AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY NURSING PINNING CEREMONY
CLASS OF 2025
May 23, 2025
Elmen Center
Augustana University
NURSING PINNING CEREMONY – CLASS OF 2025
“A nurse is a soul tempered by endurance and grace. They bear the weight of the world’s trials with unwavering strength, and yet, their heart beats with a gentle understanding that flows endlessly. In the delicate dance between life and healing, they stand as a beacon of hope, embodying both resilience and tender compassion.”
– Unknown
Processional
Invocation
Welcome
Student Recognition in Honor of Bryan Prairie
DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award
Scripture Readings
.Dr. Jill Rye
Dr. Lynn White, Program Director
Dr. Lynn White
Reflections
Farewell Thoughts
igma Theta Honors Recognition
.Lauren Rowe and Elizabeth Schwartz Isaiah 41: 8-10 and Jeremiah 29:11
.Madison Croshal, Kendra Kaiser and Rosa Melgoza
Augustana Nursing Faculty
Introduction of Senior Class Professors Beth Karel and Megan Kuipers
Pinning
Class Video
Closing Remarks
Benediction
Recessional
Faculty Usher
Professors Shonna De Jager and Emily Menssen
Professor Mary Nelson
Professor Ranae Aukerman
Professor Isabel Bosch
A special thank you to the speakers for their participation in today’s celebration and to the planning committee for their time, effort and organization.
AUGUSTANA NURSING FACULTY
Ranae Aukerman, DNP, APRN, AHN-BC
Pam Barthle, PhD, RN, APRN-CNP
Jon Benson, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, CMSRN, AGCNS-BC
Isabel Bosch, MSN, RN
Maggie Aesoph, RN
Kacey Aldren, RN
Kendra Arnold, RN
Mikayla Axtell, RN
Amber Bachtell, RN
Ashley Chenoweth, RN
Whitney Edgington, RN
Laura Gerdes, RN
Taylor Grandgenett, RN
Shonna De Jager, MSN, RN, SCRN
Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN, CNE
Beth Karel, MSN, RN, CHSE
Megan Kuipers, MSN, RN, CPN
Emily Menssen, MSN, RN
Mary Nelson, MSN, RN, CNE
Jill Rye, DNP, RN, CRRN, CNL, FARN
Jody Serfling, MSN, RN
Lynn White, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC
RN CLINICAL FACULTY ASSOCIATES
Eliza Hakl, RN
Brooke Hankel, RN
Laura Hartke, RN
Ashley Heupel, RN
Olivia Jensen, RN
Ashley Kalda, RN
Heather Knutson, RN
Ang Krueger, RN
Tyra Lambert, RN
Mackenzie Lewis, RN
Madi Lindely, RN
Aanna Okerlund, RN
Mary Pardo, RN
Kelsey Petersen, RN
Paige Pickering, RN
Halley Rennpferd, RN
Sara Reinarts, RN
Keeley Rexwinkel, RN
Cassidy Smith, RN
Hayden Stewart, RN
Katie Sutton, RN
Dylan Tams, RN
Heather Totton, RN
Arika Williams, RN
Jessica Wittrock, RN
PRESENTED IN MEMORY OF BRYAN PRAIRIE ‘09, B.A. IN NURSING
Caleb Friesen – 2024
Ben Ihrke – 2023
Jenna Bardal – 2022
Abigail Magee – 2021
Grace Bender – 2020
This award is given annually to an Augustana nursing graduate who best exemplifies the caring spirit of Bryan Prairie. Bryan aspired to be a nurse, the most trusted profession in the United States. As critical, reflective thinkers, nurses promote and preserve the quality of life. They are professionals with integrity, a passion for their work and are selfless in their pursuit of caring for others. They are respected, creative and have a sense of humor, all attributes of Bryan Prairie.
Bryan’s family is pleased to honor this year’s nursing graduate who exemplifies the attributes that carries forth the spirit of Bryan as a caring, selfless and respected nurse.
PRIOR AWARDEES
MacKenzie Brandt – 2019
Summer Smith – 2018
Nicole Grinager – 2017
Kendra Gerber – 2016
Nick Ehrhardt – 2015
Alex Sproul – 2014
KayLa Gerlach – 2013
Jamie Kingma – 2012
Erin Brenden – 2011
Matthew Eitelgeorge – 2010