By Emily Roberts, student news writer, Office of University Communications
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - “Lord, I ask you to touch us. Touch our hearts and our hands as we go on our way. No matter where we are working, I ask you to touch our hands and allow us to make a difference,” Deirdra April Nunn of Campbellsville, Ky., said at Campbellsville University's School of Nursing Practical Nursing pinning ceremony in Ransdell Chapel Dec. 10.
Nunn was one of five practical nursing students pinned during the ceremony.
Other students pinned include Emily Grace Taylor of Campbellsville, Ky.; Macy Valene Gilkeson of Campbellsville, Ky.; Sharon Kay Saettel of Magnolia, Ky.; and Megan Marie Mattingly of Greensburg, Ky.
Dr. Michele Dickens, dean of the School of Nursing, welcomed the students.
“Each of you has gone through a strenuous and challenging professional and academic journey, one that can only be completed through hard work, diligence and determination,” Dickens said.
The School of Nursing presented awards of excellence to Saettel who was awarded the Dr. James E. Jones Servant Leadership Award and the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) Award; Taylor received the Award of Excellence and Academic Award, and Nunn was presented the Franklin D Cheatham Award.
Sharon Thomas, instructor in nursing and licensed practical nursing coordinator, told the pinning recipients the School of Nursing faculty and staff wish them good luck in their futures.
“Today is the day we have to let you spread your wings and fly,” she said. “I couldn't be more proud. We love you guys.”
Emily Taylor, class president, and Macy Gilkeson, class vice president, said even though they believed 2022 was going to be one of their hardest years, it passed by in the blink of an eye with many memorable happy moments.
Dr. James E. Jones, pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and member of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, prayed over and blessed the hands of each student.
He said to the graduates, “We appreciate all you do.”
Shiphrah Mosemann, practical nursing secretary for the School of Nursing, read the names of each student. Courtney Vaughn, clinical adjunct faculty member, administered the passing of the pins.
During the ceremony, the students recited the Nightingale Pledge in honor of the tradition passed down by Florence Nightingale beginning in 1916.
Lea Brook Schmitt, instructor in clinical nursing, lit the graduate lamps as the ceremony ended. She also sang “Whenever You Remember” by Carrie Underwood for the processional.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university that offers over 100 programs including doctoral, master, bachelor, associate and certificate programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.