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Students in ���ϲ�����’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have already undergone the college experience; the program requires them to hold a bachelor’s degree before enrolling. But as graduating nursing student Haley Savastano ’25 noted: “you don’t leave your past behind – you get to bring it with you.”

“We quickly realized that our differences made us stronger and became the strengths we leaned on, lessons we shared and perspectives that shaped the kind of nurses we’re going to become,” said Savastano.

Savastano addressed her fellow ABSN cohort during the Department of Nursing’s pinning ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 11, in Whitley Auditorium. In 2021, ���ϲ����� launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and seek to earn a nursing degree in a shorter timeframe. During the ceremony, each student received a pin symbolizing their transition from student to professional nurse.

“Tonight isn’t just about pins and degrees, it’s about everything we’ve become along the way,” Savastano said. “We’ve learned to roll with the chaos, care for people in all kinds of situations and bounce back from days that felt impossible. We’ve laughed, stressed, studied and survived together, and somehow, we made it through. Now we are ready for whatever comes next, even if it’s just surviving on night shift.”

Cathy Quay, associate professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing, opened the event, along with Maha Lund, dean of the School of Health Sciences.

“The pins you receive today symbolize the achievements, challenges and life experiences that have brought you to this milestone,” said Lund. “As you step into your roles as health care providers, I encourage you to always see the humanity in each patient.”

The graduating students also heard from someone who has been in their shoes before: Trish Richardson, a board-certified nurse executive and certified medical-surgical registered nurse, who is now the treasurer-elect of the North Carolina Nurses Association. Richardson originally earned a bachelor’s degree in business from East Carolina University and was a licensed stockbroker. But a decade after earning her first degree, Richardson went back to school for nursing.

“I was committed to a life in the service of others, much like you are getting ready to do, and my decision to continue my education has allowed me to do just that, only this time, as a registered nurse,” she said.

During her remarks, Richardson brought out her own pins, including her Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and finally her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, which she will complete next summer. The pins are kept in her jewelry box to remind Richardson of why she does her work. She told a story of a former patient named John who, upon realizing he was dying, went missing in the hospital one night. Richardson found him outside, taking the opportunity to look at the stars “one more time.”

“Those are the moments that will transform you,” she said. “Throughout your career, you are going to have moments like this that will absolutely take your breath away.  There are moments you will never forget. John is just one of the thousands of patients that God has given me the gift of caring for throughout my career.”

As Richardson addressed the group of future nurses, she reminded them to commit to being brave, speaking their truth, being a leader, advocate, and champion, and being a voice that makes a difference.

“I can see in the faces before me that the future of our profession is bright indeed,” she said. “My friends, lives will be touched, and generations transformed because of you. Our profession needs your courage. Your patients need your heart, and the world needs to hear your voice.”

Following the presentation of pins, the students took the Nursing Professional Oath, followed by closing remarks from Quay.

“Each of you had your own personal reasons for pursuing nursing at ���ϲ�����, but I am confident that part of your decision was a shared purpose: the decision to care for people in need,” said Quay. “People need you, and our healthcare system needs you. Our communities need you, our world needs you. Because nursing, perhaps more than any other profession, holds the power to change lives.”

ABSN Class of 2025

Layla Abumayleh
Sarah Acuff
Ashley Banegas
Kiara Batts
Joshua Brower
Abigail Chester
Claire Cummings
Jessica Claire David
Emily Easthom
Samantha Eldredge
Abigail Franklin
Cyntasia Hammonds
Sarah Jenkins
Caroline Maness
Carmen Mesa
Shania Oyler
Alexa Porter
Avery Riley
Mia Rose
Haley Savastano
Lillie Shamblin
Lauryn Smith
Madison Steele
Suleyma Torres-Garcia
Anna Wheat

Department Awards

The Heart of the Cohort – Sarah Jenkins ’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 – Samantha Eldredge ’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.

Trailblazer Award – Sarah Acuff ’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.

Academic Achievement Award – Graduated with a 4.0 GPA

Samantha Eldredge ’25
Sarah Jenkins ‘25
Anna Wheat ‘25