The Cauble School of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrated the fourth graduating cohort of nursing students at their Pinning Ceremony Thursday, May 6 at the Falany Performing Arts Center’s Flint Hall. This special ceremony includes many sacred elements to the nursing profession and symbolizes these students’ transition to becoming Registered Nurses.
“We are here tonight to celebrate you and all that you have accomplished. The significance of this evening is to recognize your perseverance, as daughters, sons and parents, to complete your nursing program,” said Dr. LeAnne Wilhite, dean of the Cauble School, as she addressed the nursing graduates.
Wilhite commented on the challenges nursing students faced amid the pandemic this year while noting the strength of the cohort to overcome any obstacles.
“What you have been through this year has been very difficult – with the pandemic – it wasn’t easy. The faculty and staff believed in you and pushed you to continue working towards your goals. You are here because you had faith in yourself and this group having faith in you.”
Reinhardt University President Dr. Mark A. Roberts reminded the cohort of the support they received in their dedication to completing their degrees.
“I congratulate you on your achievement and want to recognize the power of community in support of your success. Community support from our partners that allow for your clinical work and the quality of faculty who are fully dedicated to their students and the program makes a tremendous impact on student success. Students, it’s about persistence. Deciding what you want and going out and getting it. Not allowing obstacles in front of you to hinder you from achieving your goal.”
Roberts continued as he recognized the graduates during this challenging year with the COVID-19 pandemic and the power of a strong community.
“What I have experienced is if you place a student inside a strong community that is supportive, challenging, and caring and provides the environment in which you can learn – students will learn as you have learned.”
Following the address, Misty Wright, assistant professor of nursing, honored Joseph Alan Cown with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The award recognizes and celebrates nursing students for their above-and-beyond care and compassion towards patients and families.
Reinhardt’s nursing graduates then received their pin from Dr. Linda Morgan, associate professor of nursing, and their lamp from Tammy Williams, assistant professor of nursing. As each graduate was pinned, assistant professor of nursing Dr. Kimberlin Zelinsky read some personal thoughts about each graduate and photos from their time at Reinhardt was shared on a screen as each student accepted their pin and lamp.
The ceremony concluded with the student nurses reciting the International Council of Nurses Pledge, promising in front of their loved ones and nursing faculty, to uphold the highest standards in all areas of their nursing careers.
Congratulations to the nursing Class of 2021!
Lidia Acosta
Cristin Bruce
Joseph Alan Cown
Alyssa Debner
Leidy Jackelin Delgado
Erin Leigh Dobson
Shelby Gennaro
Gracen Alexandra Henderson
Sarah Elizabeth Inman
Hali Rae Mantooth
Abbie Clair McAfee
Ericka Valeria Meza
Sydney Alexandra Mullinax
Taylor Nicole Pearson
Taylor Lynn Wigington
Brittany Nicole Wilson
