ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING
FALL 2026
PINNING &
COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 19, 2026
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
PROCESSIONAL
OPENING REMARKS
Faculty & Graduates
Catherine Chege, PhD, MBA, MHRM Campus President
NATIONAL ANTHEM
FACULTY MESSAGE Nicky Battle, MSN, RN, CMSRN Nursing Faculty
WELCOME
STUDENT SPEAKER
Trisha Butler, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR Nursing Faculty
Stephen Bell
2
| ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Las Vegas Campus
HISTORY OF PINNING Lakeesha Lee, DNP, MSN, RN, CRRN 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.
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES Lakeesha Lee, DNP, MSN, RN, CRRN Dean of Nursing
RECITATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES’ PLEDGE Trisha Butler, MSN, MBA, RN, CNOR Nursing Faculty
CLOSING REMARKS Catherine Chege, PhD, MBA, MHRM Campus President
RECESSIONAL PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
Faculty & Graduates
Kelli Ross, MS Student Achievement Coach
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. 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Las Vegas Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
3
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.
4
| ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Las Vegas Campus
ACADEMIC REGALIA
Cords are awarded to students to signify a level of academic achievement and extra-curricular activities. CORDS WORN BY GRADUATES Navy Blue, Light Blue & Gold
Summa Cum Laude 3.9-4.0 GPA
Navy Blue & Gold
Magna Cum Laude 3.7-3.89 GPA
Gold
Cum Laude 3.5-3.69 GPA
Silver, Light Blue & Purple Red, White & Blue
Student Leadership Award SNA AZC Military Service
2026 Commencement Ceremony, Las Vegas Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
5
GRADUATE CANDIDATES BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Jana Jeziel Alindog
Baleigh Heger
Jaezelle Paulo
Jiane Lucille Ayson
Nicole Henry
Jasmin Pilande
Carmen Bajoneta
Sierra Higuera
Jacquelyn Pyles
Maria Patricia Bali
Christopher Hill
Raymond Quezada
Brianne Beach-Bonifacio
Franchesca Maristela Ibanez
Jersen Reyes
Stephen Bell
Lalaine Ignacio
Nezy Grace Reyes
Jonathan Bonglo
Sydney Johnson Chapman
Jordan Robinson
Jennifer Campbell
Sennica Koung
Omar Robinson
Samantha Carpenter
Sabrena Lindsay-Dunkley
Madeline Rodriguez
Xuanguangze Chen
Jandalei Lising
Alysia Santos
Catherine Coelho
Diana Lozano
Jenna Sayegh
Christina Coronado
Jaclynne Lyden
Gelene Tayamen
Krizelle Caye De Vera
Carolyn Mamea
Dean Anthony Tan Telada
Patricia Dela Cruz
April Ann Mantos
Louis Tillemans
Dana Dimzon
Krysta Masupil
Brandi Vanetta
Jarvin Jann Doria
Vanessa Melchor Melchor
Theresa Velasco
Chamy Echeverria
Blanca Melgar Soriano
Erin Villanueva
Kyrah Echols-Johnson
Jayne Mendoza
Tia Westerman
Kimberly Escarate
Emmanuel Mora
Carly Wick
Jestenie Escobar-Vides
Olivia Nafarrete
Emma Wilcken
Mekelit Fiseha
Carolyne Nyaga-Moffett
Janiyah Williams
Syrianna Friedman
Michaela Ocampo
Mercedes Olivia Williams
Aniyah Guiton
Lesly Orozco
Vatsana Wilson
Abigail Layda Hall
Alejandra Paiz
Aya Julia I Woodard
Amanda Harrison
Stephanie Palacio-Delos Santos
Nevaeh Young
6
|
ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Las Vegas Campus
CONGRATULATIONS ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING
CLASS OF
2026
2026 Commencement Ceremony, Las Vegas Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
7
arizonacollege.edu 10142026