Indiana University Kokomo’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) honored its 2026 graduates at its traditional pinning ceremony on May 6 in Havens Auditorium.
Nine students earned the Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, along with one receiving a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science and 43 earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Jennifer Negron, lecturer of occupational therapy, welcomed the graduating class, family, friends, faculty, and staff to the celebration of a significant milestone, recognizing the dedication, perseverance, and remarkable achievements of those who committed themselves to the pursuit of healthcare excellence.
“As they embark on their professional journeys, we acknowledge the profound impact they will have on the lives of countless patients and communities,” Negron said. “Let’s take this moment to applaud their hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
She encouraged the graduates to wear their professional pins with pride, as a reminder of their commitment to excellence, and of the profound impact they will have on the lives of their patients and their families.
Dean Angela Opsahl congratulated the graduates on behalf of the faculty and staff, saying it takes a strong, dedicated, and compassionate individual to enter the healthcare workforce.
“Today, as we celebrate your pinning ceremony, we are not just acknowledging the completion of education and training; we are also recognizing the dedication of each graduate and their professional journey,” Opsahl said. “The pinning ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to professional, with the trust and responsibility that society places in them. It is a reminder of our oath to provide compassionate and ethical care to all patients.”
Christina Douglas, clinical assistant professor and OTA program director, said for OTA students, the pin signifies their commitment to the core principles of occupational therapy: empowering individuals to engage in the everyday activities that bring purpose and joy to their lives.
“It embodies the hard work, compassion, and creativity you have demonstrated in learning how to use occupations, from self-care and play to work and leisure, as powerful tools for recovery and growth,” Douglas said. “You are now equipped to help your clients live their fullest and most functional lives.
Makayla Clark led the OTA class in reciting the Occupational Therapy Assistant Pledge and Creed, while Makenna Leicht led nursing students in the Nursing Pledge.
BSN graduate Ally Kuns said the pinning ceremony symbolizes the completion of professional programs, and an official initiation into the profession for nursing, rehabilitation sciences, and allied health graduates. She thanked everyone who supported them as they earned their degrees.
“Many of us have chosen this career to help people and make a difference in someone’s life,” Kuns said. “Our professional programs have helped all of us learn to be competent, compassionate, curious, and confident. But we didn’t do this alone. We can thank our professors for passing their knowledge and expertise to us, and a special thank you to our friends and family for their continuous support. These are the people in our lives who have encouraged us along the way and have helped keep us inspired and dedicated to what we will do in our careers.”
Area students honored
- Veteran honor cords: Dallas Gullion, Noblesville
- Academic honor cords with highest distinction: Makayla Clark, Noblesville
- Academic honor cords with high distinction: Reiley Hiser, Alexandria
- Honors program graduates: Annalissa Brown, Cicero; Karedis Robinson Araujo, Noblesville
- Outstanding student in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program: Reiley Hiser, Alexandria
Area students pinned
Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences
- Alexandria: Reiley Hiser
- Noblesville: Makayla Clark
- Tipton: Jovany Fuentes
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Anderson: Emma Perry
- Cicero: Annalissa Brown, Madison Dotlich
- Noblesville: Karedis Robinson Araujo, Emma Cowan, Matthew Kado, Alexis Ketring
- Windfall: Jace Cassity
Nursing graduates who participated in Legacy pinning, receiving their pin from a family member who is a registered nurse, are listed with their family member. They include:
- Alexandria: Emily Leever (Cassie Wyatt), Madison Neel (Emily Reith)
- Lebanon: Electra Curtis (Haley Shirley)
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