Whitewater Times

The 2025 Nurses Pinning Ceremony was held on May 8, bringing together graduates, family members, and community professionals. The event commenced with a prelude by Mrs. Heidi Fuller and a digital collage of graduate photographs.

Miss Elizabeth Stille, Director of the School of Nursing, opened the ceremony by welcoming attendees and acknowledging the contributions of nursing faculty and other campus departments. She expressed gratitude to professional partners and individual preceptors who supported students during their clinical training.

Stille explained the pinning ceremony's historical significance, tracing its roots back to Florence Nightingale's recognition for her service during the Crimean War. Nightingale's tradition of presenting badges to nursing school graduates has evolved into today's ceremonies.

Five graduates—Anne Herbster, Kate Brock, Abby Gilliam, Melanie Juarez Montas, and Racquelle Melville—performed Johanna Anderson’s “Lord of the Small,” portraying Christ as a caregiver.

Dr. Bryan Brock from the College of Bible and Church Ministries delivered a charge to the graduates. He described it as “a Christian dad talk” based on Ephesians 6:5-9, urging them to serve both in their careers and lives. He emphasized key perspectives such as working sincerely and exercising authority with humility.

Following Dr. Brock’s address, Elizabeth Stille highlighted student growth in professionalism and compassion throughout their program. She introduced the Florence Nightingale Best Bedside Nurse Award recipient Abby Gilliam for her outstanding bedside manner and academic excellence.

The pinning ceremony proceeded with twelve graduates receiving Maranatha’s blue and gold pins featuring a symbolic lamp. Each graduate was accompanied by family members who attached the pin to their lab coat before lighting candles from the lamp’s flame.

Graduates then recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, committing to uphold professional standards and serve patients loyally. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas Graham concluded with a prayer of dedication for the new nurses' future endeavors.

Director Stille formally presented the Nursing Class of 2025 at the end of the ceremony.