‘Instruments of God’s healing love’: 50 graduates receive healthcare pins

Family, friends and supporters packed the DeMattias Performance Hall for the spring 2026 nursing, diagnostic medical sonography and radiologic technology pinning ceremony on May 15 at Newman University.

Of the 50 School of Healthcare Professions graduates, 23 earned their Associate of Science in radiologic technology, 14 earned their Bachelor of Science in diagnostic medical sonography and 13 earned their Bachelor of Science in nursing. In addition to their academic achievements, each graduate received a ceremonial pin to commemorate their transition from student to graduate.

“This event represents more than completion,” Dean of the School of Healthcare Professions Tim Cho, M.D., said. “It signifies transition and transformation. This bridges where you’ve been and where you’ve been called to go.”

Cho recognized the graduates for their hard work, critical thinking and commitment to empathy for their patients. He left them with four pieces of advice as they enter their professional practice.

“First, stay engaged in your growth because healthcare will continue to evolve and so will you,” Cho said. “Second, hold yourself to a high standard; not just what you do, but also how you do it. Third, trust the preparation that brought you to this moment. Finally, remember that someone somewhere will be better because you decided to take this journey.”

Video: School of Healthcare Professions Pinning Ceremony

Healthcare Pinning 5-15-26-0380 — View the full Flickr photo gallery

Symbolism behind the pins

The Newman radiologic technology pin features a blue stone representative of Newman’s navy blue school color. The icon on the pin is that of an X-ray tube with X-ray photons, which represents the foundation of radiological imaging. X-rays were discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Roentgen, considered the father of radiology.

Graduates receive their ceremonial pins.

The Newman diagnostic medical sonography pin is shaped like a transducer — an instrument held by sonographers daily. The transducer bridges science and compassion, diagnosis and healing. With it, medical professionals give a voice to silent stories held within the human body and make a promise to treat their patients with dignity.

The Newman nursing pin was designed by the first graduating nursing class in 1984 and depicts images of a cross and lamp. The cross symbolizes Christian heritage, while the lamp represents both the light of knowledge and the long-associated nursing symbol that references Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Herzog prays over the graduates, calling on God, "our divine healer." — Herzog prays over the graduates, calling on God, “our divine healer.”

Newman Chaplain Father Ed. Herzog ’11 gave a blessing over the pins.

“Lord Jesus, our divine healer, may these graduates always be instruments of your healing love, bringing comfort and compassion to the sick and suffering,” Herzog said. “May they be a true sign of your healing power in the world.”

Recognizing student achievement with awards

Radiologic technology

Director of the Radiologic Technology Program Jeff Vaughn presented the radiologic technology awards to graduate recipients.

Student Marissa Granillo was recognized for scoring first place in a radiology image contest at the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists‘ 89th annual convention in March. Molly Brown was also recognized and awarded with the Janie Ward Clinical Excellence Award. Vaughn described Brown as someone who “never backs down from a challenge and is never afraid to ask questions,” much like the retired namesake of the award.

(From left to right) Vaughn awards Granillo and Brown. — (From left to right) Vaughn awards radiologic technology graduates Granillo and Brown.

Student Cristina Hernandez-Reza of the Lambda Nu Honors Society, which recognizes exemplary scholarship in radiologic technology, received honor chords from Instructor/Clinical Coordinator of the Radiologic Technology Program Sherry Ewing. In addition to maintaining a 3.5 grade point average, Hernandez-Reza completed an additional 40 hours in her clinical setting, completed two service projects and became an active member of the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologies.

Ewing awards Hernandez-Reza. — Ewing awards radiologic technology graduate Hernandez-Reza.

Diagnostic medical sonography

Brooke Ward, director of the diagnostic medical sonography program, presented two students with the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Sunflower Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in academics and in clinical internships.

(From left to right) Ward awards Van and Duarte. — (From left to right) Ward awards diagnostic medical sonography graduates Van and Duarte.

Kaylee Van was the first recipient, whose clinical site shared that she was among “the top students that they’ve ever mentored in the past 20 years,” Ward said. Student Yaremie Duarte was the second award recipient, whose clinical team “was very impressed, not just by her technical ability but by her confidence and composure.”

Nursing

Associate Professor of Nursing Nancy Lugo-Baez presented the awards for the Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society, which is Greek for “love, courage, honor.” Its mission is to “develop nurses anywhere to improve health care everywhere.”

The following students were awarded Sigma Theta Tau honors: Katherine Coppola, Alysha Keck, Rosaline Martinez, Reagan Sparks, Alaina Waters and MichaelAnn Yates.

(From left to right) Lugo-Baez recognizes nursing graduates Coppola, Yates, Waters, Sparks, Keck and Martinez.

Each semester, the Distinguished Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Graduate Award is presented to a student who exemplifies academic excellence, meaningful engagement in school and community activities and a deep commitment to the nursing profession. The spring 2026 award was given to Keck.

Director of Nursing Ashton Clarkson described Keck as an “exceptional example of leadership and service.” Beyond her nursing degree, Keck was involved in chorale and troubadours, cast in five musical productions, a member of the Honors Program, an ASC Service Award scholar and a tutor for students on campus. Off campus, she has volunteered for six consecutive years in her church nursery and served as a choreographer and assistant director for six shows at her alma mater, Sunrise Christian Academy. She also led worship sessions at the Catholic Care Center at Via Christi Village as part of her senior capstone project.

Clarkson awards Keck with the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award.

“It has been a true pleasure to learn and work alongside you,” Clarkson said. “We look forward to seeing you grow in your professional role as a nurse and to seeing how you will continue to embody the university’s mission of transforming society through the compassionate healthcare you provide.”

Keck said she felt honored to receive the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award.

“I definitely put a lot of work into it, and the encouragement and support of professors and friends — and getting to go through that with them — is a great way to see that my work has paid off,” Keck said. “I could not have done any of this without God’s help. It’s been a lot of prayers, leaning on him and trusting in his plan, especially when life was really crazy. I’m excited to help other people during vulnerable times, spreading the love of God through the gifts he’s given me.”

All School of Healthcare Professions graduates rise to be recognized.

A culture of care

Herzog delivered a closing prayer over the graduates and their supporters, thanking God for the calling he placed in the hearts of the healthcare graduates.

“May they share your healing presence wherever they go, using their skills to bring comfort and hope to those in need,” Herzog prayed. “Empower them to transform society with the light of your love and the strength of their faith.”