College of Southern Maryland nursing graduates received their pins during a recognition ceremony on January 15, 2026, at the Brad and Linda Gottfried Theater on the La Plata campus, marking the transition of 45 new nurses into professional healthcare roles in a region facing ongoing workforce demands.
The event, organized by the graduating class under the theme “Lighting the Way: A New Generation of Nurses,” celebrated the students’ completion of the Associate Degree in Nursing program and their readiness to address critical staffing needs in Southern Maryland hospitals and clinics. Family members, friends, and supporters filled the theater with balloons, flowers, and cheers.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson addressed the graduates, recognizing the demands of their training and the timeliness of their entry into the field. “You are stepping forward at a moment when nurses are needed more than ever,” Dr. Wilson said. “Through your knowledge, your compassion, and your presence, you will bring clarity, reassurance, and hope to patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments. Thank you for answering the call and for choosing to serve with both knowledge and heart. We cannot wait to see the different you will make.”
Professor Robin Madera provided historical context for the pinning tradition, tracing its origins to Florence Nightingale’s receipt of the Royal Red Cross during the Crimean War. That honor led to badges of excellence at the Nightingale School of Nursing, which evolved into the modern pinning ceremony by the early 1900s and became a national symbol of passage into the profession.
Retired Nursing Professor Linda Goodman served as guest speaker and emphasized the multifaceted role of nurses. “Nurses are the essential caregivers who provide not only clinical care but also emotional support, advocacy, and education, making them vital to the healthcare system,” Goodman said. “By investing in our workforce, we invest in healthier communities and a better global future.” She urged graduates to emulate Nightingale by committing to continuous learning and growth.
Student speaker Amber Faasen shared reflections on the program’s challenges and rewards. “Many of us have had challenges and setbacks along the way, but we continued to show up to class and clinical, because being with friends helped us find the resilience and grit to keep going,” Faasen said. “I feel so proud that I will be starting my career with such an amazing group of people, and the future generation of nurses.” Faasen has accepted a position as an Emergency Department New Graduate Nurse at University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata.
Assistant Nursing Professor Kiley King closed the ceremony by framing the pinning as a commitment. “You will be the ones who help someone breathe easier on their hardest day, the ones who create safety in moments of fear, the ones who bring calm to chaos and dignity to vulnerability,” King said. “You are ready. You have earned this moment. And you are exactly the kind of nurses our profession needs.”
The CSM Associate Degree in Nursing program, accredited and designed to meet regional workforce shortages, combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical rotations. Graduates qualify to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse licensure. The college maintains transfer agreements with four-year institutions for students pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.
Charles County and surrounding Southern Maryland counties rely heavily on local nursing graduates to staff facilities such as University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, and CalvertHealth Medical Center. The region’s healthcare system serves a growing population with needs amplified by proximity to major waterways, seasonal tourism, and an aging demographic. Nursing shortages persist across Maryland, with the Maryland Board of Nursing and workforce reports noting persistent vacancies in acute care, emergency departments, and long-term care settings. Programs like CSM’s contribute directly to alleviating these pressures by producing licensed professionals who often remain in the area.
The ceremony underscores the program’s role in building a sustainable pipeline of skilled nurses for Southern Maryland, where community health outcomes depend on strong local talent. For more information on the nursing program, individuals can visit the School of Health Sciences Nursing webpage on the CSM website.
