La Plata, MD – The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated the achievements of its Spring 2024 nursing graduates at the La Plata Campus with a traditional pinning ceremony, marking the transition of 59 students into their professional nursing careers.
The event, themed “Leave the World a Better Place than You Found It,” underscored the core values of nursing, as highlighted by Professor Robin Madera in her opening remarks. “As you stand on the precipice of a new chapter of your life, it is essential to reflect on the profound responsibility that comes with the privilege of being a nurse,” Madera said. “As you step into the world of nursing, I urge you to embrace this responsibility wholeheartedly. Let your actions be guided by empathy, your decisions rooted in integrity, and your compassion boundless. Leave no stone unturned in your quest to leave the world a better place than you found it.”
Professor Linda Goodman, serving as the mistress of ceremonies, welcomed the attendees and noted the significance of the ceremony being held during National Nurses Week. She invited all nurses in the audience to stand and be recognized, emphasizing the dedication and hard work required to succeed in nursing. “Success in nursing school isn’t an accident or a gift; it is hard work, perseverance, hours upon hours of studying, and sacrifice at many levels,” Goodman said. “Today we welcome a new group of peers to our profession. I expect you to go forward and do great things.”
Goodman also acknowledged retiring CSM Professors Annette Ragland and Deborah Rutledge, who have collectively dedicated over 50 years of service to CSM. Before the students were called to the stage, Professor Lauren Guy explained the significance of the nursing pin, a tradition dating back to Florence Nightingale’s time. “As you go forth into the world of nursing, wear your pin with pride – you worked hard to receive this well-deserved honor,” Guy concluded.
The featured speaker, Adwoa Amponsah-Poku, a family medicine nurse practitioner, shared insights from her extensive nursing career. “No matter where we find ourselves in our nursing careers, one thing remains constant: our ability to change the world in a positive way,” she said. “It’s all about the little things. It’s about showing kindness and compassion to every person you meet, whether they are a patient, a family member or colleague. It’s about taking the time to listen to your patients and understand their fears and concerns and treat them with dignity and respect.”
Graduating student Taylor Phillips, chosen by her classmates to speak, reflected on the strong bonds formed during their time at CSM and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in their profession. “In those difficult days, we must strive to maintain a positive outlook for our patients but our colleagues as well, and, in doing so, leaving the world better than we found it,” Phillips said.
Professor Annette Ragland provided closing remarks, quoting Gandhi: “If you want to change the world, start with yourself.” She encouraged the graduates to believe in the difference they can make in the world, one patient at a time.
The ceremony concluded with the graduates proudly receiving their pins from faculty members. The new nursing professionals include:
- Lauren Anderson
- Megan Riley Armstrong
- Lora Ayikoe (recipient of the “Academic Achievement in Nursing” Award)
- Lakeshia Batista
- Evie Marie Beches
- Rhamiel Beltran
- Johanna Blackson
- Wendy Bollino
- Rebekah Bonney
- Jacob Brickell
- Ashleigh Brown (recipient of the “Achievement in Nursing” Award)
- Crystal Brown
- Mary Caperton
- Nick Carter
- Alana Cawood
- LaShae Nicole Ciriaco
- Monica Michelle Corbin
- Rebbecca Douglass
- Saige Duby
- Emily Ann Echols
- Sierra Emory
- Katelyn Garrison
- Samantha Lerene Gegor
- Tanner Goshorn
- Bethany Nicole Griffin
- Arianna Hardy
- Nicole Hemmer
- Ianee May Jaluag
- Emma Kelly
- Danielle Leginze
- Yuk Yi Leung
- Enma Lopez
- Jennifer Lugaila
- Krisha Marie Melchor
- Savannah Miles
- Rachel Nelson
- Alexa Nguyen
- Soilla M. Oliver
- Madison Osakowicz
- Taylor Phillips
- Aleta M. Plater
- Emily Post
- Nasya Rahman
- Heather Roecker
- Courtney Romba
- Adrianna Romero
- Meagan Ryan
- Kierstie Schaefer
- Rebecca Schindler
- Abby Scrivener
- Samantha Smith
- Tara Somers
- Kelley Stoneback
- Kristan Thomas
- Sara Vanryswick
- Andre Jumaine R. Vergara
- Trixia Bernadette R. Vergara
- Jalesa Watkins
- Michea Wright
