Kishwaukee College nursing students were honored during a pinning ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the College. Kish recognized 22 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 graduates of Fall 2023 are:
Kaylee Abbott, Sabrina Brake, Marili Cervantes-Valdes, Kimberly Dennis, Whitney Dulzo, Tiffany Frazier, Yessenia Games, Carmen Hettel, Baleigh Howlett, Cullin Hultgren, Nicole Klassen, Kendra Licht, Kya Logston, Beatrice Makinde, Ilse Molina, Jordan Myatt, Jonathan Nguyen, Kaitlynn Ost, Olivia Ramos, Guadalupe Rangel, Vanessa Salinas and Traiscey Tolbert.
Abbott, Frazier, Klassen, Nguyen, Ramos and Salinas were recognized as members of the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honors Society. Kaylee Abbott was named the Fall 2023 Outstanding Student. Abbott provided an address highlighting the close-knit atmosphere of her class and how they supported each other.
“We’re not just wearing our hearts on our sleeves today. We’re pinning them right over our chest because that’s where our true strength lies,” Abbott said. “We’ve laughed together. We’ve cried together. And we’ve leaned on each other more times than we can count. We have formed a bond that is stronger than any suture, and it is time to celebrate that. Today signifies the incredible journey we’ve all been on together.”
The ceremony included an address from Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College, and Angela Delmont, Director of Nursing. Delmont shared the history and importance of the nursing pinning ceremony as both a college and career achievement.
“This pinning ceremony marks a significant milestone in your journey. It’s not just a celebration of your academic accomplishments, but a testament to your passion to serve, your resilience in facing challenges, and your readiness to step into the noble profession of nursing,” Delmont said.
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.