Pinning Ceremony held for Nine Practical Nursing Program Students

Nine students were recognized during a pinning ceremony marking the completion of the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program at East Central College in Rolla.

The ceremony was held at the Hasselmann Alumni House Grand Hall at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in nursing programs, signifying the graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.

The nine graduates are Shelby Pogue, Alexandra Ferguson, Emma Politte, Cassidy Cunningham, Jessie Ball, Jessica Cook, Samantha Roman, Katelyn Schafer, and Brandy Barnes.

This is the second group of LPN students to complete the program at ECC, which took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August 2022.

Opening remarks were given by Michelle Chick, Practical Nursing Program Director, followed by a welcome from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Student remarks were provided by Katelyn Schafer.

ECC alumna Abby Blanc, RN, and Family Nurse Practitioner with Phelps Health, was the guest speaker. Chick and Jessica Fischer, Practical Nursing Clinical Coordinator, presented the pins to the students.

The Practical Nursing Program Outstanding Nursing Student Award was presented to Alexandra Ferguson, and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Jessica Cook.

Student closing remarks were given by Cassidy Cunningham; and Christina Ayres, Director of ECC Rolla, concluded the program with her comments.

The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 56 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11-month certificate program, spanning three semesters, and admits up to 20 students each fall semester. Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.