From Nursing Student to Nurse: Celebrating Graduates at the December Pinning Ceremonies

The ceremonies marked the transition from nursing student to nurse, celebrating their achievements and welcoming them into the nursing profession.

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a beloved Adelphi tradition where nursing students are recognized for their years of hard work and dedication to improving the lives of others. According to Deborah Hunt, PhD '12, dean of the College of Nursing and Public Health (CNPH), the Nursing Pinning Ceremony originated with Florence Nightingale at the St. Thomas' Hospital and the Nightingale Training School for Nurses in 1860.

In the ceremony, each graduate comes on stage to be greeted by a loved one of their choice, who then places a sash with an official Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health gold pin on it around the graduate's neck. Graduates are congratulated by friends and family as well as CNPH faculty, staff and alumni.

"The ceremony signifies a rite of passage into the nursing profession," said Dr. Hunt. "The 'Adelphi nurse' is recognized as a leader in healthcare who will provide humanistic care and improve quality of life for all patients."

Two ceremonies were held: One at 2:30 p.m. and one at 6:00 p.m. The keynote speakers were both CNPH alumni: Vincenza Coughlin, PhD '24, at the afternoon event and Barbara Alba, PhD '16, in the evening.

Dr. Coughlin is the director of nursing professional practice and education at NYU Langone Hospital on Long Island, with 10 years of experience in nursing professional development and 15 years as a nurse. She was recognized by the Long Island Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council for her accomplishments.

Dr. Alba has had a long career in obstetrics caring for new mothers and their babies. She is currently the director of nursing for the Maternity-Child Department at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital as a board-certified nurse executive.

The following awards were presented.

• The Mildred Montag Award, presented to a senior nursing student who has demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to professional nursing and distinguished service to CNPH, was given to Sebastian Quiceno.
• The Margaret T. Shay Senior Award, presented to a senior nursing student who has demonstrated leadership ability, commitment to professional nursing and distinguished service to the College of Nursing and Public Health, was awarded to Julie DeMarco.
• The Bernard and Marilyn Klainberg Nursing Award, given to a graduating senior, chosen by the faculty, who has a 3.3 GPA or better and demonstrates service to the Adelphi community or healthcare community, was given to Caitlin M. Reilly.
• The Adelphi University Student Nurses Association Award, presented to a senior nursing student for his/her commitment and service to the CNPH student body, was awarded to Peggy Tan.