Ceremonies held on the Long Island and Brooklyn campuses last month ushered in the newest crop of students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through St. Joseph’s University, New York (SJNY).
“The nursing program is a difficult and intensive program of study. These graduates met the challenges and succeeded admirably,” said Associate Dean for Nursing Maria Fletcher, Ph.D., RN, CNE.
There were 81 graduates in this year’s class. According to Dr. Fletcher, nearly half completed their degree with GPAs of 3.5 and above.
“This translates to a class that seriously applied themselves to the coursework, and worked hard. The graduates will be wonderful nurses and a credit to themselves as well as St. Joseph’s,” she added.
Known as “pinning” ceremonies, the events symbolically mark the completion of the student’s nursing education. They were held in the Tuohy Hall Auditorium on the Brooklyn campus and The Muriel & Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts in Patchogue with families, friends and SJNY faculty in attendance.
Nursing Student Awards
Several students were awarded special recognition during the ceremonies.
The Associate Dean Award, marking highest GPA on each campus, was awarded to Isabella Coon and Ofra Rafailov.
The Social Responsibility Award was presented to Michael Nolan and Sanjay Stanley.
The Spiritual Values Award was presented to Kyle Gatinao and Nathalia Joya.
Mikayla Silver-Oyola and Andrew Gonzalez were presented with the Leadership Award.
The Nightingale Award was presented to Kelechi Egbuziem and Canossa-Raichon Victor.
SJNY hosted its first pinning ceremony in 2019.
This year’s ceremony marked the last for Dr. Fletcher. She is retiring after nearly 36 years at St. Joseph’s.
“It is a bittersweet moment. We have a great program, and I am grateful to have been a part of its beginning,” concluded Dr. Fletcher.
Photos from Brooklyn and Long Island Ceremonies:
