Mount Wachusett Community College graduates join nursing profession

MWCC Graduates joined the nursing profession in a pinning ceremony held on May 16.

MWCC Graduates joined the nursing profession in a pinning ceremony held on May 16. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Staff Report

Published: 05-20-2024 2:03 PM

GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for the 94 graduates of its Associate Degree in Nursing program on May 16 with family and friends at the Mount Fitness facility.

The Class of 2024 Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is comprised of students from either the day or evening ADN program, or were practicing Licensed Practical Nurses who returned to MWCC continue their education through the LPN to RN Bridge Program.

Among the graduates are Melissa Suzanne Carlson, Brianna Lillian Mary Cauley and Alexia J. Clapper, all of Athol, Candice Lee Nolette of New Salem, Natasha Lynn Beauchemin of Orange, Briana Francisca Navarijo and Elizabeth Marguerite Whiting of Phillipston, and Leah N. Barnes of Royalston.

“You have not just chosen a degree program, you have chosen a vocation, a path of serving and of helping others, and there can really be no higher calling than that. You are going to be serving others in their most desperate times, serving their loved ones in the most trying of times,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven told graduates. “Many of you have overcome challenges to be here, and you will have challenges professionally, but do not forget all that you overcame to get to this point. You are capable and you are ready to go out into the community to serve others and I am so proud of each and every one of you.”

Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Kim Shea, DNP, RN, addressed the graduates, thanking them for doing the work to enter the nursing profession.

“The path was, and is, a difficult one, and one that you did not have to choose,” Shea said. “You may not realize it, but your choice will have a generational impact on our families, our communities and our healthcare system for many, many years. For that, we are grateful to you.”

Each student was given the opportunity to share a few words of thanks for the support shown by friends, family and faculty through their education before receiving their pin from their chosen faculty, friend, or family member, often a nurse.

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