Pinning ceremony celebrates graduates' achievement of earning their nursing degrees

This holiday season marked an unforgettable milestone for 25 UMass Dartmouth graduates as Cohort 8 of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program celebrated their pinning ceremony on December 19, 2024. Surrounded by loved ones, the ceremony symbolized the beginning of their professional nursing careers. 

Dr. Valerie Seney, PhD, MA, LMHC, PMHNP-BC, an ABSN Program graduate from the class of 2007, served as the Master of Ceremonies and reflected on the unique journeys of these graduates. “This is a time of celebration for all you have accomplished, and a time of gratitude for all of those who helped you work towards your dreams of becoming a nurse. The people who supported you and became your personal cheerleaders.”  Dr. Seney shared. “I speak for all your faculty as I say, congratulations for a job well done.” 

Each graduate’s journey was remarkable, having made the bold decision to return to school and complete a rigorous 18-month program to earn a second bachelor’s degree, this time in nursing. Dr. Seney concluded her heartfelt address with a powerful message to the emotional Cohort 8: “You are the future of nursing. It is imperative that you honor this profession with empathy, compassion, care, honesty, scientific curiosity, integrity, and most importantly never stop learning and adding to the profession.” 

The ABSN program is designed for graduates with undergraduate degrees, many from health-related fields. This full-time, 18-month intensive hybrid program prepares students for the NCLEX and safe nursing practice through online coursework, on-campus labs and simulations, and clinical experiences in the Southcoast region. 

Student speakers reflect on shared journey

Some of the most impactful words of the evening came from fellow classmates and guest speakers, Carson Dussinger and Casey Frazier, who also reflected on Cohort 8’s journey. Dussinger ‘24 shared insights into the challenges the cohort faced leading up to the pinning ceremony: “We've all had our own separate journeys that brought us to make the very courageous and same decision to get a whole other bachelor's degree. 17 months and 17 months it was. I mean, you're talking babies, marriages, moves...” She continued, “We have celebrated each other's highs and held each other up in our low moments. Our successes and failures were shared. We saw strength in each other that we cannot see in ourselves.” 

Casey Frazier ‘24 left the group with one final message about perseverance and purpose: “As we step forward into our careers, I want to remind us of one specific thing. When shifts feel long or the emotional toll of nursing feels unbearable, remember why we chose to become nurses in the first place. Remember that we didn't choose this field because of the accolades or the easy path. We came because we felt some sort of calling to make a difference.” 

Nursing, Frazier emphasized, is a path defined by service, understanding, and scientific curiosity. Dussinger and Frazier made it clear that while Cohort 8’s 18-month journey together was far from easy, it wasn’t meant to be. Yet, at the finish line, they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. 

Grit by definition

Before each student was pinned by a loved one, close friend, or colleague, Dr. Kathleen Elliot, DNP, ANP-BC, took a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of Cohort 8. She remarked, “Grit by definition is courage, resolve and strength in character. We have been very fortunate to work closely with such promising nurses. Your grit to achieve, your strength to support one another is very noteworthy.” 

Dr. Elliot ended her remarks with the highest praise for the cohort, saying, “You by far have been the best group of students I've had the privilege to work with. We at UMassD are truly honored to have such a talented group of students representing us.” 

Inside the pinning ceremony’s atmosphere

The atmosphere in the room was charged with nervous energy, a mix of excitement and anticipation. Family members, friends, and loved ones trembled with pride, clapping enthusiastically and savoring every moment. Graduates anxiously tapped their feet on the ground, eagerly awaiting their turn. This was the culmination of 18 months of hard work and dedication. One by one, graduates were pinned by their parents, children, friends, or other family members. As their names were called, they made their way to the stage, embraced their loved one, and received their pin—a moment they would cherish for the rest of their nursing careers. 

A nurse's pledge

As one of Cohort 8's final acts as a group, they stood together and recited "A Nurse’s Pledge for the 21st Century" in unison. The pledge concludes with the powerful words: “And I will hold hope for the future. Above all I will heed the admonition of our sister, Florence Nightingale. ‘Live life while you have it. Life is a splendid gift – there is nothing small about it.’” 

The journey of Cohort 8 in the ABSN program at UMass Dartmouth was truly unique—challenging, empowering, painfully beautiful, and nothing short of extraordinary. The future of nursing at UMass Dartmouth is undeniably bright. 

Grit, grace, and gratitude: cohort 8’s triumph in the ABSN Pinning Ceremony

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