COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION SPRING SEMESTER Saturday, May 9, 2020 Virtual Celebration 4:00 p.m.
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Congratulations Graduates! We are so proud to celebrate Commencement 2020 with you today. This year's commencement is a unique celebration. First, we are virtual and second, we are recognizing all levels of graduates from all campuses. At this time in health care, nurses are on the forefront of providing care around the globe. In fact, the World Health Organization designated 2020 as the “Year of the Nurse” in honor of Florence Nightingale’s 200th birthday. This is now your time to make a positive and lasting impact on the world’s health. The Penn State College of Nursing has provided you with the tools to ultimately influence the lives of many and to be part of shaping the future direction of health care. Grasp the many opportunities that lie ahead; be courageous in your approach to life and believe in yourself. You have already changed lives with your dedication and commitment to leadership and excellence. We know you will represent the best of Penn State Nursing. As you begin the next part of your journey, you are not alone. You will join a group of Penn State Nursing alumni who provide expert care to clients and families, affect the health care delivery system through practice and research, and create policy that improves health care for all. Through our College alumni group you will remain forever connected. Be inspired and motivated to embrace the profession of nursing. A rewarding future of lifelong opportunities await you. On behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni in the College of Nursing, we commend you and wish you the very best. Be well,
Laurie A. Badzek, LLM, JD, RN, FAAN Dean and Professor
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Raymonde A. Brown, PhD, RN, CNE
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
Lisa Kitko, RN, PhD, FAHA, FAAN
Associate Dean for Graduate Education
ORDER OF EVENTS WELCOME
Dean Laurie Badzek STUDENT READING
Ms. Connor Forjan and Ms. Rachel Runatz, SNAPS Presidents OPENING REMARKS
Dean Laurie Badzek THE NURSING PIN
Dr. Raymonde Brown GRADUATE HOODING
Dr. Lisa Kitko
ALUMNI SOCIETY REMARKS
Ms. Lauren Thumm Saxton, President, College of Nursing Alumni Society MILITARY RECOGNITION
Dean Laurie Badzek
SCHREYER HONOR SCHOLARS
Dr. Lisa Kitko
AWARD RECOGNITION KIM GEDNEY-GUZIK AWARD
Dean Laurie Badzek
ALUMNI SOCIETY AWARDS
Ms. Lauren Thumm Saxton BETA SIGMA AWARD
Dr. Mike Evans
STUDENT MARSHAL RECOGNITION
Dean Laurie Badzek CLOSING REMARKS
Dean Laurie Badzek ALMA MATER
College of Nursing Students
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The College of Nursing
About the Nursing Program
The college’s mission is to improve the health of all people in Pennsylvania, the nation, and the world by developing qualified nurse leaders at all levels of practice, developing nursing science related to health and health care, and providing nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. The college works to fulfill that mission through integrated programs of nursing education, research, scholarship, and outreach. The Penn State Board of Trustees officially authorized the first undergraduate nursing program in 1964. That fall, twentytwo students were admitted to the program. Since then, the program has grown through the creation of a master’s degree program in 1973, the introduction of a Ph.D. program in the late 1990s, and the launch in 2014 of Penn State’s first online professional doctoral degree program, the doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.), offered through Penn State World Campus. In 1989, the trustees approved the creation of the School of Nursing from what had previously been a department within several Penn State colleges. The school became an independent academic unit in 2008 and was granted college status in 2013, with an organizational structure consistent with other Penn State colleges.
Nursing offers worldwide opportunities for leadership in health care practice, research, and policy development. Nursing professionals are in demand in all areas of practice, including acute care, private practice, long-term care, and outpatient clinics. Penn State’s undergraduate Nursing program incorporates a strong foundation of natural sciences, humanities, communications, and social and behavioral sciences. The curriculum includes courses in acute and chronic care as well as specialty care such as geriatrics, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Students obtain clinical experience in a variety of health care facilities, including local and regional medical centers such as Mount Nittany Medical Center and Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The college’s research-intensive learning environment contributes to improving health care through nursing science. Interdisciplinary research with vulnerable populations is the hallmark of research conducted in the College of Nursing. A strong emphasis on gerontological research led to the creation of one of nine national John A. Hartford Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence at Penn State in 2007 to promote the education of high-quality geriatric nursing leaders.
Undergraduate Program Notes The B.S.N. degree is conferred after the satisfactory completion of eight semesters of study. MILITARY COMMISSION: Students who have satisfactorily completed the advanced course in military, naval, or air science may be granted c ommissions upon graduation. Military and air science graduates are commissioned as second lieutenants; naval science graduates may be commissioned as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps.
Today, the college enrolls more than 2,000 undergraduate students (including B.S.N. and RN to B.S.N. students) and 200 graduate students. More than 100 faculty members teach at twelve campus locations and online via Penn State World Campus, where students can pursue a range of degree and certificate programs.
HONORS GROUP: This group represents those students who are graduating with distinction (honors). They are divided into: Summa Cum Laude (top 2 percent), Magna Cum Laude (top 4 percent), and Cum Laude (top 6 percent). This list was produced April 15 as an unofficial list of graduating students earning honors.
Year of the Nurse
EVAN PUGH SCHOLARS: The Evan Pugh Scholars are students who were in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes at the end of the semester. All have been full-time students for at least four semesters prior to selection.
The World Health Organization has designated 2020 as the Year of the Nurse. This designation has been made in recognition of the many critical roles nurses play in public health and patient care. Join us as we celebrate nurses, this year and every year!
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SCHREYER HONORS COLLEGE: This is Penn State’s University-wide honors program for academically exceptional students. The goals of the college are to provide an environment in which students of high ability and motivation can achieve their academic potential and develop as responsible civic leaders and global citizens. The curriculum is designed to challenge students, enrich and broaden their general education, and deepen their preparation for graduate study or a profession. A Schreyer Scholar’s progress in her or his field of specialization is enhanced by special courses, independent study and research, graduate courses, honors option work in regular courses, and opportunities for informal discussion with faculty and prominent visitors to the campus. Honors degrees are awarded to those who successfully complete an honors thesis. Students graduating as Schreyer Scholars are noted with an asterisk (*). Schreyer Scholars are wearing bronze medals on blue ribbons in recognition of their honors degree. The medals, designed by sculptor John A. Cook, professor emeritus in the College of Arts and Architecture, carry the inscription “intellectual curiosity • integrity of purpose • scholarly achievement.”
College of Nursing Student Marshal Maya Isabel Mosier,
daughter of Bradley Mosier and Constance Smith of State College, Pa., was a 2016 graduate of the State College Area High School in State College, Pa. Mosier is graduating from Penn State with a 3.9 grade point average. Mosier is a member of the Beta Sigma chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She was the recipient of the Ross and Carol Nese Scholarship, Student Engagement Network Grant, Evan Pugh Scholar Junior Award, Zewan Trustee Scholarship in Nursing, the President Sparks Award, the President’s Freshman Award, the Friends of Penn State Trustee Scholarship, and the Martha W. Fleming Memorial Nursing Scholarship.
Undergraduate Student Awards Kim Gedney Guzik Award Stephanie McLaughlin Undergraduate Student Service Award Kalei Kowalchik (Scranton) Beta Sigma Student Achievement Award Jacklyn Bizjak (Behrend)
Mosier was active with the Student Nurses’ Association at Penn State (SNAPS) serving as fundraising chair in Hershey as well as the Women’s Leadership Initiative. Mosier participated in a public health outreach and education program in South Africa which contributed to her earning a global health minor. Following graduation, Mosier will join the OB/NICU program at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., were she will cycle through birthing centers, high-risk antepartum, mother/baby units, and the neonatal ICU. Mosier aspires to become a travel nurse and attend graduate school to become a women’s health nurse practitioner. Mosier chose Darlene Clark, Assistant Teaching Professor, as her Faculty Marshal.
Faculty Marshal Darlene Clark, MS, RN, is an
Assistant Teaching Professor and has taught at the College of Nursing since 1992. Clark earned a BSN (’88) and MSN (’92) from Penn State University. Clark received the Nightingale Nurse Educator of the Year Award for Pennsylvania in 2004, the Diversity Achievement Award from Health and Human Development in 2005, the Janet A. Williamson Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Nursing in 2011, and the Barash Award for Human Service at Penn State in 2017. She served on Faculty Senate from 2007-2014, was a Distinguished Honors Faculty Mentor at Penn State from 2015-2017, currently chairs the College of Nursing’s Sustainability Council, functions as the faculty mentor for the Women’s Leadership Initiative in the College of Health and Human Development and the College of Nursing, and is the faculty liaison to the College of Nursing’s Education Abroad Program. 5
Candidates For Bachelor of Science Degrees This program contains the list of students who indicated their intent to graduate as of April 12, 2020. Students who indicated their intent to graduate after that date, or were approved to participate in commencement but have not completed all degree requirements, are not listed. Subject to completion of all degree requirements and satisfaction of minimum criteria, distinction may be conferred as indicated upon the individuals listed herein and upon such others as may meet the requirements. Dear Graduates: If you have a question about your name, degree or distinction listed in this program, please reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Education at lmh5@psu.edu. Congratulations on your achievements!
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Degree
Yasmene Brown
Emily DeFlavis
Casia Burley
Amy DeGennaro
Marissa Byler
Megan Dennis
Jennifer Caggiano
Morgan Dewitt ++
Ben Cai
Cari Diehl
Valerie Calhoun
Alex DiLauri
Brittney Cameron
Natalia Distasio
Mia Campanella
Samantha Donnelly
Mia Cannata
Jill Downing
Ashlyn Carlsson
Dalton Drahus
Michael Carrozza
Kelly Druby
Tajul Cauffman
Jacquelyn Eagleson
Kirsten Chabalie
Margaret Ehalt
Christina Chambliss
Isabel Elghanian
Katherine Chesley
Amanda Enck *
McKayla Chismark
Taylah Erdman
Alexis Chmiel
Esteban Esteban
Mario Acevedo
Kailey Bergman
Patricia Cierniak
Eva Estlow
Joseph Albert
Katie Bernard
Ashley Clark
Sarah Fabrizio
Rachel Andrews
Jacklyn Bizjak ++ Evan Pugh Scholar
Isabel Clarkson
Tanna Falvey
David Andrews
Molly Clifford
Jessica Faneck
Rebecca Aquino
Quinn Black
Anna Elizabeth Clift
Chelsea Feeney
Meghan Armel
Isabelle Bleakney
Aimee Cohan
Kelsey Fenimore
Kelly Arnold
Kayleen Boeckenhauer *
Donna Conklin
Alexis Fenstermacher
Emily Artiles
Madison Bogden
Antonia Corma
Joseph Fifield
Tasha Arvin
Amanda Booz
Emily Corwin
Anthony Robert Filipone
Taylor Bachman
Clayton Bowman
Kirsten Crytzer +
Hannah Fisher
Melissa Baier
Kaitylin Boyer
Daniel Cuevas
Blair Fitzgerald
Elizabeth Bavuso
Eric Brennan
Kelly Damiter
Kathleen Fitzpatrick
Alyssa Bayer
Colleen Brent
Chelsea Danner
Katherine Flick
Julia Bayles
Thomas Brotzman
Julie Davis
Madeleine Flory
Nina Beech
Claire Brown
Jenna Davison
Rylee Fluharty
Brittany Bellardino
Meghan Brown
Andrea De Leon
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Army ROTC Commission
Ashlee Fluri
Danielle Heath
Aunica Kisner
Kristen Magnan
Connor Forjan
Sage Heckendorn
Monika Klimas
Sarah Mansell ++
Kendra Freeman
Kendra Henry
Marissa Klinger
Latasha Sheree Manson
Ian Gabrielson
Caroline Hernandez
Jonathan Klorczyk
Alexandra Marcel
Ashley Galderisi
Ashley Hildebrand
Lucas Klorczyk
Autumn Maroldt
Ariana Garcia
Gwendolyn Hoffman
Ashley Kloss
Mary Regina Marsden
Dana Gardner
Olivia Hoffman
Jodie Knobler
Katherine Marshall
Kailey Gearhart
Anna Hostert
Victoria Knopsnider
Catherine Martell
Madelyn Genre
Julie Hubley
Nadejda Kodjo
Krista Martin ++
Brittany Anne George +
Courtney Huffman
Christina Kong
Elizabeth Olivares
Alicia Gibney
Megan Hughes
Kacey Koontz
Martinez
Julie Gillet
Kristina Husbands
Kalei Kowalchik
Olivia Maseloff
Taylor Goldstein
Nicole Iacullo
Destrie Kramer
Mikael Matthews
Arlene Graham
Hayley Iapicca
Ava Kreismer
Haley Maturani
Connor Green
Jenelle Ingalls
Michaela Kurty
Hailey Maxwell
Joradan Green
Jillian Jafarace
Paige Kusters
Army ROTC Commission
Elizabeth Greenidge
Elaine Jaffey
Ian Lancaster
Melanie McAndrew
Cameron Greif
Sarah Jensen
Alyssa Laseck
Marty McKenna
Kelsey Greslick
Donielle Marie Johnson
Casey Lee
Stephanie McLaughlin
Amanda Grieco
Tori Johnson
Caleb Lehman
Lisa McLean
Arianne Grilli
Gabriella Johnson
Lauren Lenahan
Melinda McMullen
Kelcie Grimm
Cheyenne Johnston
Kristina Leo
Branden McWilliams
Katherine Grimm
Victoria Julian
Heather Leonard
Carlos Medina
Sara Grimplin
Muthoni Kairo
Kiresten Lewis
Alexis Mellot
Jessica Grinderslev
Amanda Kaloz
Amber Liegey
Madeline Mendoza
Morgan Hagerman
Adam Kaplinsky
Maren Lindemuth
Allison Menzie
Jodi Hall
Michael Kapusta
Gabriella Loeffler
Vanessa Alexandra
Margaret Hansell *
Darien Kase
Devon Loftus
Mercer
Stephanie Harding
Mikaiya Kearney
Kate Lombardozzi
Lisa Mickley
Cori Harron
Kennedy Keirn +
Megan Lucas
Brenda Miele
Sadie Harshman
Justin Kelemen
Alexandra Lybrook
Mackenzie Miller
McKensey Hartsock
Kristin Kelly
Samantha Mack
Amy Millhouse
Taylor Heasley
Samantha Kelly
Angela Magdinec
Kelley Mong 7
Meghan Moon
Kaylee Read
Tara Shipley
Hannah Thompson
Maya Mosier ++
Madison Reber
Tanner Shirk
Abigail Tobin
Evan Pugh Scholar
Christian Reda
Julia Shkedy
Sydnie Tolbert
Jenna Mott
Alexis Reed
Samantha Shoemaker
Julie Tooma
Shawna Mumma
Miranda Rhodes
Mary Shriver
Caitlyn Toomey
Cara Riccioli
Marti Sickeri
Chandler Trainer
Johanna Nasman
Norma Jean Richcreek
Alexa Singer *
Thi Tran
Bryana Navarrete
Daniel Roberts
Mallory Sipes
Miranda Treaster
Emily Smalich
Rosalyn Tria
Army ROTC Commission
Emily Neil
Army ROTC Commission
Kyle Nolan
Melanie Robinson
Emily Smart
Kaitlyn Umstead
Molly Nowell
Mariah Robison
Katherine Smeltzer
Allison Valverde
Onyedikachi Opara
Jessica Roche
Molly Smith
Lindsay Vannucci
Abigail Orr
Beverly Schmidt Rodriguez
Kasey Smith
Logan Vannucci
Theresa Osborne
Milagros Rodriguez
Megan Smith
Heather Vaydanich *
Brian Palko
Jessica Rodriguez Tirado
Diamond Snow
Gabrielle Vega
Danielle Parks
Leah Rogan
Jenna Snyder
Angelina Viggiano
Megan Parrish
Kaitlyn Ronge
Erica Sowash
Barron Vogt
Jordan Pascoe
Meaghan Rozanc
Caitlyn Stashick
Katarina Von Der Wroge
Gracee Pensyle
Miranda Ruk
Madison Staub
Alyssa Waldmann
Samantha Peterson
Rachel Runatz
Madison Stessney ++
Jennifer Walker ++
Nicholas Phillips
Abigail Runk
Jabree Stewart
Selena Waltman
Nicholas Pieshefski
George Samuel
Madalyn Stiebritz
Abbygail Ward
Giulian Popolillo
Myeisha Sanders
Darah Stouffer
Megan Weidman
Sarah Porco
Andrew Saniski
Abigail Strickland
Melissa Whetsell
Adrianna Powell
Breeanna Saur
Kaitlyn Strubel
Ashlyn Whipple
Blake Price
Cassandra Seaburn
Shannon Susi
Hannah White
Grace Pulito
Orly Seagal
Lacy Sweeney
Jamie White
Maria Pyle
Heather Marie Seeton
Shannon Talarico
Kylie Whitehead
Kendra Pysher
Gabrielle Senkow
Hunter Tamblin
Molly Williams
Marissa Raia
Julia Severyn *
Brooke Tanana
Meghan Wills
Ashley Sharpe
Keighley Taylor
Isabelle Wingerd
Giulia Randazzo
Maggie Shaulis
Cassidy Testa
Brittany Winter
Josie Ratafia
Krystal Shaw
Becky Theobald
Blaise Wisniewski
Navy ROTC Commission
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Stone Woodring Katie Woodworth Hannah Wray Stephanie Wright Janet Wright Catherine Yeager Mikaela Yori Taylor Zackowski Mackenzie Zeigler Xinhui Zhang + Ping Zhang Kristen Ziegler ++ Alexis Zinsky * Schreyer Scholar + Cum Laude ++ Magna Cum Laude +++ Summa Cum Laude
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Graduate Program Notes ACADEMIC DRESS: Hoods are not usually worn by recipients of the bachelor's degree. The hood varies in length according to the type of degree held and is lined with the official colors of the institution conferring the degree. The velvet border or edging of the hood indicates the character of the degree it represents: apricotnursing; blue-philosophy; light blue-education; brown-fine arts; blue violet-architecture; copper-economics; drab-business administration; golden yellow-science; green-medicine; sage green-physical education; orange-engineering; pink-music; russet-forestry; white-arts, letters, humanities. DEGREES: The advanced degrees granted by the University are of two types, academic and professional. Academic degrees, which require competence in research and scholarship, are the Doctor of Philosophy, the Master of Arts, and the Master of Science. Professional degrees, which symbolize competence in the application of the results of research to practical problems, are the Doctor of Medicine, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Musical Arts, Doctor of Public Health, the Juris Doctor, and the following master's degrees: Master of Accounting; Master of Applied Statistics; Master of Architectural Engineering; Master of Architecture; Master of Biotechnology; Master of Business Administration; Master of Education; Master of Engineering; Master of Engineering Management; Master of Environmental Pollution Control; Master of Finance; Master of Fine Arts; Master of Geographic Information Systems; Master of Health Administration; Master of International Affairs; Master of Landscape Architecture; Master of Leadership Development; Master of Manufacturing Management; Master of Music; Master of Music Education; Master of Professional Accounting; Master of Professional Studies; Master of Project Management; Master of Public Administration; Master of Public Health: Master of Science Nursing; and Master of Software Engineering.
Candidates For Graduate Degrees This program contains the list of students who indicated their intent to graduate prior to the deadline. Students who indicated their intent to graduate after the deadline, or were approved to participate in commencement but have not completed all degree requirements, are not listed. Subject to completion of all degree requirements and satisfaction of minimum criteria, distinction may be conferred as indicated upon the individuals listed herein and upon such others as may meet the requirements. Dear Graduates: If you have a question about your name, degree or distinction listed in this program, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Education at xus1@psu.edu. Congratulations on your achievements!
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Master of Science in Nursing Degree (M.S.N.) Brandy Alspach Bryan Artiles Patti Bickley Kla Brosius Melissa Carey Nicole Caruthers Terry Castleman Iramis Castro Kathryn Chrisfield Chelsey Clark Maura Clawson Natasha Cline Rachel Davis Lisa DeFelice Anja Deitmer Rachel Dishong Katlyn Ecklund Ashley Enciso Kelsey Falconi Shelia Frankenfield Victoria Freed Emily Grau Ruth Gundermann Lex Harvey Jennifer Helch Samantha Henry (Tew) Gabriella Hitz (Spero) Samantha Hudgins Sarah Jorzik Ann Keenan Amy Kehs (Gifford) Megan Koontz Emily Lockwood Kelsey Meuser Shannon Nicosia Breanna O'Sullivan Linsey Osborne-Hixson
Crissy Patierno James Piovarchy Stephanie Poplaski Shuang Ran Lisa Ray Kristi Reyes Allison Ridenour Alexander Salinas Leil Joy Sarabosing Alicia Shedlock Nigella Siegl Mari Stein Jennifer Sterbutzel Stephanie Marencic Kayla Walck Rachael Weaver Michele Welker Ashley Willie Stephanie Yorty Lorrie Youngs Edward Zepeda Laura Ziegler
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) Mary Elizabeth Davis Project: Comfort and Capability with End-of-Life Care: A Quality Improvement Project in a Comprehensive Cancer Care Center
Graduate Student Awards Graduate Student Service Award Ashley Willie (World Campus)
Aimee Gish Project: Standardization of Lynch Syndrome Screening: A Quality Improvement Project in a Private Gastroenterology Clinic
CGNE Student Champion Awards Mary Elizabeth Davis DNP, RN, AOCNS
Fallon Hughes (Casner) Project: Professional Development Needs of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Students in Pennsylvania
Paula Kustenbauder Project: Implementation of a Compassion-Based Communication Skills Program for Medical-Surgical/ Oncology Nurses
Ashley Lang Project: TeleICU Impact on Sepsis Outcomes: A Program Evaluation
Talar Manayan Project: Establishing an Asthma Management Protocol: A Quality Improvement Project in a Free Outpatient Clinic in Central Pennsylvania
Danielle Peterman Project: Walking for Wellness: Physical Activity in the School Setting
Michelle Stroud Project: Adult Mental Health Crisis Response in Ambulatory Settings: A Quality Improvement Project
Amy Updike Project: Mindfulness Awareness for Post-Traumatic Stress of Sexual Assault Victims in the United States Army Reserves
Jennifer Wissemann Project: Admission Screening for Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk Factors: A Quality Improvement Project
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Abigail McGinnis Dissertation: More to Consider: Adult Child Siblings Caring for Aging Parents
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Academic Regalia
Nursing Pin History
The tradition of academic dress in the United States dates back to colonial times and primarily stems from English tradition. Bachelors’, masters’ and doctoral robes each have their own design. Sleeve style and size are according to degree. The hood matches the robe and is generally awarded to those with graduate degrees. The hood displays the field of degree color as trim and often has school colors revealed in the cape. The color allocated to nursing is apricot.
The pin’s origin dates back over 1000 years to the Crusades. The earliest nurses were men who joined an order of monks; served on the battlefields caring for injured soldiers; and were called knights hospitaller. In order to identify themselves as member of a specific order, they wore a Maltese Cross on their chest. Over the centuries, other professions developed pins or badges signifying their education and abilities in a specific occupation. Since the beginning of nursing education in the United States in the 1870’s, small pins have been given to graduating students, which represent the successful completion of their nursing program and as a school symbol.
The cap or mortarboard is worn on the head. Velvet caps or tams are reserved for the doctoral degree. The tassel worn on the cap can be black, gold, representative of the university's colors or the colors of the chosen field. There is tradition at the bachelors’ level of moving the tassel from the right to left upon graduation. For graduate students, the tassel is worn on the left. Items, such as cords, stoles and medals, representing various academic achievements or honors are also worn at the discretion of the degree granting institution.
The Penn State College of Nursing pin was originally designed when the school was founded in the 1960’s and most recently updated in 2017. The pin is a symbol of the nursing education program and is uniquely branded with the insignia of the College of Nursing, a gold Nittany Lion, and the BSN degree. The pin is a sign of the College of Nursing’s everlasting recognition of the student’s accomplishments.
The Hooding Ceremony The hood is the most distinctive feature of the academic regalia worn by graduates receiving advanced degrees. The hood is worn over the graduation gown. To recognize the importance of fulfilling the rigorous requirement of completing a doctoral degree, doctoral recipients are hooded during the graduation ceremony. The Hooding Ceremony is symbolic of passing the guard from one generation to the next generation. The doctoral candidate presents themselves to the faculty that served as their dissertation chair with their hood placed over their left arm. The candidate hands the hood to their adviser, turns away from the adviser (often to face the crowd for photos) while the adviser places the hood over the head of the graduate, signifying his or her success in completing the graduate program.
College of Nursing Alumni Society We invite all new graduates to join the College of Nursing Alumni Society. One of the newest college alumni societies under the Penn State Alumni Association, the College of Nursing Alumni Society helps graduates stay connected with one another, the College of Nursing, and the Penn State community at large. We engage alumni, students, faculty, and staff through various programs such as the Shirley Novosel Distinguished Nursing Alumni Award and Student Service Awards, the Mentoring Program, tailgates, Spring Alumni Weekend, and regional networking events. You automatically become a member of the College of Nursing Alumni Society when you join the Penn State Alumni Association (first year is free) and select the College of Nursing as your affiliated college. We look forward to having you join us! alumni.psu.edu/newalumni
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WELCOME TO THE PRIDE! Congratulations on your graduation, and welcome to the Penn State Alumni Association —the largest and most powerful alumni network in the world. New graduates receive a complimentary one-year membership in the Penn State Alumni Association. As you enter the pride, you’ll join the ranks of alumni who keep their connection to Penn State strong through membership. We encourage you to stay connected and learn more about the 30+ benefits that are included with your membership. Membership materials, including your membership card, will be mailed to you after graduation. Benefits are available to you immediately upon receiving your membership card.
Exclusive Member Benefits CAREER AND EDUCATION
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Alumni Career Services: Attend premium Alumni Career Service events for free or at a substantial discount.
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Discounts on Kaplan Test Preparation Services
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Alumni Library Online: Exclusive access to Penn State Libraries Digitized Collections and University library databases.
ALUMNI EMAIL
Members of the Alumni Association can sign up for a personal Penn State email account (@alumni.psu.edu). Accounts are hosted by Google for Education and also include unlimited online storage and a collection of digital tools.
DISCOUNTS
Members receive access to discounts including travel and merchandise at Penn State Bookstore campus locations. They also receive access to discounted health, auto, renters, home, life, long-term care, and pet insurance.
Additional benefits include early invitations to Alumni Association events, access to the Alumni Directory, publications including the Penn Stater magazine, and much more!
To access a full list of membership benefits and to find your local Penn State Alumni Association chapter, visit:
alumni.psu.edu/newalumni
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The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to Dr. Kenneth Lehrman III, Vice Provost for Affirmative Action, Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; Email: kfl2@psu.edu; Tel 814-863-0471. U.Ed. NUR 19-65 MPC 153261
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