By Mandi Enger
Following traditions of the nursing profession, 28 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates, including six RN to BSNstudents, attended the Nevada State College Pinning Ceremony on May 11, 2012 at the Dragon Ridge Country Club.
It’s overwhelming to see the talent and dedication represented in this year’s graduating class, said Dean of Nursing Shirlee Snyder. Our BSNs truly exemplify the knowledge, skill and heart required to excel in their field.
Held at the end of each semester, the ceremony commemorates the official passage of nursing students to nursing graduates. Graduates at the spring ceremony designated a special family member or friend to present them with the official NSC School of Nursing pin. Unique to each institution, the pin is a treasured symbol of the education, dedication and successes of nursing graduates that is often worn throughout their nursing careers.
The intimate ceremony is also a time for graduate to celebrate and reflect on their journey through the nursing program and acknowledge their classmates, family and friends for their support. Noting the encouragement and care provided to the graduates by those in attendance, guest speaker and associate professor, Amy Chaffin stated, the sacrifices and support of your friends and family have helped make your dreams possible. Chaffin was chosen by the graduates to speak during the event a tradition distinctive to NSC.
In her last notes to graduates, Chaffin left the group with two challenges. First, find a mentor; keep connected with that person and stay inspired by them throughout your career, she said. Second, do something great I know you will.
Also honored during the ceremony for her extreme dedication, service and support to the NSC School of Nursing was Dean Shirlee Snyder who will be retiring this summer.
Would the family of Shirlee Snyder please join me on the stage, called Assistant Dean Sherri Coffman, to the School of Nursing faculty during the ceremony. The group then presented Dean Snyder with a special graduation pin to celebrate the lasting impact that she has made at NSC on both students and faculty members.
Snyder has been active in the field of nursing for 45 years and has been a dedicated faculty member at NSC since 2003 when she originally joined the college as an associate professor. Snyder additionally served as associate dean and interim dean at the college before assuming the role of dean.
Snyder received her doctoral degree from the University of San Francisco in 1988 and is also a co-author of two international nursing textbooks: Fundamentals of Nursing and Clinical Nursing Skills.
It’s been a wonderful experience for me at Nevada State College; we all say that NSC feels like family. When working with faculty, staff and administration that feeling comes across but also in with working with our students, Snyder said. The faculty that are here are here because they really want to teach future nurses. There’s that interaction and a really positive learning environment that makes it delightful to be a part of the college.
The 2012 ceremony concluded with all nurses both new graduates and faculty standing to recite the International Pledge for Nurses, another tradition that unites the profession.
School of Nursing graduates and dean honored at spring 2012 pinning ceremony
