ECC Recognizes 31 Graduates at Nursing Pinning Ceremony
East Central College recognized 31 nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony celebrating the students’ achievements and their transition into the nursing profession.
The 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held May 17 in the gymnasium at ECC’s Union campus. The event included remarks from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and ECC Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science Dr. Nancy Mitchell. Student welcome remarks were delivered by Alicia Ramirez, and Andrea Kimminau provided the student closing. The keynote address was given by Julie Chirban, nursing instructor at ECC Rolla, and ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter offered closing remarks.
The pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession and at ECC, symbolizing the completion of rigorous coursework and clinical experiences. Each graduate was presented with a nursing pin and participated in the ceremonial candle lighting, signifying their commitment to compassionate patient care.
The following graduates were recognized during the 2025 pinning ceremony:
Ayla Adams, Phoebe Arnold, Briseyda Ballou, Aimee Bartle, Madison Brown, Natalie Contreras, Thomas Emory, Breanna Garrett, Jody Golemon, Ashley Gupton, Aubrie Hampton, Kaytlyn Harmon, Aubrey Hinderliter, Mary Howard, Andrea Kimminau, Ashley Knibb, Keirstin McCormick, Pearcy McNew, Tawana McQueen, Earl Gabriel Medrano, Chelsi Naber, Donna Neulinger, Teresa Pich, Alicia Ramirez, Emma Smith, Madison Steever, Chloey Trimmer, Jessica Voss, Yangzhi Wang, Sachiko Willey, and Emma Willison.
Nursing Student Awards
Each year, East Central College recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and professionalism.
The Outstanding Nursing Student Award, selected by ECC nursing faculty, is given to graduates who have excelled both in the classroom and in clinical settings. These students often credit ECC with helping them realize their dreams of becoming nurses.
The Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award is presented by ECC’s healthcare partners—including Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla, and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan—to students who demonstrate exceptional care, compassion, inquiry, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla campuses presented the awards, recognizing the graduates’ dedication and achievements.
This year, four students received special recognition:
- Briseyda Ballou – Outstanding Nursing Student (Union)
- Mary Howard – Outstanding Nursing Student (Rolla)
- Andrea Kimminau – Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Union)
- Emma Willison – Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Rolla)
Briseyda Ballou, center, received the East Central College Outstanding Nursing Student Award for Union. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; and Dr. Brittany Clark, nursing instructor.
Mary Howard, center, received the East Central College Outstanding Nursing Student Award for Rolla. She is pictured with, from left, Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program coordinator; Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor; and Jon Elias, nursing instructor.
Andrea Kimminau, center, received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Union. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Judy Bieker, Union nursing program director; and Dr. Brittany Clark, nursing instructor.
Emma Willison, center, received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Rolla. She is pictured with, from left, Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing program coordinator; Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor; and Jon Elias, nursing instructor.