The graduates were joined by faculty, staff, administrators, family and friends who have supported them on their rigorous academic and clinical journey during the intensive, one-year BSN program.

In his welcome, School of Nursing Dean Larry Slater reviewed the history and exceptional growth of the School of Nursing, which graduated its first class in 1973. Slater said the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin is a mark of holism, excellence and leadership which the graduates will proudly wear throughout their nursing career. 

“This afternoon’s celebration is about all of you, our graduates. Your courage, strength and dedication during your nursing education has been inspirational,” Slater said. “Your drive and perseverance have provided a new sense of pride in our work as nurse educators, but also a sense of urgency as we continue to build on our mission of providing leadership in nursing and healthcare through innovative undergraduate and graduate education that embraces holism, interprofessionalism and inclusivity.”

Quinnipiac Provost Debra J. Liebowitz joined the nurse educators on the dais together with keynote speaker Judith Hahn, PhD, RN, who is the Executive Director of Nursing Professional Practice and Education for Yale New Haven Health System.

Hahn said the Class of 2024 represented the “best and the brightest.”

“You are the best and the brightest,” Hahn told the students. “Nursing schools are more competitive than ever. The threshold for admission to this BSN program is significant. You all had to demonstrate exceptional aptitude and brilliance just to enter the program. Your depth of knowledge, experience, maturity and grit bring unique perspectives to our profession. You had options, and you chose nursing. And thank heavens, because the world needs you.”

Hanh encouraged the new nurses to lean into their careers and look for opportunities to expand their knowledge, skills and abilities to further the profession.

“As nurses, we have a legal and societal contract to improve health, no matter our practice setting. Nursing is not a job. You don’t ‘do’ nursing. You are a nurse. When you finish a shift and leave for the day, you’re still a nurse,” Hahn said. “You will find this opportunity and privilege to serve as an honor like no other, if you embrace it.”

Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs Tyler Traister shared the history of the Quinnipiac School of Nursing pin. In his remarks to the Class of 2024, Traister said the ceremony not only served to honor the completion of their academic journey, but the shared experiences and challenges that they’ve overcome, and their unwavering pursuit of knowledge in the past year.

“As we pin each of you today, we celebrate the culmination of countless hours that we’ve spent in classrooms and clinical settings where we ignited your passions and lifelong learning,” Traister said.

Addressing her fellow graduates, Christie Hackett BSN ’24 spoke to the assistance and support of the School of Nursing’s exceptional faculty, staff and administration; as well as that of the students’ families and friends and each member of “…this phenomenal cohort.” 

“There have been many times in this program where I felt that I did not deserve this, or I didn’t belong. But I say to you now, if you ever feel like this in the future, think back to this moment like a lighthouse, and let it carry you through whatever storm you may face,” said Hackett. “Whatever you choose, know that the work will be challenging, amazing, desperately needed; and also that you are up to the challenge. Quinnipiac has prepared us well for our futures.”

School of Nursing Assistant Dean for Student Success Claire Puzarne presented the Jonathan Gaddis Humanitarian Award to Joan Hurle BSN ’24 and the Holistic Nursing Practice Award to Naiga Lubega BSN ’24.

Slater invited family and loved ones to help to pin their graduates as each member of the Class of 2024 was presented.

As they embark on their careers as proud alumni, School of Nursing co-director of Career and Alumni Development Peter Longley reminded the newly-pinned Class of 2024 that they will continue to be a part of the Bobcat family.

"It’s a community dedicated to your success, just as your family, friends and loved ones here today supported you through nursing school. We are here to support you in your professional journey,” said Longley.

Longley also shared inspirational comments prepared for the ceremony by accelerated BSN ‘23 alumna Alicia A. Eldridge, an emergency room nurse with Hartford Healthcare Midstate Medical Center.

“There will be more days when you question yourself wondering if this was the right career choice, and more tear-filled days having to push yourself to get through it,” Eldridge advised.

“I promise you that will. Rely on your co-workers, your preceptors, your friends, your connections and your support systems which you have here today. Never be afraid to ask questions. Trust in yourself and everything you’ve accomplished. This is only the beginning.”
In her closing remarks, Senior Associate Dean Lisa Rebeschi said the pinning ceremony celebrated nursing excellence, determination and grit in the School of Nursing’s 24th year of offering an August accelerated BSN program.

Rebeschi also told the graduates that well-deserved attention is being focused on the nursing practice as a result of the future of nursing report and recommendations made by the National Academy of Medicine. This has engendered a renewed emphasis on advancing health equity, nurses practicing to the full extent of their education, strengthening nursing education, fostering nurses as leaders and advocates and supporting the health and wellbeing of nurses, she said.

“These are some of the initiatives that you will see addressed as you transition into your new nursing career,” Rebeschi said. “We challenge each of you to take an active role in your profession. We still have much work to do in order to make these recommendations a reality; and we need your leadership and your participation as we truly shape the future of nursing and healthcare.”

In Focus