Five ECC nursing graduates pose together and smile inside the Donald D. Shook Student Center following a nursing ceremony. The students are dressed in formal attire, with other attendees visible in the background.

Nursing Graduates Celebrated at Pinning Ceremony

May 22, 2026 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were 32 graduating nursing students from Union and Rolla recognized during the East Central College pinning ceremony, which celebrated their achievements and transition into the nursing profession

The 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held May 16 in the Donald D. Shook Student Center gymnasium at ECC’s Union campus. The event included remarks from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and ECC Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing Dr. Nancy Mitchell.

Student welcome remarks were delivered by Olivia Reed, and student closing remarks were presented by Adrianne Case. The keynote address was delivered by Trista Elias, nursing instructor at ECC Union, and ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter offered closing remarks.

Ceremony Meaning

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 candle-lighting ceremony, signifying their commitment to compassionate patient care.

The following graduates were recognized during the 2026 pinning ceremony:

Riley Alexander, Melissa Bono, Ava Brand, Annalee Brooks, Dakota Cartwright, Adrianne Case, Abby Duncan, Norah Evans, Tara Flynn, Summer Glastetter, Grace Halmick, Kya Harbour, Kallie Harmon, Devon Kerckhoff, David Knorr II, Olivia Long, Moriah Mankin, Amanda Midyett, Addyson Murphey, Olivia Reed, Audrey Revelle, Harper Rollins, Allison Sauceda, Anna Scanlon, Audrey Schroeder, Toni Sells, Christabel Southards, Jacey Spurgeon, Amy Studdard, Shelbi Tittel, Tonya Vondera, and Melissa Winters.

Rolla Nursing program graduates, faculty, and staff pose together on stage during an ECC nursing ceremony. The group stands in front of a large East Central College backdrop.
Rolla Nursing Graduates, Faculty, and Staff.
Union Nursing program graduates, faculty, and staff pose together on stage during an ECC nursing ceremony. The group is gathered in front of a large East Central College backdrop.
Union Nursing Graduates, Faculty, and Staff.

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’s 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:

Ava Brand — Outstanding Nursing Student (Union)

Amy Studdard — Outstanding Nursing Student (Rolla)

Shelbi Tittel — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Union)

Jacey Spurgeon — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Rolla)

Ava Brand, recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Union program, poses with faculty members while holding her award plaque in front of a graduation-themed backdrop.

Ava Brand, center, received the East Central College Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Union program. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator; and Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor.

Amy Studdard, recipient of the Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Rolla program, poses with faculty and staff while holding her award plaque in front of a graduation-themed backdrop.

Amy Studdard received the East Central College Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Rolla program. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Studdard, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.

Shelbi Tittel, recipient of the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for the Union practical nursing program, poses with faculty members while holding her award plaque in front of a graduation-themed backdrop.

Shelbi Tittel, 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; Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor; and Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator.

Jacey Spurgeon received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Rolla. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Spurgeon, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.