By Simon Baker, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University’s School of Nursing recognized 11 students Dec. 8 in Randell Chapel during its Registered Nurse Pinning Ceremony.
Dr. Michele Dickens, dean of the School of Nursing, welcomed the event’s attendees and thanked them for coming to support the graduates.
The following students received pins during the ceremony: Ashley Renee Albrektson of Columbia, Ky.; Lauren Kennedy Bickett of Raywick, Ky.; Caneyah Hope Bowen of Campbellsville, Ky.; Logan Randall Brown of Lexington, Ky.; Emily Lauren Curtis of Elk Horn, Ky.; Brookelyn Michelle Franklin of Campbellsville, Ky.; Tiffany Renee George of Danville, Ky.; Katelynn Marie Houk of Greensburg, Ky.; Destiny McKayla Taylor of Lebanon, Ky.; Savannah Rae Taylor of Winchester, Ky.; and Heather Shay West of Harrodsburg, Ky.
Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said she was proud of all the nurses graduating and emphasized the importance of making good connections with patients, which will encourage patients and help them during their time of need.
The following students received special awards, as presented by Dickens and Dena Clements, instructor in clinical nursing: Albrektson (Health Education Systems Incorporated Award), Bickett (Beverly Rowland Academic Award), Bowen (Franklin D Cheatham Award), Brown (Clinical Excellence Award), Curtis (Award of Excellence and Dr. James Jones Servant Leadership Award) and Taylor (Daisy Award).
Students spoke about their experiences during the ceremony.
Albrektson said, “I want to thank everyone here who has supported us, from our family, friends, faculty and staff. This wouldn’t have been possible without your constant prayer, encouragement and support. These two years have flown by.
“When we started, I think I can speak for everyone and say that we could not wait for it to end. Now that we have put in all the hard work, tonight is the day we wished so much to get here. And now that it’s over, it’s hitting me so hard that I won’t see this group weekly.”
She said, “We have been through so much together. We cried, laughed, ate meals, and set timers to wake each other up to get a quick nap.
“We have seen each other at our highest highs and lowest lows. We have studied for hundreds of hours at the BASC. All of this to bring us one step closer to our dream of becoming nurses.”
George spoke on behalf of Campbellsville University’s Conover Education Center in Harrodsburg, Ky.
“Five of us in this class came from Campbellsville University’s Harrodsburg location. We started this journey two years ago together, and I am honored that my classmates chose me to represent them at this podium today,” George said.
“We have been eating, sleeping and breathing nursing school together for two years. We started as classmates and are now ending this program as a family.”
George said, “When I think about all we have accomplished together, one word comes to mind—perseverance.
“This semester brought us 11 students together under unexpected circumstances. But despite our setbacks, we found our strength. We encouraged and uplifted one another and finished wiser and stronger because of our perseverance.”
George said, “We may not have started this nursing program together, but I will forever be thankful we all ended up here. Thousands of practice questions and 300 study hours later, we did it. Let’s go be great.”
Dr. James E. Jones, a member of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees and pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, blessed the hands of each student.
Dr. Angie Atwood, assistant professor of nursing at Campbellsville University, closed the ceremony in prayer.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with an enrollment of nearly 12,000 students. The university offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor’s, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.