On Saturday, April 25, the Nursing Class of 2026 gathered in the Abbey Church for their pinning ceremony. This joyous tradition recognizes the students’ hard work, compassion, and dedication throughout the past four years, offering them a moment to reflect on their college journey as they take the next step in their nursing careers. The ceremony commenced with many proud families, friends, and faculty members in attendance as they showed their support for this year’s 104 graduates.
During the ceremony, students confidently lined the pews. The men wore dark suits and the women were dressed in their all-white attire and blue striped hats, paying homage to the traditional nurse uniform. Dr. Carrie McLeod, Interim Dean of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences, offered the opening speech during which she congratulated the future nurses for all their passionate efforts throughout the past four years. “As graduates of Saint Anselm College, you leave here not simply as nurses, but as Anselmian nurses. That title means something,” said Dr. McLeod. “It reflects a commitment to compassion, service, humility, ethical leadership, and ethical dignity for every person you encounter.”
Nicholas Caputo ’26 was this year’s student speaker. As he took to the podium, he extended his gratitude to “all the support systems” such as professors, families, and the other nursing students. His speech offered a thoughtful reflection regarding the importance of the nursing profession, as well as the great significance of the ceremony itself. “Today’s Pinning Ceremony is a symbol of achievement, yes, but also of duty,” said Caputo. “It is a reminder that we are now part of a proud tradition of care that spans generations of Saint Anselm nurses. With this pin, we are called not only to practice nursing, but to embody its values: compassion, integrity, courage, and dedication.” The pins were then blessed by Father Aloysius Sarasin, O.S.B. ’17 as he prayed for the students’ protection and strength as they enter into the healthcare field.
One by one, students were called by Professor Anne Knight to receive their nursing pins, which were given out by other members of the nursing staff. Once all the students had their pins, Dr. McLeod returned to the podium to give out this year’s annual awards. The Dr. Joanne K. Farley Award was given to Kristina Packowski ’26 for exemplifying the true nursing spirit of caring, leadership, and selfless service that Dr. Farley embodied. The Student Nurse Leader Award in Memory of Dr. Joyce Clifford went to Alaina Ferraro ’26. The DAISY Foundation Award, recognizing compassionate care and clinical excellence, was given to Nicholas Caputo, and the DAISY Faculty Award was given to Professor Hilary Childs ’11.
Towards the end of the mass, students took part in the candle lighting tradition, during which they lit candles in honor of past patience they have cared for as well as loved ones who have passed on. They then joined the fellow nurses in the audience in reciting the Nightingale Pledge, a foundational oath requiring nurses to remain committed to patient advocacy, ethical practice, and devotion to their noble profession.
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory mass in which Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B., offered a blessing and prayer to the students, loved ones, and staff present. This year’s Nurse Pinning was a beautiful occasion, ushering the next Saint Anselm nurses into their fruitful professional careers. “You are not only doing important work, you are participating in something sacred, bringing dignity, compassion and hope into the lives of others,” said Father Francis McCarty, O.S.B. ’10.
