Newman University recognized 21 candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the annual Nurses’ Pinning ceremony held May 13 on the Newman campus.
The event is a tradition in the nursing discipline that dates back approximately 130 years in the United States. At Newman, the director of nursing places nursing pins on graduate candidates’ lapels as a symbol of their completion of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The Newman pin is unique to the university, and was designed by the first graduating BSN class at what was then Kansas Newman College.
The candidates’ family and friends filled Performance Hall in the De Mattias Fine Arts Center at Newman. The ceremony included a welcome from Newman President Noreen M. Carrocci, Ph.D., a blessing of the pins by Newman Chaplain Fr. John Fogliasso, and a brief address by Director of Nursing Teresa Vetter M.S.N.
“You are now prepared to join the profession of over 3 million professional nurses in the United States,” Vetter said. “Nursing is the largest health care profession. Nursing is called to ensure all people get the care they need, when and where they need it. We must be essential partners in providing care and promoting health. Not as assistants or handmaidens, but strong advocates and providers for the patients we serve.”
The ceremony concluded with the naming of the Distinguished BSN Graduate Award. The 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. The Spring 2016 award was bestowed upon Mallory Vickery of Arkansas City, Kan.
Graduate Angela Walker said one of the best parts of the nursing program was the faculty.
“All the teachers were very supportive and always available,” Walker said. “I chose Newman because I knew it had a great nursing program, and I like that Newman is faith-based.”
Alyssa Keimig said she had also heard good things about Newman – from members of her family who are Newman graduates.
“Both my mom and my dad and my sister graduated from here,” Keimig said, “so it’s kind of a family tradition. And I thought the program was great. The faculty are wonderful and inspiring.”
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