Penn College News

Nursing Students Pass Milestone on Road to Graduation

Friday, December 15, 2017

“Praise God the four years are over,” says student speaker Nicole M. Mestach, of Watsontown.Maggie K. Calkins, of Bloomsburg, receives her pin.Haylea D. Estright, of Brisbin, accepts a hug from Samantha M. Weaver, learning laboratory coordinator for nursing.Francesca B. Monse, of Selinsgrove, looks back toward her family while her husband attaches her pin.Soon-to-be grads recite the Nightingale Pledge, promising to “devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.”The 24 December graduates of the nursing, traditional bachelor’s degree were “pinned” during a ceremony on Friday. During an event filled with tradition, the students entered with candles, heard from a faculty member and classmate of their choosing, passed the light to representatives of a future graduating class, and recited the Nightingale Pledge. During her remarks, faculty speaker Terri A. Stone, assistant professor of nursing, told the graduates that, if she had to pinpoint a common quality among those who successfully completed the program, it wouldn’t be that they are the smartest or most able – although many of them are – but that they have developed the quality of perseverance. “This quality … is your crowning achievement today,” she said. The students are set to graduate on Saturday.