Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) proudly celebrated its nursing graduates with the traditional pinning ceremony. Held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the event brought together nursing graduates, their families and friends to honor the Class of 2025. Pins were presented to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates and to those who had completed the Paramedic Science to BSN (PM to BSN) program.
During the ceremony, several awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievements. The Friends of Nursing Award was bestowed upon Susan Grutz and Cheryl Auler of Union Health Volunteer Services, while Dr. Christine Delnat and Andy Delnat received the Outstanding Nursing Instructor Award for the BSN program, and Dr. Jackie Martin received the Outstanding Nursing Instructor Award for the PM to BSN program. The awards were presented by Marcia Miller, Ph.D., RN, dean of the Division of Nursing and Sciences. Additionally, the Outstanding Senior Awards were presented for the BSN program by Christine Delnat, Ph.D., RN, BSN program director and associate professor of nursing. Winners included:
- Excellence in Leadership – Brittany Caplinger
- Excellence in Clinical – Kennedy Trigg
- Excellence in Service – Kaitlin Whitford
- Excellence in Scholarship – Bailey Mittal
Jackie Martin, DNP, RN, visiting assistant professor and director of the PM to BSN program, presented the Outstanding Senior Awards for the PM to BSN program to:
- Excellence in Leadership – Jacy Parnin
- Excellence in Clinical – Sam Wilson
- Excellence in Service – Chelsea Spina
- Excellence in Scholarship – Jeremy Samland
Crystal White, DNP, FNP-C, RN, the Family Nurse Practitioner program director, individually blessed each graduate’s hands before the pinning portion of the program. This heartfelt gesture underscored the significance of the nursing profession and the care each graduate will provide.
During the pinning ceremony, each graduate was called by name and accompanied by chosen family members and friends who pinned the graduate. The nursing pin, adorned with a lamp, symbolizes the lit lamp used by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War, representing the care and hope inherent in the nursing profession. This tradition dates back to the late 1800s.
Dr. Miller addressed the graduates, inspiring them with words about their future roles and responsibilities. “Tonight, we gather to celebrate these extraordinary individuals as they reach the level of a professional nurse. Today is not just about a pin. It’s about a pivot —earned through a moment of choice, of determination, and of transformation.” She added, “However, your career trajectory will not be a ladder, but more like a climbing wall, with twists and turns to different units and healthcare organizations. Even when you are not looking, new opportunities will find you. Allow yourself to take career risks and follow new interests.”
BSN pin recipients included:
- Madyline “Gracie” Ables
- Curtni Bedwell
- Hailey Boardman
- Caitlyn Bowersock
- Brittany Caplinger
- Lilly English
- Haley Gregory
- Alexandra “Alex” Harpole
- Kristy Keyes
- Michelle Killion
- Mikayla Mills
- Bailey Mittal
- Nikita Neal
- Vivien Reese
- Madeline “Madi” Riggs
- Jocelyn Rivas Chavez
- Laura Snow
- Paige Strange
- Kennedy Trigg
- Kaitlin Whitford
PM to BSN pin recipients included:
- Jessica Regan Cloyd
- Andrea Edwards
- David Greer
- Stacey Jordan
- Holley Kelsheimer
- Jacy Parnin
- Lucas Puckett
- Jeremy Samland
- Daniel Sanchez
- Michael Sandusky
- Sara Serven
- Eric Shaughnessy
- Chelsea Spina
- Mayzie Spragg
- Lana Taylor
- Kelly Teeter
- Emily Wheatfill
- Samuel “Sam” Wilson
