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The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing held its Spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony on May 8, honoring graduates from the Freshman Direct Admit, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

The program opened with the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Program, Dr. Michelle Broadbent, welcoming the graduating students and their family members as they gathered to celebrate this memorable occasion. Dean Cameron Duncan proceeded with a formal welcome, congratulating the graduates on their accomplishments and encouraging them to pursue their purpose within the nursing profession.

Associate Professor, Beth King, who serves as Project Director for a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, shared how nursing students provided health promotion, disease prevention, primary care, and mental health services to individuals living in rural communities with limited access to health care. Through the Caring-based Community & Academic Relationships for Excellence (CARE): Nurse-led Mobile Health Unit, students worked alongside faculty on community outreach events and were recognized with CARE awards for their participation in the project. Reflecting on the experience, Dr. King explained, “The students were able to practice and see caring science in action.”

Student speaker Melyssa Mitchell delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on the challenges, resilience, and strong sense of community developed throughout nursing school. She shared, “Nursing school doesn’t just teach you how to be a nurse… it changes you,” describing the moments of exhaustion, self-doubt, and perseverance that ultimately shaped the graduates into compassionate caregivers. Melyssa emphasized the importance of supporting one another through difficult moments and reminded her classmates that nursing is about “choosing compassion when you’re tired” and continuing to care for others even during life’s most demanding circumstances. She concluded by reflecting on the lasting impact nurses have on their patients, stating, “At the end of the day… people won’t always remember what we said or did, but they will remember how we made them feel. That lasting impact… That beautiful, bright smile and that bubbly, loving personality. And that is the kind of nurse I know each of us is becoming.”

Dr. Mary Ann Leavitt, Associate Professor, addressed the graduating class with three meaningful pieces of advice: Always Keep Learning, Never Say “Oh Well…,” and Always Find Your Marigold. She encouraged graduates to remain curious, resilient, and intentional in the relationships they build throughout their nursing careers. Explaining the importance of finding a “Marigold,” Dr. Leavitt shared, “In your first job, find the people who warmly welcome you, offer to show you around, and see the bewildered look on your face and offer to help. There’s your Marigold.” Her message emphasized the value of surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and colleagues who foster growth, confidence, and compassion in both personal and professional journeys.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Joy Longo, Associate Dean Academic Programs, who congratulated the students on all of their achievements and wished them continued success as they begin their professional nursing careers.

View the event photos

The following awards were presented in recognition of academic excellence, leadership, clinical achievement, service, and student engagement, honoring graduates who demonstrated outstanding commitment throughout their nursing education.

DAISY Award
Jennifer Velian Mohammed

Leadership Excellence Award
Sydney Gibbons

Clinical Excellence Award
Giselle Hernandez

Scholar Award
Sarah Lievano

Excellence in Service Award
Carolyn Hodne

Touhy Award
Samantha Boucher

2026 CARE Scholars
Samantha Boucher
Neikah Etienne
Sydney Gibbons
Milanda Mehu
Melyssa Mitchell
Ivan Morfe Gil
Raquel Sanchez
Mackenzie Zweeres

Spring 2026 Honors in the Majors – Graduated with Honors
Samantha Boucher
Sydney Gibbons
Jackelin Guzman-Alvarez
Sarah Lievano
Daniel Motola
Alena Santos

Volunteer and Professional Service Cord
Sydney Gibbons
Sarah Lievano
Milanda Mehu
Ivan Morfe Gil
Maria Sanchez Herrera
Alena Santos