NEWBURGH – Mount Saint Mary College honored the August 2021 graduates of its non-traditional Nursing program at a pinning ceremony on Wednesday, September 1.
The ceremony was presided over by Vidia Saleem, instructor of Nursing.
Dr. Jason N. Adsit, president of the college, congratulated the students on a job well done. Christine Berté, dean of the School of Nursing, and Kimberly Poje, instructor of Nursing, echoed Dr. Adsit’s praise for the dedicated graduates.
Fr. Gregoire Fluet, chaplain and director of Campus Ministry, blessed the pins, which were presented to the graduates by chosen family members and friends. The Mount Saint Mary College nursing pin displays the college seal and motto, “doce me veritatem,” which translates as “teach me the truth.”
Graduates Lanisha Outlaw of Middletown, N.Y. and Brianna Keller of Newburgh, N.Y. offered their reflections on the group’s academic journey. Both Outlaw and Keller expressed gratitude for the aid of their families.
“I’d like to dedicate my pin to my family. Through the ups and downs, they have loved me unconditionally,” Outlaw said. “My thankfulness to them for surviving every storm, celebrating victories, listening to my complaints, providing encouragement, and supporting me in pursuing my goal of obtaining my BSN.”
Keller said, “Thank you [to my family] for supporting me as I found my path…And all glory to God, who opened many doors for me to be here today.”
Graduates also credited their professors with molding them into the knowledgeable and confident professionals they are today. For example, Jackeline Concepcion of Hopewell Junction, N.Y. said, “Thank you to all of the MSMC professors for challenging me and encouraging me though the program.”
After the presentation of the nursing pins, Berté recognized several students for excellence in their studies and dedication to the field. Lynette DeBellis, instructor of Nursing, also presented the Sigma Award.
The recipients were:
School of Nursing Leadership Award: Lanisha Outlaw of Middletown, N.Y.
* School of Nursing Clinical Excellence Award: Michael Scarano of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
* Perseverance Award: Leanne Pisciotta of Rock Tavern, N.Y.
* General Excellence Award: Brianna Keller of Newburgh, N.Y.
* Spirit of Nursing Award: Ilona Roy of Hopewell Junction, N.Y.
* Sigma Award: Elisavet Boubaris of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
To close out the ceremony, the proud graduates recited “A Nurse’s Prayer,” which speaks of dedicating one’s life to helping others.
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