PRESS RELEASE

Nursing graduates honored in pinning ceremony

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) honored its December 2025 graduates at its pinning ceremony on Thursday (December 18) in Havens Auditorium.

Thirty students earned the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while 10 completed the second-degree BSN accelerated track.

Dean Angela Opsahl welcomed the graduating class, family, friends, faculty, and staff to the celebration, which marks the hard work, dedication, and commitment they have shown in their journey to becoming nurses.

Nursing is one of the noblest and most selfless vocations one can undertake, Opsahl explained. While the graduates come from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life, “all of you are now united in your pursuit of a common goal: to optimize health and promote the well-being of all those whom we serve. I know that each of you will make remarkable contributions to nursing and healthcare in the days, years, and decades ahead for everyone you touch.

“You may never know the difference you have made in someone’s life with every smile, touch, and act of compassion that you provide while delivering care,” Opsahl said. “But know that you have and will continue to make a difference in the lives of real people. Our society will forever be grateful that you have chosen to become a nurse, and you will always be part of the IU Kokomo School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions family.”

Stephanie Pratt, assistant dean of the pre-licensure track, and Dea Kent, director of the family nurse practitioner track, led the pinning ceremony, noting the pin is more than a tradition, it is a symbol of compassion, knowledge, and the commitment to care for others during their most vulnerable moments.

“As you step into this noble profession, remember that every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every patient encounter is a chance to make a difference,” Kent said. “You have proven you have the heart, the strength, and the courage to succeed. Wear your pin with pride and let it serve as a reminder of the incredible impact you will have on countless lives.”

Sixteen graduates participated in the Legacy pinning ceremony, receiving their pins from a family member who is also a registered nurse. They included Amanda Acosta with aunt Chris Phelps; Makayla Calloway with mother Alisse Calloway; Sarah Chimel with sister Corinne Arnett; Kendra Cline with mother Marie Cline; Madisyn Connolly with grandmother Lesley Connolly; Kenzie Fisher with mother Katie Fisher; Kinzie Robey-Hasty with mother Jodi Collins; Abigail Henderson with cousin Becky Sutton; Hannah Isaac with cousin Audra Revils; Joseph Nieto with father Israel Nieto; Aliyah Phenicie with grandmother Susan Phenicie; Gabrielle Spence with Lisa McKnight; Darrian Stephens with cousin Brooke Atkins; Shiva Strater with sister-in-law Brandy Brumbach; Dahlia Vera-Angeles with aunt Erica Beam; and Morgan Wilson with cousin Rachel Blair.

Kelsey Rhoades led nursing students in the Nursing Pledge.

Leigh Swartzendruber, director of the RN to BSN program, concluded the ceremony, welcoming the students into the nursing profession.

“As you have spoken these words, you have joined a proud tradition of nurses who lead with knowledge, compassion, and integrity,” she said. “This pledge is not just a promise. It is a reflection of the values that will guide you through every patient interaction and every challenge ahead.

“Carry this commitment with you into your practice and let it remind you of the incredible responsibility and privilege you hold as a nurse. The world needs your skill, your empathy, and your courage now more than ever.”

Students pinned include:

Alexandria: Kenzie Fisher, Kelsey Rhoades

Anderson: Kendra Parrish

Bunker Hill: Olivia Freeman

Elwood: Sarah Chimel

Fishers: Tayah Irvin

Frankfort: Idalia Diaz Mejia, Dahlia Vera-Angeles

Gas City: Christopher Lemons, Gabrielle Spence

Indianapolis: Darrian Stephens

Jonesboro: Kara Holloway, Jasmine Horvath

Kokomo: Amanda Acosta, Audia Anders, Sarah Bodemuller, Makayla Calloway, Kendra Cline, Ty Collier, Madisyn Connolly, Madison Estok, Hannah Isaac, Joseph Nieto, Kristy Smith, Morgan Wilson

Lebanon: Josie Hollingsworth

Logansport: Abigail Henderson

Marion: Maddie Gadd, Kinzie Robey-Hasty

Monticello: Hannah Grandstaff

Noblesville: Karedis Araujo Salamo, Shaelyn Morefield, Aliyah Phenicie

Peru: Treyden Curtis

Reynolds: Jianna Schroeder

Russiaville: Cassie Cregar, Matthew Duke

Sweetser: Sarah Brown

Tipton: Gabriela Hernandez

Westfield: Shiva Strater

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.