CAC Nursing Graduates Recognized at Pinning Ceremony
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Twenty Central Arizona College students were recognized for completing the college’s nursing program during the 59th Nursing Division Pinning Ceremony recently held at the Signal Peak Campus.
The pinning ceremony, a time-honored tradition of nursing schools across the country, signifies a student’s completion of one of the most challenging curricula offered in higher education.
CAC President, Dr. Jackie Elliott provided a warm welcome and Tina Berry, Academic Dean, addressed the graduates.
Once the graduates received their pins, class speaker Alesha Row provided a touching speech, speaking affectionately about each professor’s lessons. She stated, “As the 59th class, … We now know how to be better humans & hold ourselves accountable (in the nursing profession).”
Kendall Maas received the Academician Award and Luz Ibanez earned the program’s Clinician Award.
CAC Nursing Club (CASNA) club members were recognized for their leadership: Marissa Palacios, Secretary; Ofelia Merkle, Treasurer; Nancy Mora, Fundraiser; and Tamara Zufelt Munlin, Membership Director.
Vivian Denson’s contribution to CASNA is recognized with awards presented to students that excel in the lower nursing blocks. These students included Gabriella Canter – Block I, Lauren Fulks – Block II, and Areli Nido – Block III.
The evening concluded with a candle lighting ceremony and the graduates taking the Florence Nightingale Pledge. The pledge, an adaption of the physician’s Hippocratic Oath, was written in 1893 by Mrs. Lystra E. Gretter and the Farrand Training School for Nurses in Detroit.
The following students received their pins during the ceremony and will receive an associate of applied science degree:
Ramzi Aujani*
Nicole Badiola
Emillie Brown*
Crystal Carr
Jasmine Diaz
Lindsey Ermert*
Ashton Espinoza
Jessica Furnish
Luz Ibanez*
Ashley Johnson
Brittney Leonard
Kendall Maas
Ofelia Merkle-Ramirez
Nancy Mora
Marissa Palacios
Alesha Row
Angelise Tang
Daina Tarango*
Raul Vidal
Tamara Zufelt Munlin
* NAU/CEP Student