Indiana University Columbus honored 15 students in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program during a pinning ceremony on Oct. 27. A pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated or soon-to-be graduated nurses into the profession.
“While graduation recognizes the completion of academic studies, the pinning ceremony celebrates the transition from student to nurse,” said Paige McDaniel, Health Sciences interim division head. “With this pin, we acknowledge the journey to becoming a nurse, recognize students’ hard work and dedication throughout the program, and formally welcome them into a profession that is so meaningful.”
IU Columbus students receive a pin that incorporates the cream and crimson seal of Indiana University, with an open book symbolizing education, and a border inscription that says, “School of Nursing.”
The following students received their pins on Oct. 27:
- Ashley Taylor Duncan
- Tiaunna Marie Moore
- Daniel Nobel
- Natasha Marie Wagner
- Elizbeth Marie Reckers
- Kelley Rae Mikels
- Kendra Michelle Auleman
- Jennifer Anne Avila
- Heather Leann Davidson
- Brandon Allan Edwards
- Dana Katherine Hovis
- Maggie Mae Law
- Kilee Rychole Littrell
- Mary Frances Wagner
- Savannah Brooke Summers
While IU Columbus began conducting pinning ceremonies in March of this year, IU’s School of Nursing has held pinning ceremonies since 1948, though the tradition dates back to Crusades. Notably, Queen Victoria awarded Florence Nightingale the Royal Red Cross for her service as a military nurse during the Crimean War.