The Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) celebrated the accomplishments of nearly 70 health care professionals during its annual December recognition ceremony.
Faculty and staff honored seven Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) graduates and 61 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students.
Locally a total of 13 students from Hamilton County earned their degrees.
Photo provided
The ceremony including celebrating the inaugural cohort in the second degree, accelerated BSN program, which allowed those with a previous undergraduate degree to become a nurse in four semesters.
Dean Susan Hendricks congratulated the class, noting they take their place in the long tradition of people like Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, and Rear Admiral Sylvia Trent-Adams, who have provided exceptional nursing care and leadership throughout the profession’s history. She encouraged them to consider what their own legacy will be as they continue their own professional journeys.
“Remember, you are an IU nurse,” Hendricks said. “IU nurses are distinctive. We lead from where we stand, and we leave behind us a legacy worthy of Hoosier pride recognized around the globe. That is who we are. The competent practice, goodwill, and care you generate as an IU nurse will echo into the future in ways that you cannot predict but will always matter.”
On behalf of the graduates, BNS graduate Zane Smith thanked faculty, staff, family members, and other role models who supported them.
“You listened to our concerns, watched us evolve into nurses, and, most importantly, stood by us as we made sacrifices during this journey to complete our dream,” Smith said. “This did not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the roles you played in our success.”
MSN students honored included:
- Westfield: Julie Anne Avellana
BSN graduates each received the IU School of Nursing pin. Carolyn Townsend, associate dean of the pre-licensure track, said each nursing school’s pin is unique, filled with symbolism that reflect professional and university values. IU’s pin has the university seal at the center, with an open book representing knowledge, the phrase ‘Lux et Veritas,’ or ‘light and truth,” and roman numerals for 1820, the year of IU’s founding. The outer circle is an open ribbon, with the date nursing was first offered at IU.
Second degree accelerated BSN students
- Noblesville: Cassidy Ray Reasoner
RN to BSN graduates
- Noblesville: Joselyn Liujia van de Venter
Pre-licensure BSN graduates
- Arcadia: Brianne Ashley Brindley, Claire Renae Schildmeier
- Atlanta: Abigail Paige Tanton
- Carmel: Allisen Joycelyn Bishop, Dori Hannah Rees
- Noblesville: Olivia G. Schwab, Emily Grace Sims
- Sheridan: Brooke Michelle Bishop, Kaylee Virginia Blackledge, Alisa Marie Bowman
Additional speakers included Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke, Mary Bourke, associate dean of graduate programs; Christina Downey, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and student success; Stephanie Pratt, director of the RN to BSN track; and graduate Allison Armstrong.