Long lines of smiling nursing graduates filled the hallway, administrative and faculty members were poised on a stage, and happy families members, relatives and friends sat excitedly in MATC’s Cooley Auditorium. Flash cards – signifying learning and memories – were mentioned several times as well as the hard work of students as family members supportively cheered for candidates for graduation from the registered nursing degree programs and practical nursing technical diploma program on Wednesday, May 15.
Smiles, hugs and shouts of “Hooray!” filled the auditorium as graduates held their apricot roses and received blue pins for their graduation gowns. The blue pins signified the students had completed their studies and were eligible to join the nursing profession.
“Apricot is the color of nursing and an apricot rose symbolizes a professional nurse and their unique contribution and dedication to the nursing profession and saving lives. The Nursing Pin is worn by a nurse to symbolize their profession and is awarded during the pinning ceremony when the nursing student takes their Nursing Pledge marking their transition from student to professional,” said Director of Nursing Programs Dr. Annette Ries.
Happy tears streamed down many graduates’ faces. Behind are sleepless nights, hundreds of care plans, tests and exams; behind are friends who couldn’t keep up with the pace. The most persistent and purposeful students received diplomas and blue pins. Paul Stikel, DNP, Director of the Practical Nursing Program was the MC of the event.
