The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) recently celebrated the achievements of 50 nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony at its La Plata Campus. The ceremony, held on January 16, is a longstanding tradition that symbolizes the transition of nursing students into their professional careers as caregivers.
CSM Nursing Professor Linda Goodman praised the graduates’ determination, noting that their success was not a result of luck but rather of dedication and perseverance. She acknowledged the sacrifices made and the hours of hard work invested in reaching this milestone. Dean of the CSM School of Health Science, Dr. Caroline Combs, highlighted the graduates’ resilience and commitment, emphasizing that their journey required intelligence, discipline, and heart. She remarked on their ability to overcome rigorous challenges, from clinical hours to moments of doubt, and welcomed them into a legacy of caregiving excellence.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson addressed the graduates, commending their strength and determination. She described their accomplishments as extraordinary and emphasized the vital role they would play in the health and well-being of their communities. Dr. Wilson expressed pride in their ability to grow and excel, reminding them of the profound impact their careers would have on those they serve.
This graduating class holds particular significance as the first group to begin their studies in the new Center for Health Sciences at the Regional Hughesville Campus, which opened in 2022. The center has provided advanced facilities and resources to support their education.
Keynote speaker Emily Litten, chosen by her peers, reflected on the collective journey of her fellow graduates. She spoke of the pride she felt for their shared accomplishments and encouraged them to embrace their new roles as nurses. She described the challenges they had faced and celebrated their success in achieving their dreams.
The ceremony also honored individual achievements, with special recognition for Meadow Mattson, recipient of the School of Health Sciences “Achievement in Nursing” award, and Amber Bias, who received the “Academic Achievement in Nursing” award.
This year’s graduates include Latashia Danielle Baker, Diana Barna, Becky Bartram, Lesli Bauer, Chinar Beknazarova, Amber Bias, Julia Brown, Alexa Brumley, Rachel Burley, Monica Carino, Nina Marie Deceuninckvancapelle, Samantha Lynn Delahay, Dana Leigh Dickerson, Lovie Antionette Dickerson, Kristina Dube, Alison Farrall, Gurneet Gill, Tasia Green, Merresha Henry, Hailey Howard, Jayla Jackson, Cheyenne Johnson, Emma Louise Johnson, Isha Kabia, Ishmael Kanu, Mike Kennedy, Crystal Kirkland, Kalin Lee, Emily Litten, Tiffany Ludke, Meadow Mattson, Martha Menken, Stephanie Metzger, Lydia Grace Morris, Barsha Neupane-Karki, Nedisha Oscar, Laine Pennell, Rebecca Pompa, Aidan Price, Chloe Reese, Courtney Rice, Carly Rodgers, Liliana Rodriguez, Lenora Savoy, Carina Shields, Tamia Taylor, Katie Wadsworth, Shannah Wagner, Chloe Willett, and Christian Wolpert.
As the graduates prepared to embark on their professional journeys, they carried with them the support and pride of the CSM faculty and staff, who have equipped them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
This milestone event reinforced the importance of nursing as a vital and compassionate profession. The College of Southern Maryland continues to play a pivotal role in preparing skilled healthcare professionals dedicated to serving others with expertise and care.
