Path of Light Illuminates Alumni

The Path of Light is based on the nickname “the Lady with the Lamp” earned by Florence Nightingale for her dedication toward the welfare of her patients by tending the sick through the night. It is a reminder to alumni and graduates of the tradition of service and care they are upholding.

On December 12, 2009 and May 8, 2010, the USF College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society held its newest tradition at the USF College of Nursing, the Alumni Path of Light. College of Nursing alumni led the processions of nursing graduates into the USF Health auditorium. Holding lighted candles that signify their pledge taken in the tradition of Florence Nightingale, the “Lady with the Lamp”, the alumni formed a pathway for their fellow new alumni and colleagues. Christine Olney, ’07, College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Board President lead the procession and addressed the graduates including leading all nurses in the nursing pledge. With over 400 guests in attendance at the fall ceremony and nearly 700 in attendance in the spring, this ceremony has become one of the College’s most recent points of pride.

This new tradition along with the pinning ceremony was made possible through efforts lead by Melissa Molinari Shelton ’05, ‘08 co-chair of the Awards and Recognition Committee of the Society. “All of us working on the project were so pleased with the response from alumni and graduates. Since the Convocation, I have had a number of alumni and student alumni ask how to become involved. I can’t think of a better sign of success,” said Shelton. “I’ve told them to watch
the College of Nursing Alumni and Friends Society website for the details to participate in our next Alumni Path of Light as we hope to light the entire length of the aisle!”

Story by Leanna Baylis
Photo by Luis Battistini
Originally published in the Summer 2010 Nursing Life magazine