ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING
FALL 2026
PINNING &
COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 18, 2026
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
PROCESSIONAL
OPENING REMARKS
Faculty & Graduates
Robert F. DeFinis, EdD Senior Campus President
NATIONAL ANTHEM
FACULTY MESSAGE Laura Williams, MBA, MSN, RN Nursing Faculty
WELCOME
STUDENT SPEAKER
Kevin T. Gore, BA Senior Director of Enrollment Services
Martina Ramirez
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| ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Falls Church Campus
HISTORY OF PINNING Christine Odunlami, PhD, RNC-MNN Dean of Nursing
The modern pin dates back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George in recognition for her tireless service to the injured during the Crimean War. To share the honor, she in turn presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates. The nurse’s graduation pin is a symbol that conveys to others his/her association and everlasting bond with his/her school. Each pin is distinctive, representing only one program and upholding the proud educational traditions of that school. For the nurse, it also symbolizes honorable completion of a rigorous and physically demanding nursing preparation program.
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES Christine Odunlami, PhD, RNC-MNN Dean of Nursing
RECITATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES’ PLEDGE Hamdi Hagiyusuf, DNP, MSN, AAS Nursing Faculty
CLOSING REMARKS Robert F. DeFinis, EdD Senior Campus President
RECESSIONAL PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
Faculty & Graduates
Tia D. McKinnon, EdD Dean of General Education
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, Falls Church 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, Falls Church 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, Falls Church Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
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GRADUATE CANDIDATES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING Kristin Aguas
Feona Charles
Taylor Price
Joyce Andrew
Stephanie Ezeh
Martina Ramirez
Yanina Armaza
Mailyn Garcia-Perez
Jocelyn Rubio Alvarez
Kalani Augusto
Roma Manuel
Fatima Seddiqi
Mariam Awad
Diana Marin
Saria Thomas
Kenia Ayala
Yvonne Mbibe
Tamara Thompson
Rocel Balagtas
Kelly McCobb
Selena Urias
Jessica Baroody
Joyce Mills
Katherin Valle
Adwoa Boateng
Mahelet Misganaw
Dylann Yates
Sheka Bowens
Ikram Muzain
Aaron Yawson
Jaelyn Bowser
Allyson Nesbitt
Gisselle Zelaya
Priscila Bracamonte
Amrita Noble
NiAire Burroughs
Doreen Nyanzi
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ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING – 2026 Commencement Ceremony, Falls Church Campus
CONGRATULATIONS ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING
CLASS OF
2026
2026 Commencement Ceremony, Falls Church Campus – ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING |
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