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Olivia Landolfo ’25 says that with both her parents in the medical field, she never expected to enter a health care profession. But it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she began to understand the serious implications of her parents’ work and see the sacrifice firsthand of health care workers.

“Entering ���ϲ����� during the height of the pandemic felt overwhelming and unpredictable; we were uncertain about the friendships we would form, how we would adjust to a new environment, and what our future role in hospitals and our careers might look like,” said Landolfo. “COVID was a frightening time for all of us, but I wouldn’t be standing here today among my peers if it weren’t for the healthcare workers who chose to dedicate their lives to others.”

Landolfo spoke Wednesday during the pinning ceremony for ���ϲ�����’s inaugural Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort. In 2021, ���ϲ����� launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Each of the 27 students was honored during the May 21 ceremony in McCrary Theater, attended by faculty, staff, family and friends.

“The pin that you receive today is an important symbol of all the successes, the failures and the life experiences that led you to this specific time and place,” said Dean of the School of Health Sciences Maha Lund. “You have each achieved an important milestone in your education. As care providers, I invite you to make the choice to see the humanity in each patient and create relationships with them.”

As the first cohort in the traditional BSN program, Landolfo noted that they faced unique challenges.

“We built the first committees and clubs, tested out academic schedules and clinical rotation and adapted to constant and significant change,” said Landolfo, who will be starting her career as an ICU nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. “We learned how to be resilient in the face of adversity, and unknowingly, we paved the way for hundreds of nursing students gracing Francis Center.”

Jennifer Hamilton, a labor and delivery nurse with Cone Health, and a social media influencer, offered some practical and humorous advice to the soon-to-be nurses, including to never give up your pen, wear compression socks and accept that you will make mistakes.

“If you don’t feel like a baby giraffe trying to slalom ski during your first year, you might be feeling too confident,” said Hamilton, who was introduced by Taylor Capello ’25. “Feeling unsure is normal and expected.”

Hamilton also encouraged the cohort never to forget what it’s like to be a nursing student, as they will eventually be tasked with helping to train future nurses.

“Be the version of yourself that you needed when you were a student,” said Hamilton. “Because someday you’re no longer going to be the baby giraffe trying to slalom ski, you’re going to be the someone that someone else looks up to. You are going to the calm in your chaos, and you are going to be the person that you hoped you would become.”

Following the pinning, the students took the Nursing Professional Oath, led by Antonella Tommassi ’25, who will be working in the operating room at Novant after graduation. Cathy Quay, chair of the Department of Nursing, acknowledged that the transition to nursing practice may be difficult but encouraged the students to never lose sight of “why you wanted to become a nurse.”

“People need you,” said Quay. “Our health care system needs you. Our world needs you because nursing has the power to change lives.”

Department of Nursing Senior Awards

Academic Achievement Award: Rachel Albertazzi ’25 and Olivia Landolfo ‘25
This award is presented to the students with the highest overall GPA and has a commitment to academic excellence.

Trailblazer Award: Taylor Capello ‘25
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who exemplifies integrity, accuracy and innovative leadership. Nominated and voted on by students and faculty, the recipient shows outstanding leadership, listens and guides others, is dedicated to driving change, raising awareness of social justice issues, and fostering an equitable campus community.

Heart of the Cohort: Eric Mulford ‘25
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who inspires their peers and demonstrates a commitment to encouraging and supporting fellow students. Nominated and voted on by students, the recipient is known for their positive attitude, ability to motivate others, and perseverance throughout the program.

Phoenix Award: Amanda Jacobson ‘25
The Phoenix Award is given to a senior nursing student who excels in supporting peers and the ���ϲ����� Department of Nursing throughout their program. Nominated and voted by students and faculty, the recipient demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, excellent character and interactions, active involvement in university organizations and significant community services, all while promoting the nursing profession and enhancing student life.

BSN Class of 2025

Rachel Albertazzi*
Jordan Almeida
Anna Burfeind
Taylor Capello
Madison Costa
Sruthi Edwards
Kelsey Eshleman
Murphy Fournier
Briana Friedman
Sophia Gambacorta
Sammy Haynie*
Aaliyah Jackson
Amanda Jacobson*
Olivia Landolfo
Eric Mulford
Erin Poole
Julia Quinn*
Bella Saliba
Kathryn Schmidt
Leah Sheehan*
Belle Sousa*
Amelia Tally*
Sophia Tiago
Antonella Tommasi
Sydney Tort*
Lani Watson
Maddie Xerras

Scholars: The Scholars Program is designed for academically talented students interested in engaged learning experiences. Scholars are noted with an * by their name.