Class of 2026 Nurses Honored at Annual Pinning Ceremony

The Froelich School of Nursing celebrated a significant milestone for its students as the Class of 2026 was honored during their annual pinning ceremony, a longstanding tradition recognizing the transition from student to professional nurse.

Held in the presence of faculty, University leadership, family members, and friends, the ceremony marked both the culmination of rigorous academic preparation and the beginning of a life of service in the nursing profession.

Courtney Orelup-Fitzgerald, assistant professor of nursing and nursing department chair, opened the ceremony and welcomed attendees before inviting Fr. Dennis Gallagher, A.A. ’69 to deliver the invocation. In his prayer, Gallagher reflected on the graduates’ journey, offering gratitude for their perseverance and calling their profession one that brings “light and hope” to those in need.

President Greg Weiner then addressed the graduates, emphasizing the deeper meaning behind the pinning ceremony and the vocation of nursing. 

“Two years ago, when you entered clinicals, we blessed your hands—hands that will now be used, that have already in your clinicals been used, to impart the healing touch,” said Weiner. “Today, to mark this moment in time, you will receive a pin. It is tempting to see these moments as mere symbols, but they are more than that. These pins are a sign of your vocation that bind you to your patients and declare, ‘I am a nurse, and I am here with you.’”

Weiner highlighted the essential role of human connection in healthcare, noting that while advances in technology continue to transform the field, the compassion and presence of nurses remain foundational. He encouraged graduates to carry forward a tradition rooted in both scientific rigor and shared humanity.

“Your voice, your hands, your soul are irreplaceable human elements of a field that is increasingly complex,” Weiner said. “Nurses have always been the steady guiding hand through which healthcare has remained both human and humane.”

Acting Provost Kimberly Schandel also commended the class, recognizing their academic and clinical achievements. She underscored that nursing extends beyond technical expertise, emphasizing the importance of empathy and presence in patient care.

“As graduates of Assumption’s nursing program, you’ve learned that nursing is about more than diagnoses, procedures, and medications. Nursing is about being present,” Schandel said. “Nursing is about recognizing patients as human beings deserving of your focused attention, your respect, and the best care you can provide. It’s about the gentle, calming touch when someone is afraid; it’s advocating for someone who cannot speak for themselves. It’s offering comfort in times of uncertainty, and not only to patients, but also to their family and friends.”

Dean of the Froelich School of Nursing Jennifer Morton reflected on the students’ journeys and the history of the pinning ceremony itself. She noted that the tradition dates back centuries and symbolizes a nurse’s entry into professional practice and commitment to compassionate care.

“You are now ready to become licensed professional nurses. You will use your knowledge to heal, relieve suffering, and make a difference in the lives of others,” Morton said. “You’ve demonstrated tremendous grit, sweat, and sometimes tears on this journey, and alongside this phenomenal faculty, we share in this immense joy with you and your loved ones. We all feel safer knowing that you’ll be out there for us as nurses.”

Morton also encouraged graduates to take pride in the Assumption nursing pin, which features the University crest and Florence Nightingale’s lamp—symbols of both institutional identity and the profession’s legacy.

During the ceremony, several students were recognized for academic excellence and clinical achievement.

Five members of the Class of 2026—Olivia Crawford, Genesis Funes, Madeline Guarneri, Zachary Newsham, and Bella Perryman—were inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society for nursing. Induction recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, integrity, and leadership potential.

Olivia Crawford was awarded the Clark and Cheryl Alderman Award of Academic Excellence, presented to the senior nursing student with the highest overall grade point average. 

Lauren Tempesta received the Froelich Family Award of Clinical Excellence, honoring a student who emulates the professionalism, respect, and compassion demonstrated by Dr. Jerome and Marie Froelich in their care of patients across the ethnic, racial, age, and medical specialty continuum.

Professor Joanna Bachour delivered the class address, offering a heartfelt reflection on the students’ academic journey. Using the metaphor of learning to drive, she compared the progression from classroom learning to clinical practice with gaining confidence behind the wheel.

She encouraged graduates to trust their training, lean on one another, and remain attentive to the meaningful moments that define the profession. Emphasizing both preparation and purpose, she reminded the class that they are equipped for what lies ahead. “There will be days when the road feels uncertain,” Bachour said. “But you are not unprepared, and you are not alone. You have been equipped for this journey. Look for the small moments of connection along the way. They may be brief, but they are everything.

“You started by learning the basics,” Bachour said. “Today, you leave ready to lead. So, take the wheel, stay steady, stay aware, but stay compassionate.”

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of pins to each graduate, symbolizing their readiness to enter professional practice. Following the pinning, students recited the International Council of Nursing pledge, affirming their commitment to ethical care, patient dignity, and lifelong learning.

The ceremony concluded with a benediction and a final welcome into the profession.

“On behalf of the faculty and staff in the Froelich School of Nursing, we are proud to welcome the Class of 2026 to the nursing profession,” said Orelup-Fitzgerald. “You are all a part of this community forever.”

As they graduate and prepare to enter the workforce, Assumption’s newest nurses carry forward a tradition of compassionate care, grounded in faith, education, and a commitment to serving others.