Celebrating Summer 2021 Pinning

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Nursing was able to celebrate 121 Accelerated BSN graduates with an in-person pinning ceremony on Friday, Aug. 6 at the Phillips Center for Performing Arts.

The Pinning Ceremony is sponsored annually by the College of Nursing Alumni Council. Alumni Council President Elaine Whidden welcomed the graduates and spoke about the Alumni Council and the history of the ceremony. The pinning tradition dates back centuries and historically the ceremony marks the end of a successful student career and the beginning of a career as a professional nurse.

As the profession of nursing developed through each century, each school designated a unique pin to be awarded to their graduate—the University of Florida College of Nursing pin features the university’s seal at its center.

Students, faculty, staff, family and friends heard from BSN graduate Angie Suarez, who assisted in the establishment of a new student organization called “Nurses Leading Change”, and six students were recognized with student awards at the pinning ceremony.

Award for Excellence in Nursing Care
Nicholas Slimick

Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Madison Riley Patterson

Award for Excellence in Inspiring Others Through Nursing
Maci Rene Peeler

Award for Excellence in Community Service
Daniel Fierro

Award for Diversity and Inclusion
Tasheny J. Wilson

Award for Excellence in Research
Mayra Astencio