Tag: nurses pinning ceremony

Rolla and Union ECC nursing students posing on stairs for photo

ECC Nursing Program Celebrates 31 Graduates

May 20, 2024 | Campus News ECC Rolla

East Central College celebrated the achievements of 31 graduates from its Nursing Program during a pinning ceremony on May 11. This time-honored event brought together graduates from the Union and Rolla campuses along with their families, friends, faculty, staff, and administration.

Highlighting the ceremony, five exceptional students were honored for their outstanding commitment and excellence both in the classroom and in clinical settings. The ECC Outstanding Nursing Students recognized were Bryan Lambeth from Rolla and Summer Fisher from Union. Additionally, the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards were presented to Josie Obermark (Mercy), Gracie Sohn (Missouri Baptist Sullivan), and Mary Romine (Phelps Health).

The pinning ceremony, a cherished tradition in nursing, symbolizes the transition from student to professional nurse. Each graduate received a unique ECC Nursing Program pin, marking their entry into the community of nursing professionals.

Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell commenced the ceremony with welcoming remarks, followed by an inspiring greeting from ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. Class of 2024 graduate Caitlyn Linders then delivered a warm student welcome.

The guest speaker, Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Director of Nursing Excellence at Mercy Hospital Washington and former ECC nursing instructor, shared invaluable insights and encouragement with the graduates. The ceremony concluded with poignant remarks from 2024 graduate Bryan Lambeth and closing comments from ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter.

The Nursing program graduates are:

Lori Anderson, Josie Obermark, Taryn Curtis, Michelle Parker, Emma Davis, Sarah Parker, Summer Fisher, David Pauly, Joey Guyton, Sarah Price, Dalton Halloran, Laura Roesner, Taylor Hanger, Mary Romine, Sophia Howell, Madelyn Ruszala, Allison Huddleston, Gracie Sohn, Gabriel Killian, Macie Steffens, Maria Krull, Claire Strubberg, Bryan Lambeth, Kalyn Thompson, Rebekah Lewis, Grace Turilli, Caitlyn Linders, Allison Wilson, Rachel Lottes, Ariana Young, and Shaniah Marlatt.

Nursing Awards

The ECC Outstanding Nursing Student award is given to those whose lives were significantly impacted by the college, often helping them realize their dreams of becoming nurses. These awardees have excelled in both academic and clinical settings.

Additionally, Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards were given by ECC’s healthcare partners: Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla, and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan. These awards honor graduates 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.

ECC instructors posing for photo with nursing student

ECC instructors posing for photo with nursing student Josie Mercy

ECC instructors posing for photo with outstanding nursing student

ECC instructors posing for photo with Missouri Baptist nursing student

Ceremony Held for First ECC Rolla License Practical Nursing Class

August 18, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

Twelve Licensed Practical Nurses were pinned July 28, marking the inaugural LPN class at East Central College in Rolla.

The ECC LPN pinning ceremony for Rolla students was held at the Havener Center in Rolla. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing program tradition that signifies the nursing graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses.

The College took over sponsorship of the LPN program from Rolla Public Schools in August of 2022. The ECC Rolla LPN program director is Michelle Chick.

“The program has a long-standing history of tradition, success, and excellence that ECC is proud to be a part of,” said Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science.

The 12 students who graduated from the program are: Monique Matos, Rolla; Shelby Marcee, St James; Emily Hunter, Salem; Abby Booker, Steelville; Claude Wyatt, Rolla; Jey Sanders, Steelville; Kylie Wise, Bourbon; Amber Simpson, Salem; Emma Fennell, Linn; Kailey Spencer, Linn; Kennedie Losing, St James; and Chelsea Flowers, Rolla.

Kim Heidbrink, LPN and 1978 graduate of Rolla Technical Center served as the guest speaker during the ceremony.

“During her 40-year career, she role modeled and mentored many nurses across the profession, and she has, and will continue, to be an advocate for licensed practical nurses and our program,” Mitchell added.

The original Practical Nursing program was established by Rolla Public Schools in 1967. Over 55 years, the program graduated over 1,250 students. The LPN program is an 11- month certificate program, 3 semesters, and it admits up to 20 students each fall semester. Upon graduation, students will take the licensure exam to become an LPN.

Student Awards

Two students were recognized during the ceremony for accomplishments during the program — the ECC Outstanding Student Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers; and the Phelps Health Clinical Excellence was presented to Monique Matos.

Flowers demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her educational goals by achieving the highest level of academic performance among her classmates. Her ability to study with intensity, motivate herself and others, and genuine desire to fully engage in classroom and clinical learning opportunities has resulted in her being the recipient of this award.

Matos has an authentic presence when entering the patient’s world by being sensitive to their situations and needs. She inspires trust through demonstrating preparation for each patient encounter and delivering exceptional care. She brings energy and joy into the practice of nursing by reflecting upon her performance and striving to improve each day.

The ECC Outstanding Practical Nurse Award was presented to Chelsea Flowers, Rolla, center. She is pictured with LPN Program Director Michelle Chick, left, and Clinical Coordinator Jessica Fisher, right.

Pictured is Phelps Health Clinical Excellence Awardee Monique Matos, Rolla. who was presented the award during a July 28 Pinning Ceremony for the ECC Rolla Licensed Practical Nursing graduating class. From left, are Kait Roy, Phelps Health Nurse Recruiter and Advisory Board Member; Michelle Chick, Rolla LPN Program Director; Matos; and Jessica Fisher, LPN Program Clinical Coordinator.

Nursing Program Recognizes 36 Graduates During Pinning Ceremony

May 20, 2023 | Campus News ECC Rolla

There were 36 East Central College Nursing Program graduates recognized during a pinning ceremony on May 13.

The ECC Nursing Program held its formal ceremony for its Union and Rolla nursing students prior to graduation in the Donald Shook Student Center. Family and friends of graduates, faculty, staff and administration attended the pinning ceremony.

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing program tradition that signifies the nursing graduate’s initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses. Students receive pins that are unique to the ECC Nursing Program.

The pinning ceremony opening remarks were given by Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell, followed by a greeting by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. A student welcome was given by Class of 2023 graduate Kelsea Smith, a Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was ECC Rolla Nursing instructor Jon Elias.

The program closed with student remarks from 2023 graduate Nathaniel Wissman, Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient. Wissman also performed a special piano solo during the ceremony, “Fantaisie-Impromptu (Op.66)” by Frédéric Chopin.

The program concluded with closing comments given by ECC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter.

The Nursing program graduates are:

Ginger A. Adams, Cody W. Jones, Avery D. Akers, Hannah E. Kitson, Hannah R. Barrett, Callan G. Mohesky, Kelsey R. Blackwell, Hannah E. Olive. Jozlyn L. Bolte, Kyleigh E. Payne, Isabel L. Bramel, Justin M. Penn-Lavely, Scottia M. Burrows, Samantha Peterson, Jessie O. Downey, Amanda Redmon, Cheyenne F. Durbin, Alyssa M. Rinehart, Hannah L. Eckelkamp, MacKenzie C. Rolf, Lauren E. Ely, Jessica M. Schatz, Shayla A. Goddard, Branden T. Shearin, Kirsten A. Golden, Keri M. Simmons, Kailey M. Gupton, Kelsea M. Smith, Cahliah S. Hammonds, Nathan W. Temme, Andrea Hayes, Kaylee N. Vasquez, Matty L. Inman, Haley M. Welch, Emily N. Johnson and Nathaniel Wissman.

Union Nursing Graduates

Rolla Nursing Graduates

To learn more about the ECC Nursing program, visit www.eastcentral.edu/allied-health/nursing, or email Nancy Mitchell, Director of Nursing and Dean of Health Science, at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

ECC Nursing Grads Presented With Clinical Excellence Awards

May 28, 2021 | Campus News

Four East Central College Nursing Program graduates were honored May 15 with Spirit of Clinical Excellence awards from the college’s community health care partners.

Each year, Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan present nursing graduates with Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards during the pinning ceremony marking the completion of the program.

The award recipients are Lilli-Anne Mantle, Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient; Karlie Peth and Jennifer Eaton, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing award recipients; and Brittany Smith, Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award recipient.

The awards were presented to the graduates by ECC Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla.

To be consider for the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Awards, the graduate nurse must:

Demonstrate characteristics of caring and compassion.
Demonstrate the spirit of inquiry.
Demonstrate exceptional critical thinking and decision making.
Demonstrate superior organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize.

To learn more about the ECC Nursing and Allied Health program, visit https://www.eastcentral.edu/nursing/, or contact Nancy Mitchell at Nancy.Mitchell@eastcentral.edu.

Mercy Clinical Excellence Award

The Mercy Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award was presented to ECC Union nursing graduate Lilli-Anne Mantle. From left, are, ECC Union nursing faculty members Jessica Van Leer and Dr. Connie Wissbaum; Mantle; and Union nursing faculty members Judy Bieker and Brittany Yoakum.

Missouri Baptist Clinical Excellence Award

A Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award was given to Karlie Peth. From left are ECC Union nursing faculty members Jessica Van Leer and Dr. Connie Wissbaum; Peth; and Union nursing faculty members Judy Bieker and Brittany Yoakum.

A Missouri Baptist Sullivan Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing was presented to ECC Rolla nursing graduate Jennifer Eaton. From left are ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Joannie Blakely, Eaton; and Rolla nursing faculty members Courtney Brandt and Julie Chirban.

Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence

Brittany Smith was presented the Phelps Health Spirit of Clinical Excellence in Nursing. From left are ECC Rolla nursing faculty member Joannie Blakely; Smith; and Rolla nursing faculty members Courtney Brandt and Julie Chirban.

Nursing Program Holds Pinning Ceremony

May 18, 2021 | Campus News

There were 27 East Central College Nursing Program graduates who were recognized during a pinning ceremony on May 15.

The ECC Nursing Program held its formal ceremony for its nursing students prior to graduation in the Donald Shook Student Center. Family and friends of graduates, faculty and administration were invited to attend the pinning ceremony.

The opening remarks for the ceremony were given by Dean of Health Science and Director of Nursing Nancy Mitchell, followed by a greeting by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and then a student welcome by graduate Summer Thorp-Lancaster, 2021 Outstanding Student Award recipient.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was ECC adjunct nursing instructor Nancy Tappe, BSN, RN.

The program closed with student remarks from graduate Kendall Tanner and closing comments from Vice President of Academic Affairs Robyn Walter.

The commencement ceremony was held for ECC Nursing and Allied Health graduates the same day.

Union 2021 Nursing Graduates and Faculty

Pictured in the front row, from left, are Nancy Mitchell, dean of health science and director of nursing; Judy Bieker, Union Nursing Program coordinator and nursing faculty; graduates Karlie Peth, Grace Schneider, Reyna Tulais-Guerra, Lilli-Anne Mantle, Renee Elliott, Kendall Tanner, Haley Virkler, Abigail Street and Anna Swoboda; and Dr. Connie Wissbaum, Union nursing faculty.

Back row, from left, are Jessica VanLeer, Union nursing faculty; graduates April Adkison, Lisa Heimos, Jessica Hanneken, Allison Skaggs, Tara White, Melissa Whitlock, Christine West, Calista Lebrell; and Brittany Yoakum, Union nursing faculty.

Rolla 2021 Nursing Graduates and Faculty

Pictured in the front row, from left, are Nancy Mitchell, dean of health science and director of nursing; Courtney Brand, Rolla nursing faculty, Julie Chirban, Rolla nursing faculty); graduates Faith Duncan, Andrea Barajas, Shannon Herode, Mallory Fox; Joannie Blakely, Rolla nursing faculty; and Nancy Tappe Rolla adjunct faculty and pinning ceremony guest speaker.

Graduation Ceremonies to Recognize ECC Classes of 2020 and 2021

March 29, 2021 | Campus News

East Central College is celebrating its 2020 and 2021 graduates with four separate in-person commencement ceremonies in May.

ECC is hosting multiple ceremonies with the intent to keep graduates and families safe. All graduates from the fall 2019 through summer 2021 semesters are invited to attend. There will be a maximum of 50 graduates at each event.

The ceremonies will be held in the Donald Shook Student Center Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16.

Reservations for the ceremonies for Sunday, May 16 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. are available for graduates. Graduates can reserve a spot for themselves and reserve seats for family members by visiting https://www.eastcentral.edu/registrar/graduation-application/.

Graduates can request guest seating when they RSVP. There will be seating areas in the gymnasium for up to six guests per group.

Reservations for the ceremony on Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m. are completed; and the ceremony slated for May 15 at 4 p.m. will primarily focus on the 2020 graduates.

Anyone who has questions or needs more information may contact the ECC graduation office at 636-584-6579 or grad@eastcentral.edu.

Class of 2020

According to ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer, social distancing requirements and closures borne from the COVID-19 pandemic prevented a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020.

Dr. Bauer added that the college has fully intended to hold an in-person ceremony for the 2020 grads.

“It is so important that our graduates have a ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments,” he said. “What the Class of 2020 did last year was truly remarkable.”

“Commencement is a very important milestone for students, their family and friends, and our faculty and staff,” Dr. Bauer added. “I never want a student deprived of that opportunity.”

Regalia/Virtual Ceremony

Caps and Gowns are available at the ECC Bookstore at the cost of $29.99, plus tax. The bookstore can be reached at 636-584-6737. Rolla students can request to have their regalia sent to the Rolla site.

Graduates who would like to have their name read during a ceremony, but do not want to attend the events, can opt for the “virtual graduation.” They would need to notify the ECC graduation office and submit a picture to be displayed as their name is read.

Nursing Graduates

A pinning ceremony for nursing students will be held in the ECC gym at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 15. That event will be followed by a commencement ceremony for nursing students at 10 a.m.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Julie Beck, program assistant, nursing and allied health, at 636-584-6616 or email julie.beck@eastcentral.edu.