College of Saint Mary Recognizes Nurses in Pinning Ceremony
College of Saint Mary (CSM) celebrated 40 nursing graduates at its annual Nurse Pinning Ceremony on Saturday, July 13, at the Lied Fitness Center. Each Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduate in the Class of 2024 received a pin as a symbolic welcome into the nursing profession.
Megan Ray, EdD, RN, director of CSM’s nursing program, presided over the ceremony. Jessica Cameron ’24 led the invocation, Jennifer Nemitz ’24 was the student speaker, and Tessa Nakaki ’24 gave the closing prayer. Christi Glesmann, assistant dean of health sciences, provided the closing remarks. During the ceremony, the students also recited the nursing pledge.
“I am immensely proud of each one of our students and grateful to have been part of their journey at CSM,” Ray said. “These dedicated women will make a difference in the lives of many patients and their families. I am excited to see where their next journey takes them.”
CSM recognizes two exemplary nursing students each year with the BSN Student of the Year and the Spirit of Nursing awards. DeMeria Bruce, CSM alumna and founder of Fulton Homes Education Center, presented the awards. Gabrielle Felker of Omaha was named the BSN Student of the Year for her support of her peers, leadership in the college community and excellence in the clinical setting. Jennifer Nemitz of Omaha received the Spirit of Nursing Award for representing CSM’s mission through her commitment to nursing, academic excellence, and caring and professionalism in the workplace.
Pinning is a time-honored tradition in nursing, and every school designs its unique pin for students. CSM’s pin incorporates the shape of a cross bearing the gold letters BSN and CSM and represents the virtues of worthiness, constancy, truth, loyalty, knowledge, and courage.
BSN Class of 2024
Lauren Anderson, Gretna, Neb.
Anastasiya Andrusyhyn, Oakland, Iowa
Amanda Aranda-Padilla, Omaha
McKenna Avenson, Omaha
Nahomi Ayotitla Cortez, Lincoln
Selena Balquier, Elkhorn, Neb.
Aubrie Bishop, Papillion, Neb.
Margaret Blankman, Omaha
Reagan Boex, Papillion, Neb.
Thu Quynh Khai Bui, Lincoln
Jessica Cameron, Scribner, Neb.
Claren Coalson, Gretna, Neb.
Jayden Cavanaugh, Elkhorn, Neb.
Mikaela Dunkle, Blair, Neb.
Gabrielle Felker, Omaha
Grace Frevert, Papillion, Neb.
Beatriz Gabino Maganda, Omaha
Katelyn Hamre, Kennard, Neb.
Megan Hardisty, Omaha
Hayley Holden, Omaha
Rebecca Hyde, Omaha
Megan Karas, Papillion, Neb.
Sela Kincaid, Omaha
Cedia Makita, Bellevue, Neb.
Laurin Miller, Omaha
Tessa Nakaki, Omaha
Jennifer Navarrete Castro, Bellevue, Neb.
Jennifer Nemitz, Omaha
Karly Nothhorn, Omaha
Emily Pena, Omaha
Hannah Rawley, La Vista, Neb.
Margaret Roberts, Omaha
Allison Schaeffer, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Savannah Schultz, Bellevue, Neb.
Kiara Sosa-Martinez, Omaha
Caitlin States, Dannebrog, Neb.
Kailee Sunada, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Minna Thomas, Milpitas, Calif.
Grace Weeks, Valley, Neb.
Abbigail Wilson, Papillion, Neb.
