KOKOMO, Ind. — The Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing honored nearly 80 students for completing the prestigious program, at the traditional recognition ceremony Thursday, December 13.
Faculty and staff welcomed 34 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates to the health care profession, while congratulating 15 nurses who earned the Master of Science in Nursing, and 28 who completed the R.N. to B.S.N. program.
Dean Susan Hendricks noted that the recognition ceremony is an important rite of passage for the students and those who have supported them while they were achieving their dreams.
In the time the students have been in the nursing program, they have become like family to us here in the school, and the faculty and staff celebrate with each student,” she said. “Nursing school is a difficult journey. Completing this arduous task is most definitely something to celebrate, not only for our students, but also for family and friends who have played a very important role in their experience.”
No matter if the students already have their career mapped out, or if they are still searching for their niche in the profession, Hendricks said, “most assuredly, they are prepared for what lies ahead in their path.”
The highlight of the ceremony is the traditional pinning. Each nurse crossed the Havens Auditorium stage to receive the pin specifically designed for the IU Kokomo School of Nursing, as family and friends cheered and applauded.
The ceremony ended with the recitation of the nursing pledge, a statement of the ethics and principals of the profession.
Those participating completed degrees in December 2018, and are eligible to participate in Commencement in May 2019. They include:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
Amboy: Jessica Smith
Elwood: Michaela Murphy
Frankfort: Cassondra Porter
Galveston: Kassidy Zeck
Greentown: Audra Isaac
Indianapolis: Erica Cavanaugh
Kokomo: Megan Bauer, Anna Berger, Alexis Berghoff, Alexis Brickner, Hannah Donovan, Abigail Fleenor, Mallory Hunley, Haley Johnston, Adam Pickard, Ashley Plough, Emily Sandlin, Nathan Summers, Jennifer Weber
LaFontaine: Kristopher Working
Logansport: Mallory Rowe
Marion: Kali Hawkins, Bailey Mansbarger, Stephanie Thompson
Noblesville: Kaitlin O’Donnell
Pennville: Trina Marks
Peru: Kelsey Kimes
Rochester: Tierney Rentschler
Tipton: Lauren Moulder, Olivia Plake, Lindsey Maxey
Westfield: Mindy Meyer, Sierra Smith
West Lafayette: Alexandra Getz
Master of Science in Nursing
Elmhurst, Illinois: Katie Douglass
Fort Wayne: Laura Gault
Indianapolis: Megan Cawby
Kokomo: Latifah Alenezi, Mohammed Alotaibi, Rakan Alrawili, Ibrahim Altuwayjiri, Kathleen Klute, Heidi Self
Lafayette: Ramonna Fratena, Karen Grammer, Renea Smith
Noblesville: Stacey Hancock
Saudi Arabia: Nafeisah Al Baqer, Rabab Almushdg
R.N. to B.S.N.
Albany: Brenda Cross
Alexandria: Alyssa Hoover
Anderson: Caryn Davenport, Kristi Graves, Nikki Kennedy, Heather Uberto, Jennifer White
Cambridge City: Elizabeth Turner-Moistner
Carmel: Taylor Bell
Cincinnati, Ohio: Susan Modricker
Darlington: Eric Stone
Dunkirk: Taran Edwards
Fishers: Andres Hernandez
Hartford City: Timothy Williams
Indianapolis: Tamara Unland
Kokomo: Susan Skelton
Montpelier: Sherrie Chapman
Muncie: Brianna Roper, Brandi Swoboda
New Castle: Kellie King
New Ross: Nekisha Shahan
Noblesville: Cliff Meyer
Pendleton: Barbara Church
Portland: Sheila Bray, Abby Forthofer
Sheridan: Alina Masavage
Upland: Kendra Janney
Yorktown: Kyleigh Staton
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.