Rogers State University

05/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2025 16:45

RSU Honors 47 Nursing Graduates at Pinning Ceremony May 9

  • RSU Assistant Professor of Nursing Samantha Rhea (left) congratulates nursing graduate Haylie Jones.
  • Dr. Carla Lynch, associate dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, addressed the graduates.
  • Assistant Professor of Nursing LeeAnn Sipes congratulates Toss Fourkiller as the Distinguished Graduate.
  • RSU Nursing graduates wave to their family and friends during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony May 9.
  • Instructor of Nursing Rebekah Inman congratulates Emily Smith as the Outstanding Graduate.
  • RSU Nursing graduates recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge during Nursing Pinning May 9.
  • RSU Assistant Professor of Nursing Samantha Rhea thanks a representative from Haruv USA for being the outstanding community partner.
  • RSU Nursing held its spring pinning ceremony May 9 to welcome graduates into the profession of nursing.

Rogers State University honored its 43rd class of graduating nurses at the 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony held Friday, May 9, at First Baptist Church in Claremore.

RSU Associate Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Carla Lynch welcomed the graduates, their guests, and members of the audience before addressing the nursing students.

"Graduates, once again we are making history," Lynch said. "This past December we had our first ever fall graduates from RSU nursing. Today, we celebrate our spring 2025 graduates that hail from our Claremore campus, but also, our first Saint Francis extended campus. Partnerships such as this have allowed us to accept more students and positively impact the nursing needs for this region. Saint Francis has generously provided faculty, classroom, lab and simulation space for an additional 16 students every semester. Today we will see the first fruits of this labor.

"Regardless of your home campus, each of you were likely challenged by nursing school in ways you never dreamed of when you began this journey," she continued. "You have expanded your mind and spirit, and have tested your will repeatedly, and I am so pleased to be the first to congratulate you on a job well-done."

After Lynch's remarks, a live musical performance of "You Raise Me Up" by Rolf Lovland (arranged by Uwe Roessle) was presented, with Josia Haker on violin, Amelia Ivory on cello and Cathy Venable on piano.

Following this, Rebekah Inman recognized Emily Smith as the Outstanding Graduate and LeeAnn Sipes recognized Toss Fourkiller as the Distinguished Graduate.

Nursing pins were then presented to graduating nurses by nursing faculty Caitlyn Thomas, Sheryl Klenovich, Samantha Rhea, Mary Utsler, Shaylene Chatham, Tamra Luna and Janet Jackson.

Spring 2025 nursing graduates included Richard Arce Cornejo, Sean Asauskas, Sophia Atkinson, Josiah Baker, Alex Bartlett, Cole Beets, Paris Dishmon, Brynnlee Dryden, Madison Elkins, Toss Fourkiller, Elena Fries, Bonnie Garner, Elizabeth Gerritson, Jimi Green, Kylie Jancich, Bailey Johnson, Haylie Jones, Jenna Knecht, Michael Lamont, Savannah Lira, Madison Mancell, Macey Marrs, Diane Mbetsi, Paige McCabe, Kaci Meerbeek, Caitlin Parker, Ella Parrick, Mason Peery, Katie Quaid, Morgan Rabehl, Eric Ragan, Chloe Ramsey, Autumn Riggs, Emily Smith, Erica Snyder, Justin Stocker, Emily Talbot, Vashea Thomas, Morgan Thompson, Emily Tucker, Emily Tuttle, Hope Van Cleave, Sarita Walters, Kenneth Ward, Macy Whittenburg, Sonia Wilbanks, and Xiong Yang.

After the presentation of pins, Assistant Professor Tonya Ballone led the graduates in the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, in which, the group pledged to practice their profession faithfully, do all in their power to maintain and elevate the standards of the nursing profession, and to dedicate themselves to the welfare of those committed to their care.

Lynch then congratulated the newly pinned nurses and wished them much success in their chosen profession and in life.

Learn more about RSU's degree options in nursing.

Rogers State University published this content on May 09, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 09, 2025 at 22:46 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at support@pubt.io