COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
PROCESSIONAL
Faculty & Graduates
NATIONAL ANTHEM
OPENING REMARKS
Kim Jensen, MSL Campus President
WELCOME
Melissa Legg, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CIC Nursing Adjunct Faculty
FACULTY MESSAGE
Tameka Reynolds, DNP, AGACNP-BC, RN Nursing Faculty KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Stacey-Ann Okoth, PhD, DNP, MBA, RN Region Chief Nursing Officer, Mountain Region Common Spirit Health
STUDENT SPEAKER
Esther Odneal
HISTORY OF PINNING
Kathryn Palermo, DNP, RN, CMSRN
Dean
of Nursing
The tradition of receiving a nursing pin dates back to the 1860s. This ritual symbolizes the completion of nursing education as established nurses welcome new graduates into the profession. Inspired by Florence Nightingale’s recognition of excellence among her nurses, the pin represents a nurse’s school, values, and commitment to compassionate care. This custom is deeply personal and meaningful, honoring the hard work, dedication, and calling to serve others. Each school’s pin design is unique, reflecting its heritage and mission, and receiving it marks a rite of passage into the trusted and respected nursing community.
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
Katie Wilkinson, MEd, MBA Dean of General Education
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Kathryn Palermo, DNP, RN, CMSRN Dean of Nursing RECITATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL
COUNCIL OF NURSES’ PLEDGE
Jennifer Sanderfer, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC Nursing Lab Manager
CLOSING
REMARKS
Kim Jensen, MSL Campus President RECESSIONAL
Faculty & Graduates
Content captured during their Commencement may be used on the Arizona College/Arizona College of Nursing website, brochures, social media, advertisements, newsletters, or similar means.
INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES’ PLEDGE
In full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick, with all the skills and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering and to promote health. I will respect at all times, the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me and refraining from any action that might endanger life or health. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and to give loyal support and cooperation, to all members of the health team. I will do my utmost to honor the international code of nursing ethics and to uphold the integrity of the professional nurse.
ACADEMIC REGALIA
Cords are awarded to students to signify a level of academic achievement and extra-curricular activities.
CORDS WORN BY GRADUATES
3.9-4.0 GPA
3.7-3.89 GPA
GPA
Light Blue & Purple Student Leadership Award SNA AZC
Navy Blue, Light Blue & Gold Summa Cum Laude
Navy Blue & Gold Magna Cum Laude
Gold Cum Laude
Silver,
Red, White & Blue
GRADUATE CANDIDATES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Abdallah Abujamilah
Allison Aldana Morales
Julieta Ballesteros
Diana Cerrillo Zapata
Kayla Fernandez
Vanessa Fievre
Rachelle Guerrier Milord
Ilene Herrera-Gonzalez
Gissell Javier
Hawa Kavuo
Kyleigh Knapp
Kendriona Lastrapes
Xin Li
Janielle Meastas
Hannah Morales
Micaela Mortimore
Ashley Nordwall
Esther Odneal
Vanessa Ortiz
Evelyn Padilla-Saenz
Zedric Perona
Christina Porreca
Rita Sekyewa
Janesa Van Oster