ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING
FALL 2026
PINNING &
COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 18, 2026
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
PROCESSIONAL
OPENING REMARKS
Faculty & Graduates
Jared Deane, PhD Campus President
NATIONAL ANTHEM
FACULTY MESSAGE Leigha Young, MSN, RN Core Nursing Faculty
WELCOME
STUDENT SPEAKER
Kelli Van Buren, MEd Dean of General Education
Sharinna Brown
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| ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Southfield Campus
HISTORY OF PINNING Theresa Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, RN Core Faculty
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 Shelia Douglas-Collins, MSN, RN Dean of Nursing
RECITATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES’ PLEDGE Toshe Powe, MSN, RN Core Faculty
CLOSING REMARKS Jared Deane, PhD Campus President
RECESSIONAL PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
Faculty & Graduates
Shelia Douglas-Collins, MSN, RN Dean of Nursing
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, Southfield Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
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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.
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| ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Southfield 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, Southfield Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
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GRADUATE CANDIDATES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Alicja Adam
Angel Cook
Susan McEwan
Luma Alsalman
Elizabeth Elias
Reanda Mcintosh-Gay
Mohamed Askar
Ember Faleono
Dominique Moore
Maiya Awadalla
Constance Gresko
Taylor Myers
Keshonna Bailey
Arika Handy
Jayla Peak
Arrielle Baker
Savannah Jambor
Kayla Phelps
Fatema Bazzi
Rhonna Johnson
Quida Rush
Shamekia Beasley
Ebony Jordan
Marina Shamoon
Sharee Briscoe
Susan Jurzec
Gurtej Singh
Sharinna Brown
Fatme Khalil
Carlie Tambourine
Kiani Bryant
Mekylla Lewis
Dekia Thompson
Natalia Burns
Irene Lineh
Terri Vodry
Johneisha Burse
Ahmed Mahdi
Brooke Wadle
April Clay
Sydney Mangham
Jacquelyn Collier-Harris
Alexia Mathews
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ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Southfield Campus
CONGRATULATIONS ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING
CLASS OF
2026
2026 Commencement Ceremony, Southfield Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
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