Over Reunion Weekend, Saint Anselm College celebrated the class of 2020’s nurses with their pinning ceremony. On Saturday, June 7, faculty and staff from the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences gathered in the Abbey Church to honor 35 alumni from the nursing class of 2020. This cherished tradition celebrates the perseverance, passion, and commitment of the college’s nurses.
“The Class of 2020 Pinning Ceremony was a full-circle moment and a long-awaited celebration of these graduates' resilience,” said Dr. Carrie MacLeod, director of undergraduate nursing. “It was inspiring to see how our students have grown into dedicated healthcare professionals who change their patients' lives every day. I was honored to be part of this celebration and to welcome the class of 2020 back to the Hilltop.”
The pins were blessed by Fr. Francis McCarty, O.S.B. ’10, in a special moment of reflection and commissioning. Faculty, friends, family, and staff were present to witness this symbolic act, which marks the transition from student to professional nurse.
Jennifer Cicconi ’20, served as the student speaker reading both her original speech from 2020 and then reflecting on how her education and experiences as a student prepared her for her current career.
The ceremony also recognized several alumni for their outstanding achievements while students. Margaret Sheridan ’20 was honored with the Dr. Joanne K. Farley Award, which celebrates a student who exemplifies the values and spirit of Dr. Farley. Adelina Katzounos Dubois ’20 was recognized with the Dr. Joyce Clifford Award for her leadership and academic excellence. Aine Glavin ’20 received the Dr. Mary R. Bruton Award for her academic achievement and leadership qualities.
As part of the tradition, the nursing students took part in the candle lighting ceremony, symbolically honoring the patients they have cared for and remembering loved ones who are no longer with them. The students and nurses in attendance then recited the Nightingale Pledge, an oath to uphold the highest standards of their profession with integrity and compassion. The event ended with a reception in the Savard Welcome Center for all of the attendees and their families.