Healing with the Dominican Spirit: Mount honors new caregivers
To some, the symbols of student success might just look like a simple pin or coat. But for graduates of Mount Saint Mary College’s Nursing program – and millions of healthcare workers around the world – these are promises to give patients the best care possible.
The School of Nursing celebrated its traditional pinning ceremony on Friday, May 15 as a prelude to the college’s annual Commencement weekend, honoring a cohort ready to transition from student nurses to graduate nurses. A week prior, the Nurse Practitioner program gathered to celebrate its advanced practice candidates at the Spring White Coat Ceremony.
Together, these two milestones honored more than 140 students stepping onto the front lines of medicine.
Photos by Lee Ferris
The Nurse Pining: Lighting the Way
At the Nurse pining, Dr. Robert Gervasi, president of the Mount, praised the students for their commitment to their craft.
“The culture of nursing really has become the culture of Mount Saint Mary College,” he said, urging the graduates to “be ladies and gentlemen with lamps, not only to light the way of healing, but to light the way of hope.”
Carol Wanyo, assistant professor of Nursing and Mistress of Ceremonies, congratulated the students on a job well done.
“The journey to become a registered professional nurse is not for everyone,” she noted. “It’s packed with many challenges, hard work, dedication, a little stress, some tears, and always the joy of success.”
Dr. Ann Marie T. Brooks, Interim Dean of the School of Nursing, urged the graduates to lean into their successes: “This pin that you’re going to get is a symbol of our faith in you. Wear it proudly and know that the School of Nursing and the college are so glad you came, that you studied, and that you completed the program, and now you’re ready to be the best you can be. Your future is bright because of the love and support of the people in this room.”
The reflections from the class highlighted the deep personal transformation behind the degree. Kate Egan, President of the Student Nurses’ Association and recipient of the School of Nursing Leadership Award, recalled the grueling but meaningful 1,356 days the cohort shared.
“We learned how to take blood pressures and give injections, but we also learned how to hold someone's hand on their hardest day when words weren’t enough,” Egan said. “We studied pharmacology and med-surg, but we also learned how to listen, advocate, and lead with empathy, because this profession is about choosing care over and over again.”
For classmate Wanda Paulino, the moment was a triumph of perseverance as a non-traditional student returning to college in her 40s.
“At this stage in life, many of us are not only chasing dreams, we are also carrying responsibilities,” she said, balancing the care of children, grandchildren, and parents. “That is why this moment means so much, because this journey proves that it is never too late to grow, never too late to begin again, and never too late to become who you were meant to be.”
Keynote speaker Lynette DeBellis, associate professor and Chair of the School of Nursing, discussed how the vocation intertwines with a nurse’s personal identity. “Be the nurse you would want your most precious loved one to have care for them,” DeBellis said. “If you lead with this principle, you will never lose your way.”
Fr. Gregoire Fluet, Vice President for Mission and Ministry, blessed the pins, which were presented to the graduates by chosen family members and friends. The unique Mount nursing pin displays the college seal and motto, doce me veritatem, or “teach me the truth.”
During the pinning ceremony, several standout graduates were recognized for academic, clinical, and leadership excellence within the program:
School of Nursing Leadership Award: Kate Egan
Perseverance Award: Zoe O’Brien and Colleen Caldwell
School of Nursing Clinical Excellence Award: Ivan Labuda
General Excellence in Nursing Award: Joshua Bartlett and Bianca Anjos
Spirit of Nursing Award: Franceen Moncrieffe
Sigma Theta Tau Leadership Award: Noah Anderson, Olivia O’Donell, and Julianna Zeidan
Photos by Lee Ferris
The White Coat Ceremony: Stepping into Leadership
At the White Coat Ceremony, the focus shifted to the advanced clinical hierarchy and leadership of the Mount’s Nurse Practitioner candidates.
Opening the ceremony, Professor Nancy Gartin-Checchi, Graduate Coordinator, emphasized that the transition to the professional nurse practitioner role carries immense responsibility.
“The white coat, or post-master certificate that you will receive today, is more than a garment or a piece of clothing,” said Checchi. “It is a symbol of trust, professionalism, and compassion.”
Student speaker Melissa Mapes offered a reflection on maintaining that vital spark through a rigorous program.
“We made it to the day that we’ve all been picturing,” Mapes said. “We’ve learned the importance of maintaining that balance, of filling up our cup so we can give to others, to be better people and better professionals.”
Graduate Jensy Cherian echoed that dedicated sentiment: “This white coat represents responsibility, integrity, and trust placed in our profession,” Cherian said. “I am honored to step forward with gratitude, professionalism, and a dedication to serving others.”
To close out the event, the advanced graduates joined together to recite the Nurse Practitioner Oath, pledging to serve humanity with integrity and to “advocate for those whose voices may not be heard” – a fitting capstone to a season of profound clinical achievement.
