Newman University recognized 23 candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the annual Nurses’ Pinning ceremony held May 9 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 the School of Nursing and Allied Health places nursing pins on graduate candidates’ lapels as a symbol of their 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 at what was then Kansas Newman College.
The ceremony included a brief address by Director of the Newman School of Nursing and Allied Health Bernadette Fetterolf, Ph.D. She challenged the nursing graduates to make a difference.
“Every day, nurses step forward embracing new technologies, resolving emerging issues, and accepting ever-changing roles in their profession,” Fetterolf said. “They lead the way for their patients, colleagues, organizations, and the health care industry as a whole.
“As students you have become familiar with the roles of advocate and care giver,” she continued. “These roles will challenge you to continually seek truth and have the courage and integrity to make right choices on a daily basis.”
Each spring, the Newman University Nursing program selects an outstanding preceptor – a registered nurse who has made a significant impact on and contribution to the clinical education of Newman nursing students. This year, the program selected Laura Marecic.
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 2014 award was bestowed upon Heather Quinn of Sedgwick, Kan.
The BSN candidates for Spring 2014 are:
Andover, Kan.
Shannon Hacking
Christy Stevens
Augusta, Kan.
Julie M. Hayes
Colwich, Kan.
Melissa Baalmann
Erika Smarsh
Kechi, Kan.
Mary Beth White
Mulvane, Kan.
Kevin Sweeney
Rose Hill, Kan.
Andrea Raney
Sedgwick, Kan.
Heather Quinn
Topeka, Kan.
Steven Cooksley
Wichita, Kan.
Brandi Alliman
Kaitlen Dickson
Morgan Hekele
David Hoang
Rebecca Johns
Kara Kaster
Jennifer Llamas
Brook Moore
Amy Prange
Lacey Reichenberger
Rebecca Reida
Samuel Travis
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Elizabeth Jewell
