USF Crown Point conducts pinning for nursing grads

CROWN POINT | Around 400 people attended a December pinning ceremony for 20 nursing graduates, the largest class in University of Saint Francis Crown Point history. University of Saint Francis Provost Dr. Rolf Daniel and Assistant Provost Dr. Andrew Prall made comments and conferred degrees.

The Associate of Nursing graduates will now complete the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which measures competencies for effective performance as a newly-licensed nurse.

"Our pinning ceremony is a transformative moment in which our students become nursing professionals," Dr. Prall said. "For our faculty and staff as well as the students' family members, the ceremony is a fulfilling and moving occasion. We are full of pride when we see our newly pinned nurses take their expertise into the field, backed by our outstanding reputation in the health sciences."

"The pinning ceremony is our opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these dedicated students," said University of Saint Francis Program Director Margaret Stoffregen-DeYoung. "Nursing students work hard to get to this point, and they should be proud. It is nice to have this opportunity along with family and friends to recognize their accomplishments."