Arizona College of Nursing - Falls Church Commencement Program

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

PROCESSIONAL

Faculty & Graduates

NATIONAL ANTHEM

OPENING REMARKS

Robert F. DeFinis, EdD Senior Campus President

FACULTY MESSAGE

Kelly Delaney, PhD, RN Nursing Faculty

WELCOME

Kevin T. Gore, BA Executive Director of Enrollment Services

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Christine Odunlami, PhD, RNC-MNN Assistant Dean of Nursing

STUDENT SPEAKER

Fredrica Ponder

HISTORY OF PINNING

Melissa L. Weir PhD, RN, CNE, CPEN, CEN Dean of Nursing

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES

Melissa L. Weir PhD, RN, CNE, CPEN, CEN 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.

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES

Tia D. McKinnon, EdD Dean of General Education

RECITATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF NURSES’ PLEDGE

Amaris Kelly, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC Nursing Faculty CLOSING REMARKS

Robert F. DeFinis, EdD Senior 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

Blue & Gold Magna Cum Laude 3.7-3.89 GPA

Cum Laude

GPA

Light Blue & Purple Student Leadership Award SNA AZC

Navy Blue, Light Blue & Gold Summa Cum Laude

Navy

Gold

Silver,

Red, White & Blue

GRADUATE CANDIDATES

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

Rocklyn Addo

Aissata Alim-Sesay

Amanda Anile

Obal Arikpo

Marian Bangura

Bernice Boatemaa-Poku

Lydia Cheruiyot

Taylor Cook

Coralie David

Estefany Hurtado

Gabriella Lingard

Judith Louissaint

Mahelet Misganaw

Sodaba Noorzad

Chelsea Okoro

Maiwand Pohmal

Sabawoon Pohmal

Fredrica Ponder

Benedicta Sam

Mahsaa Samimy

Catherine Smith Innocent Ugwu

Kailee Washington

CONGRATULATIONS

ARIZONA COLLEGE OF NURSING

CLASS OF 2025