The University of Florida College of Nursing celebrated its Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2026 during its spring Pinning and Recognition Ceremony, marking a milestone for graduates as they prepare to enter the profession as professional nurses.
Sponsored by the College of Nursing Alumni Board, the annual ceremony recognized graduates for their academic achievements, leadership and commitment to nursing excellence while formally welcoming them into the alumni community. Alumni Board President Kim Curry, PhD, ARNP, FAANP, helped lead the ceremony and reflected on the tradition’s significance during the college’s 70th anniversary year.
“This year, that connection feels even more significant as we celebrate 70 years of nursing excellence at the University of Florida,” Curry said. “Today, you become part of that legacy.”
Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, MBA, IBCLC, RNC-NICC, dean of the UF College of Nursing and system chief nurse executive for UF Health, opened the ceremony by recognizing graduates, families, faculty, staff and clinical preceptors while highlighting the college’s milestone anniversaries, including the 70th anniversary of the college, 10 years of the Jacksonville campus’ Accelerated BSN program, and 25 years of UF Health Archer Family Health Care.
“Today, we recognize you as professional nurses and soon-to-be graduates of this institution, and we celebrate all that you have accomplished as you prepare for commencement,” Henderson said.
She reminded graduates that nursing remains grounded in compassion, science and individualized care and that they now join generations of nurses prepared to care, lead and inspire boldly.
The ceremony also featured recognition of 2026 Alumna of the Year Monica Barfield, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, founder of New Horizon Primary Care and the first autonomous nurse practitioner-led primary care practice in Florida. Henderson praised Barfield for redefining nursing leadership through innovation, advocacy and expanded access to care.
Traditional BSN class representatives Abigail Wrobleski and Caroline Schapansky delivered remarks on behalf of their classmates.
Wrobleski, who served on the executive board of the University of Florida Student Nursing Association, reflected on the shared challenges of nursing school, from demanding coursework to intimidating clinical experiences.
“We learned that nursing isn’t about knowing everything,” Wrobleski said. “It’s about being there when it matters most.”
Schapansky, who served two consecutive terms as the College of Nursing’s student senator, encouraged classmates to stay present, embrace imperfection, and ground themselves in purpose.
“I’ve learned to never get so caught up in figuring out what’s next that I miss what’s below my feet right now,” Schapansky said. “This moment today is worth appreciating, but the moments in between are, too.”
Jesse Brattain, representing the RN-to-BSN Class of 2026, shared a deeply personal reflection on perseverance after losing multiple family members and his home during his time in the program.
“There’s a fighter inside me,” Brattain said. “When I look out on this crowd, that’s what’s looking right back at me. Fighters.”
He reminded classmates that the difficult moments helped shape them into stronger nurses and leaders.
“The hard is what makes it great,” he said.
During the ceremony, students were recognized for leadership, research, service and academic excellence before receiving their College of Nursing pins, a longstanding nursing tradition symbolizing professional identity and responsibility.
Graduates also stood together to recite the professional nursing pledge, led by peer mentor Sandro Munoz, reaffirming their commitment to compassionate, ethical and evidence-based care.
Following the ceremony, graduate Emily Sansone said she was excited to begin her career in Gainesville and continue representing Gator Nursing.
“I’m so excited,” Sansone said. “I’m staying in Gainesville and working here, so I’m just excited. I’m so thankful for our nursing program. It equipped us to go into the workforce, and I’m excited to stay in the city and keep going and representing Gator Nursing.”
Graduate Joane Le said the experience was shaped most by the people she met along the way.
“I’m excited,” Le said. “I loved the people here. They really made the experience. They’re what made it great.”
Henderson closed the ceremony by reminding graduates they are now part of the rich tradition of Gator Nursing.
“Never forget how proud we are to call you one of ours,” Henderson said.
2026 Nursing Excellence Award Recipients
Excellence in Nursing Care: Lauren Tapscott
Excellence in Community Service: Sofia Genel
Outstanding Clinical Excellence: Janelle Tengco
Outstanding Peer Support (Traditional BSN): Audrey Ayette
Outstanding Peer Support (RN-to-BSN): Farrah Saturne
Excellence in Nursing Leadership: Alyssa Wheeler
Excellence in Inspiring Others Through Nursing: Brooke Landess
Excellence in Research: Carly Ginn
Exemplary RN-to-BSN Student: Farrah Saturne
Exemplary BSN Student: Hailee Tino
Gallery: 2026 Spring UF College of Nursing Pinning and Recognition Ceremony
