Clinton Community College (CCC), one of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ (EICC), is excited to celebrate the achievements of its 2025 nursing graduates at the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the CCC Auditorium, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton. You may also view the event online at eicc.edu/CCCPinning2025 via livestream.

This meaningful tradition recognizes the dedication and compassion of CCC’s nursing students as they prepare to begin their professional journeys in healthcare. A highlight of the event will be the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, a powerful commitment to patient care and professional ethics that connects generations of nurses across the globe.

About the Nursing Pinning Ceremony

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored event that marks the transition of nursing students from academics to professional practice. Unlike a formal graduation, this ceremony focuses exclusively on the nursing profession and its unique responsibilities. It symbolizes not just the completion of coursework, but the beginning of a nurse’s role in patient care and community health.

  • Symbol of Achievement: The pinning ceremony honors the students’ successful completion of their nursing program and symbolizes their official entry into the nursing profession.
  • Dedication and Recognition: Each will dedicate their nursing pin to someone who has made a significant impact on their journey—whether a mentor, family member, or faculty member.
  • Pledge Recitation: Students affirm their commitment to ethical and compassionate care by reciting the Nightingale Pledge.
  • Not a Graduation: While deeply meaningful, the pinning ceremony is separate from graduation. Graduates must still pass the NCLEX licensure exam to officially practice as registered or practical nurses.

Ceremony Program

  • Welcome – Brian Kelly, PhD, Clinton Community College President
  • Faculty Speaker – Lesley Phillis, Nursing Instructor
  • Student Reflections – Kyra Dague and Kennedy Tichler
  • Presentation of Pins – Erin Adams, Nursing Instructor
  • Closing Remarks – Lori Haugen, Associate Dean of Nursing
  • Refreshments – Provided by D’lectable D’lites

 

Celebrating Our 2025 Graduates

Nursing Associate in Applied Science

  • Morgan Bork
  • Kassandra Bushman
  • Kyra Dague
  • Rubey Gallentine
  • Mackenzie Jackley
  • Beth Nichiporuk
  • Carson Nichol
  • Haley Papke
  • Isabel Petersen
  • Kelsi Shea
  • Kennedy Tichler

Practical Nursing Diploma

  • McKenna Santee

At EICC, our healthcare programs are built to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving medical field. By combining hands-on experience with expert instruction, we prepare graduates to provide high-quality, compassionate care across our region.

The public is also invited to attend the college’s graduation ceremony on Monday, May 19, at 6 p.m. in Clinton High School’s Yourd Gymnasium, 817 8th Ave S., Clinton. Guests are kindly asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m.

For more information on this year’s commencement ceremony, visit eicc.edu/grad25.