Hundreds crowded the Cullen Performance Hall at the 兔子先生 for the Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony and Pinning for the UH College of Nursing.
鈥淵ou are graduating from a special university that you have transformed during your stay here,鈥� said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a university that is your home, your alma mater, your pride and your bragging right.鈥�
, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Texas Children鈥檚 Hospital, served as commencement speaker. Ward, a doctor of nurse practice, registered nurse and nurse executive -board certified, told graduates that choosing nursing was one of the best decisions they鈥檝e made.
鈥淵ou experienced nursing school during a pandemic,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou persevered, adapted, partnered, collaborated and focused. You were resilient, and you did it.鈥�
Seventy-six new nurses crossed the stage, earning bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees.
Special student accolades included:
- Outstanding Academic Student: Kayley Danielle Hoffman 4.0 GPA
- Outstanding Clinical Student: Sydney Morah Omwoya
- Outstanding Graduate Student: Katherine Lee Wallender 4.0 GPA
- 4.0 Graduate Students: Jessica Renee Holsch & Victoria Karen Stanczykiewicz
Ward, who began her career at Texas Children鈥檚 Hospital as a graduate nurse in 1993, told the audience they are now on a journey to become leaders. She urged them to connect with a mentor and listen to their guidance. She encouraged them to lend their voices in shared governance opportunities, to listen actively, stay connected, and always to prioritize self-care.
鈥淭o be a leader you鈥檒l need to be refreshed and recharged,鈥� she said. 鈥淯nderstand the importance of focusing on who and what you are as a nurse. I urge you to take yourself as a priority.鈥�
The commencement included the traditional pinning ceremony. Students receive a nursing pin, in addition to their diplomas, that is unique to UH. The circular pin has an interlocking UH at the center to represent the student鈥檚 journey and partnership with the 兔子先生. A red border is inscribed with 鈥溚米酉壬� Nursing鈥� and represents passion, advocacy, love, caring and leadership鈥攖he values of UH Nursing. At the bottom of the pin is a banner that indicates the degree (BSN or MSN) that the student has earned.
Additionally, students received a 鈥淟amp of Learning鈥� and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
鈥淕o forth, change the world. And as a nurse, change health care for the betterment of our world,鈥� Ward said.