Clad in their white coats during the pinning ceremony in the M&T Bank Arena at the York Hill Campus on August 29, this tremendous cohort had first gathered about one year earlier for a White Coat Ceremony which sent them on their accelerated academic journey, said Dean and Professor of Nursing Larry Z. Slater, PhD, MAc, RN-BC, CNE, FAAN.

As they leave Quinnipiac to kick off their nursing careers and join the most trusted profession, Slater said it has been an honor for faculty and staff to work with them.
“We know you learned a tremendous amount,” Slater said. “You had the opportunity to take care of a diverse population of individuals across the state of Connecticut and gained immeasurable knowledge that you will take with you as you embark on your first nursing position in this great profession.”

During the jubilant afternoon event, Slater helped the graduates to give a rousing round of applause to family and loved ones in the audience for their love and support over the course of their academic journey. Slater encouraged the new nurses to continue to grow in their learning and knowledge, and to return to Quinnipiac School of Nursing to join panels and stay connected to share their journey and experience with the next generation of students.

Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs and Assistant Professor of Nursing, Tyler Traister, DNP, RN, CNE, NE-BC, OCN, CTN-A,NPD-BC, MEDSURG-BC discussed the history and importance of the pin.

“As you receive this pin, we want you to carry forward the moments of those memories that shaped you into the nurses that you are,” said Traister. “Today we not only celebrate your academic achievements but also that spirit of lifelong learning that will define your nursing careers.”

In her keynote address, Yale New Haven Hospital Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Courtney Vose, DNP, MBA, ARPN, NEA-BC, FAAN shared three vignettes including one involving her grandmother, also a nurse. Each was shared to demonstrate to the graduates the importance of remembering lessons of, “…the why, the perspective, and the noise,” said Vose.

“I always want you to stay connected on why you chose nursing,” said Vose. “I stay anchored in that ‘why’ my nonna taught me; to open my heart and my hands to help other people. Always stay anchored in your why.”

During their careers, when they are experiencing good days and especially during tough days, Vose said “…remember to keep perspective as you take care of others, because your kindness matters.”

Regarding comments, criticisms or other “noise” which could generate self-doubt, Vose advised turning a deaf ear.

“You don’t need to listen to the noise. Know your worth and know that you will succeed in this role and become an incredible nurse that makes a difference,” said Vose. “As you step into this new chapter, know your why, keep perspective, and block out the noise. Know that your hearts and hands will absolutely change lives.”

In his student address, Tay Seelan, BSN ’25, said the cohort survived and thrived together, with each member bringing something unique to the journey. Seelan also thanked family, friends and loved ones for their encouragement as many students juggled work and family with the demands of their accelerated academic journey.

On behalf of his cohort, Seelan thanked the School of Nursing faculty and staff for their support and guidance.

“You all believed in us on the days when we weren’t sure we believed in ourselves,” said Seelan. “Thank you for being a part of our journey. It is because of you all that we are able to celebrate today.”

Seelan also celebrated every member of his close-knit cohort.

“To each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart, I’m honored to have met you all and very much honored to have been blessed to share this with you,” Seelan said. “You are all special individuals, and I honestly believe you all deserve your own spotlight and recognition.”

Assistant Dean for Student Success Claire Puzarne, MA, MBA presented the school’s Award for Holistic Nursing Practice to Heather Riggs, BSN ’25; and the Jonathan Gaddis Humanitarian Award to Zachary Abeles, BSN ’25.

Each graduate was announced by Slater and joined on stage by a loved one who presented them with their blue and gold Quinnipiac University nursing pin, which will be worn with pride throughout their nursing careers.

Traister said the graduates have earned one of the most coveted degrees in the United States and the world, a BSN degree.

“It’s a remarkable accomplishment that sets you apart,” said Traister. “We welcome you as colleagues. Congratulations, and we wish you much success on your journeys.”

In Focus