- WHEN:
Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Doors open at 9:00 a.m.; students and pinners report to the Squitieri Studio Theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts by 9:15 a.m.; all others are seated by 9:45 a.m.; processional at 10:00 a.m. - WHERE:
Curtis M. Phillips, M.D. Center for the Performing Arts
3201 Hull Road, Gainesville, FL (Cultural Plaza, on the campus of the University of Florida) - ACTIONS FOR BSN GRADUATING SENIORS:
- ORDER YOUR PIN – CLICK HERE FOR ORDER INSTRUCTIONS – The deadline to order is noon on February 10th. An email with instructions will also be sent directly to the graduates.
- RSVP FOR PINNING & RECOGNITION CEREMONY – Use the Student RSVP Form below. The deadline is February 7th at noon (EST).
- ORDER REGALIA – CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS – The deadline to order with standard shipping is March 21st.
- PLAN TO ATTEND REHEARSAL – Tuesday, April 29th at 1:00pm in the HPNP Auditorium. An email with details will be sent directly to the graduates.
- INFORM YOUR GUESTS – Share the date, time, and location of the ceremony with your guests so they can mark their calendars.
- HOW DO THE SEPARATE CEREMONIES RELATE TO EACH OTHER:
- PINNING & RECOGNITION CEREMONY – This is a COLLEGE CEREMONY welcoming graduating seniors to the profession of Nursing, specifically for Nursing undergraduates to mark their transition into the Nursing profession, hosted by the College of Nursing. It is NOT the Commencement (aka – Graduation) Ceremony. Students will each have their names called, walk across the stage, be pinned, and have a photo taken by the official UF Photographer (available for purchase at a later date). Academic regalia is required.
- COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY (aka – Graduation) – This is a UNIVERSITY CEREMONY (the ONLY GRADUATION CEREMONY for undergraduates) – The Commencement Ceremony is hosted by the Office of the President. It is the graduation ceremony, where a nationally recognized speaker participates, individuals are NOT recognized during the spring (due to number of graduates in one ceremony), academic regalia is required and a degree is conferred by the UF President.
History
The concept of the nursing pin dates back to the Crusades when the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem displayed the Maltese Cross on their uniforms. Following the Crusades, some of the Crusaders noted the excellent nursing care provided by the Hospital of Saint John and decided to join the nursing group. Over the centuries, various schools and craft guilds adopted symbols to use on buttons, badges or shields to represent their training, wisdom, strength, courage and faith.
In 1880, Florence Nightingale chose the Maltese cross as the badge to be worn by the graduates of her first school of nursing. As the profession of nursing developed, each school chose a unique pin to be awarded to students completing their programs. The pin then became a public symbol of excellence worn on nurses’ uniforms. Often, the pins first were put on at a “pinning” ceremony during graduation activities.
Graduates continue to purchase their colleges’ pins to wear after graduation. The unique pin provides an outstanding way to display pride in achievements and easily identifies each nurse’s alma mater to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
BSN GRADUATES
ATTIRE – ACADEMIC REGALIA REQURIED to participate in this event. Stoles and cords are also encouraged.
CHECK-IN – All participating students MUST arrive at the Squitieri Studio Theatre in the Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) by 9:15 a.m. on Friday, May 2nd.
Personal belongings (like purses) must be left with a guest. You will not be allowed to pick up your pin if you bring them.
Phones must be silenced and kept in your pocket. Your hands must be free during the ceremony.
Pin and name card pickup will occur during check-in.

GUEST INFORMATION
Tickets are NOT required for entry.
Guest seating: Please be seated in the University Auditorium by 9:45 a.m.
Student recess: At the ceremony’s conclusion, students will exit the building completely.
Meeting spot: Please arrange a designated meeting location with your student prior to the ceremony, as student-guest interaction will not be permitted during the event.
Accessibility: The venue is ADA accessible. Assistance with wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers is available upon request from an usher.

PARKING
Parking: Guests may use the flat lot and parking garage located at the venue. Decal restrictions are lifted during the time of the ceremony. However, please note that spaces with specific tag/permit signage and metered spaces will still be in effect. Parking details will be provided to students prior to the ceremony. Students are responsible for sharing this information with their guests.

For questions regarding the Pinning Ceremony, please contact: