Nursing graduates celebrate at Path of Light Convocation
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Baccalaureate nursing students file into the USF Health Auditorium for Convocation.
Leading USF nursing graduates into the darkened USF Health Auditorim, College of Nursing alumni and faculty carried lighted candles signifying their pledge taken in the tradition of Florence Nightengale, the “Lady with the Lamp.”
The graduating nursing students, along with their family and friends, gathered Saturday afternoon, May 8, for the Spring 2010 Path of Light Convocation, before making their way to the USF Sundome to walk in the university’s graduation ceremony that evening.
More than 600, an overflow crowd, attended the CON Convocation.
Of the College’s 180 spring graduates, 101 students received baccalaureate degrees, 43 received master’s degrees and 4 were awarded doctorate degrees (2 PhD and 2 DNP).
The ceremony was a chance to recognize the accomplishments of the graduating students, as well as the faculty and alumni who mentored them, and included the presentation of awards for outstanding scholarly and clinical excellence and service.
New nursing dean Dr. Dianne Morrison-Beedy congratulated the graduates and their families, faculty and alumni.
“We have high expectations of you. We expect the best, but we know you can deliver,” said Dianne Morrison-Beedy, PhD, RN, dean of the College of Nursing. “Think about the mentors who helped you get where you are today, and your role as a mentor for the future generation nursing who will follow you.
“We will never forget you. You are our shining stars, so go out into the world to shine brightly and light the world for others.”
Dr. Christine Olney, president of the CON Alumni & Friends Board
Each baccalaureate student received a green-and-gold pin from the clinical collaborative team coordinator who helped oversee their clinical training in Tampa Bay area hospitals. At the center of the pin was the Nightingale lamp, surrounded by a golden flame representing honor, loyalty and worthiness.
Both the baccalaureate students and graduate students, honored in separate convocations, recited the Nursing Pledge at the close of the ceremony.
The College’s alumni and graduating students students recited the Nurse’s Pledge.
Graduates strike a pose.
Dr. Patricia Burns, former dean of nursing, received a Recognition of Service Award from the Florida Nursing Student Association at USF.
L to R: Dr. Patricia Burns, former nursing dean; Dr. Cheryl Zambroski, interim assistant dean of academics, CON Undergraduate Program; and Dr. Dianne Morrison-Beedy, the new nursing dean.
For the first time, the Convocation was broadcast LIVE via Facebook.
A round of applause for family and mentors.
Photos by Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications
Streaming Video Production by Klaus Herdocia, Elizabeth Peacock and Eric Younghans, USF Health Communications
