“We can finally make our dreams come true.”
The future RNs were joined onstage by loved ones of all ages bestowing the well-earned pins and posing for celebratory photos. In addition, six of the total 19 bachelor’s degree nursing program (BSN) graduates participated in the ceremony, also joined by family and presented with a medallion commemorating their continuing education.
The ceremony also featured a candlelight recitation of the “Commitment To Nursing” pledge, congratulatory speeches and individual award presentations.
This emotional rite-of-passage event occurred in the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, which overflowed with guests as nursing students were celebrated for their intense study, fortitude, diligence and sacrifice. We know that sacrifices are also made by family members of these students and we thank all those who walk through the journey with them.
While the graduates have the knowledge and skills to be wildly successful nurses, being a good human will ensure it. Good humans and great nurses live their lives with integrity and grace, conduct their lives with purpose and give their best effort. We ask our students to believe there is good in the world and to be the good in the world.
In his ceremony address, YC Nursing Associate Professor Trevor Nordin gave the fall 2024 graduating class a glimpse of the future. “As nurses, you’ll face days where everything is coming at you all at once, blurring everything together in the chaos of patient care. So, I say trust your training, seek guidance and know that every challenging day will sharpen your instincts and build confidence,” he said.
Before the ceremony, BSN graduate Amber Ewart of Prescott said the four-year degree on top of the associate’s degree that taught her how to be a nurse “opens a lot of doors” to possible leadership roles, teaching and administration in health care.
Associate degree graduate Sarah Gregory of Prescott said she started nursing school after working in health care for many years and caring for her father before his passing. “That was it. I came home after that and started chipping away at school.” Sarah said she was elated to be joined at the graduation and pinned by her young son and daughter who have “watched me work so hard for this, so it’s a big deal to them, too. We can finally make our dreams come true.”
The first recipients of Yavapai College’s bachelor’s degree in nursing are Sirena Alvarez, Karen Black, Rhyann Davies, Michelle Diaz, Jennifer Doerksen, Amber Ewart, Shailee Hamm, Nicole M. Johnson, Starlett Morales, Aimee Olum, Emma Pundt, Aidan Raute, Gabriel Roybal, Jennifer Santoyo, Julia St. Pierre, Annalicia Stann, Nicole Welker and Clark White.
Following are the 52 student nurses and future RNs (following a national licensing exam) who earned their associate of applied science degree in nursing at end of the fall semester.
- Alexandra Alvarado
- Katie Anderson
- Gianmarco Anzelmo
- Emily Armijo
- Courtney Bauer
- Sheron Brown
- Karissa Buchanan
- Morgan Castillo
- Katelyn Chapman
- Clay Crane
- Jordyn Cromer
- Caitlynn Dickinson
- Madison Dowell
- Joey Farley
- Raechel Ferguson
- Jenna Fields
- Holly Forsberg
- Destiny Gilpin
- Sarah Gregory
- Alexis Haidet
- Sada Hendricks
- Cheyenne Hull
- Noi Jackson
- Adam Johnson
- Ronnie Kohlhauer
- Kendall Kunick
- Jennifer Leibin
- Matthew Mabbitt
- Nicolette Maestas
- Hailey Mayhan
- Aiden McCarter
- Haydee Mesta
- Brad Milan
- Justin Miller
- Geri Mills
- Audrey Norman
- Alejandro Ocampo
- David Podkowa
- Chloe Polacek
- AJ Purinton
- Kaylee Rhodes
- Patricia Robinson
- Kyla Rolfes
- Eric Ross
- Alister Rothrock
- Katelyn Schield
- Anna Sharp
- Christine Teague
- Jennifer Thomas
- Alyssa Wasil
- Christopher Wengerd
- James Youngblood
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu. QCBN
By Lisa B. Rhine
Dr. Lisa B. Rhine serves as the 10th president of Yavapai College, bringing to the institution over 35 years of leadership experience across a number of leading colleges and universities in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.
Yavapai College offers over 100 degrees and certificates, including two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities at six locations throughout Yavapai County.
Courtesy Photo: In an emotional ceremony, Yavapai College celebrated the new nurses, recognizing their intense study, fortitude, diligence and sacrifice. The six students wearing gold sashes are among the very first graduates of YC’s bachelor’s degree nursing program.
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