degree as a nurse practitioner.

“We are all nurses who strive to ensure our patients maintain their dignity and autonomy for as long as they can,” Strobel wrote in her application essay for the nursing program at Newman.

“Overall, regardless of where I stand on the care team, it
will always be such a gift to care for and create unique relationships with each one of my future patients. I will always strive to be the friendly face that is trusted to advocate for, support and be the shoulder to lean on in the frightening and vulnerable ICU environment.”