USF Nursing Spring 2012 Graduates Celebrate Milestone

Hundreds of alumni, faculty, staff, students, and family and friends attended the University of South Florida College of Nursing Spring 2012 Pinning Ceremony featuring the Alumni Path of Light at the Marshall Student Center Ballroom on Friday, May 4, 2012. The Pinning Ceremony is a Nursing tradition which marks the transition of graduates from students to professional nurses.

This semester the USF College of Nursing graduated a total of 194 students including two Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), two PhDs in Nursing Science, 73 Master’s of Science (MS), and 117 Bachelor’s of Science (BS).

Rita F. D’Aoust, PhD, ANP-BC, CNE, FAANP, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Director for Interprofessional Initiatives, and Interim Assistant Dean for the Master’s Programs at the USF College of Nursing, made opening remarks by welcoming graduates and their families who were celebrating an incredible milestone in their journey of lifelong learning as health professionals. Exemplar students were also recognized with several awards including Academic Excellence, Clinical Excellence, Leadership Award, Spirit of Nursing Award, and Service Award.

Later in the evening, graduates were pinned by their Clinical Collaborative team coordinators and faculty. USF College of Nursing graduates walked in the USF commencement held at the Sun Dome Saturday, May 5, 2012.

For more information on the Spring 2012 USF Health commencement highlights visit USF Health News at “USF Health Commencement Highlights”

Photos from the Pinning Ceremony are available online through the USF Nursing Alumni and Friends Society website and Facebook.