TITUSVILLE, Pa. – Seven University of Pittsburgh at Titusville nursing graduates from the region were recognized Saturday during the annual nursing pinning ceremony and commencement exercises at the Education & Training Center at Pitt-Titusville.
“Virtually everyone graduating today has a career placement established,” said Richard T. Esch, Pitt-Titusville’s president. “We are very proud of you because you have chosen a very noble profession. It takes a very special person to be a nurse, someone who not only has the knowledge and the dedication but also possesses a deep well of compassion and empathy. You are choosing to care for others at times when they are their most vulnerable. I applaud you.”
Dr. Jean Truman, associate professor and director of the nursing program, said: “These graduates desire to enter the highly ethical profession of nursing amid a national nursing shortage. You are prepared for this profession because of the transformational leadership of our faculty. As positive role models, our faculty have upheld the qualities of honesty, integrity, professionalism, and dedication. I encourage you, the graduates, to now take on these characteristics and encourage future nurses. Be the light your faculty were to you.”
Kerri Last, assistant professor of nursing addressed her graduates saying, “I challenge you to advocate for the profession, which you now enter, to collaborate with other members of the health care team and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities. This is no time for neutrality. You must have the courage to take a stand when it matters for your patients and the profession. Go be great, and know I am better off for knowing you.”
During the pinning ceremony, which dates back to the 1860s, graduates received nursing pins. The pin symbolizes the Red Cross of St. George, which was awarded to Florence Nightingale for her service during the Crimean War, a tradition that continues.
Receiving pins were Mary-Catherine Ball of Crescent, Megan Billingsley of Franklin, Jessica Blank of Conneaut Lake, Avery Brunot of Guys Mills, Meghan Emerson of Franklin, Tiffani Gibbons of Jamestown, N.Y., and Jennilyn Stiller of Meadville.
Elizabeth Flickner, assistant professor of nursing, presented two graduates with prestigious awards. Meghan Emerson received the ASN Academic Achievement Award, and Jennilyn Stiller received the ASN Clinical Nursing Award.
Following the pinning ceremony, the Associate of Science in Nursing degrees were conferred upon each of the graduates during commencement ceremonies.
At the conclusion of both events, the new graduates proceeded to the courtyard where they rang the campus bell, which signified their graduate status.