Kishwaukee College nursing students were honored by faculty, administration and staff during a pinning ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at the College. Kish recognized 26 students for their successful completion of the Registered Nursing program and presented each graduate with a special pin before family and friends during the ceremony.
The registered nursing graduating class of Fall 2022 are:
Tommy Ambrose, Kyle Aldridge, Heather Carlson, Andrea Carmona, Michelle Christiansen, Alex Cluff, Stephanie Curry, Amanda DeClue, Samantha Fox, Hanna Johnson, Grace Johnson, Fatjona Kamberi, Mandi Lamb, Andrea Lazcano, Evanthia Matarangas, Ngan Melton, David Rodriguez Rosales, Jonathan Rodriguez, Nicole Scullion, Nicole Sheets, Taylor Smith, Joshua Stratton, Stephanie Tasso, Aubrey Villarreal, Zachary Wheeler and Brittany Williams.
Carlson, Cluff, DeClue, Kamberi, Lamb, Rodriguez, Sheets, Smith, Stratton, Villarreal and Williams were recognized as members of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honors Society. Alex Cluff was the Fall 2022 class’s nomination for the Nursing Program’s Outstanding Student. Cluff’s remarks highlighted the assistance family and loved ones provided, as well as the support and care the Kish staff offered to help the graduates reach their goals.
“You are all going to be the most amazing nurses. I hope that the hospitals that are lucky enough to have you are worthy of your determination and your heart,” Cluff said. “Good luck to you all, wherever your journeys take you.”
The ceremony included an address from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College, and Angela Delmont, Director of Nursing. Delmont reminded the graduates they will always have the support of the College as they take the next step in their career or education.
“This pivotal moment represents the transition from nursing student to a full-fledged nurse,” Delmont said. “To be a nurse is a great privilege. Go out and make a difference and believe in yourself. We at Kishwaukee College will always be cheering you on.”
Most of the graduating class have found positions in local hospitals, and many will pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Graduate Taylor Smith cited the group’s built-in support system for helping them find success both inside and outside the classroom.
“I really enjoyed getting to know everyone and making lifelong friends. Working as a group helped us get through the challenging times,” said Taylor Smith.
During the ceremony, each graduate was individually pinned by a friend or family member who had supported the student or acted as a mentor while completing the program.
The Registered Nursing program at Kishwaukee College prepares students to become fully licensed registered nurses in Illinois. For more information on nursing at Kishwaukee College, visit www.kish.edu/nursing.