Nursing graduates recognized in Mid-State’s fall 2023 pinning ceremony
By Patrick Lynn
Mid-State Technical College honored 42 graduates from its Nursing program at a pinning ceremony held on December 12 at the Wisconsin Rapids campus.
The event, attended by graduates, their families, and friends, celebrated the achievements marking the completion of their academic journey.
The nursing pinning ceremony is a significant milestone that signifies the transition from student life to a professional career in nursing. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication of nursing students as they embark on their path in the nursing field — and it also serves as a tribute to the faculty who supported and guided these students throughout their academic pursuit.
Aiden Gust, a 2023 Nursing graduate, expressed the sentiment behind the pinning ceremony, emphasizing its importance in recognizing the collective effort and dedication of the peers towards achieving their goal of becoming nurses. Gust highlighted the ceremony as a pivotal step into the nursing profession, enabling collaboration with fellow nurses to advocate for patients and deliver compassionate care.
Deb Johnson-Schuh, the dean of the School of Nursing, described the nursing pin as a symbol of pride and responsibility, signifying the graduates’ capability to earn the trust of others as caregivers and advocates.
Johnson-Schuh outlined the rigorous journey undertaken by the Nursing program students, involving comprehensive coursework, extensive practice in labs, and over 750 hours of clinical experience over several years. She commended their hard work and determination, emphasizing the integration of core values such as integrity, commitment, accountability, respect, and service, synonymous with Mid-State Technical College.
During Mid-State’s pinning ceremony, each graduate selected a registered nurse—be it a family member, friend, or faculty member — to join them on stage and place the nursing pin, symbolizing their official entry into the nursing profession. Alongside the pinning, a recorded message from the student was shared with the audience, and the graduates took a vow to aid the sick or injured.
For Sara Luchini, another 2023 Nursing graduate, the ceremony marked a symbolic initiation into the nursing profession, signifying acceptance and transition into the role of a nurse. She emphasized the ceremony’s significance in celebrating the collective dedication and hard work of students, together with their instructors, families, and friends.
The tradition of nursing pinning ceremonies dates back to Florence Nightingale in the 1860s, with Nightingale being the first nurse to receive the Red Cross of St. George for her service in the Crimean War. The Mid-State pin, unique to the school, incorporates symbols like a lamp and a book, honoring Nightingale’s legacy—the lamp symbolizing excellence associated with Nightingale, known as the Lady with the Lamp.
The nursing pinning ceremony is a symbolic rite of passage, marking the beginning of a fulfilling journey into the nursing profession for graduates of Mid-State Technical College.
Following are Mid-State’s fall 2023 Nursing graduates recognized in the Dec. 12 nursing pinning ceremony:
Zimrije Alimi – Amherst
Carissa Avery – Amherst
Abigail Baehman – Eland
Stacey Berdan – Stevens Point
Amber Brockman – Wisconsin Rapids
Melinda Brueggen – Arpin
Hailey Budtke – Spencer
Meghan Busa – Stevens Point
Morgan Elliott – Wisconsin Rapids
Briana Fox – Pittsville
Samantha Fuehrer – Owen
Baily Giebel – Strum
Desirae Glodowski – Stevens Point
Erika Grimm – Marshfield
Aiden Gust – Wisconsin Rapids
Taylor Heil – Marshfield
Josie Jakel – Curtiss
Valerie Kedrowski – Stevens Point
Vanessa Kluck – Plover
Nikole Knight – Wausau
Lauren Koopman – Loyal
Breiana Krise – Marshfield
Jessica Kuchta – Marshfield
Ashley LaBarge – Wisconsin Rapids
Kathryn Larson – Wisconsin Rapids
Breana Ligman – Custer
Sara Luchini – Plover
Michaela Lussenden – Stevens Point
Teeghan Mahoney – Stevens Point
Allecia Merritt – New Lisbon
Mikayla Newlun – Elroy
Katherine Nolan – Stevens Point
Jalynn Piller – Wisconsin Rapids
Rebecca Puent – Marshfield
Kasandra Reyes – Stevens Point
Cassie Roggenbauer – Marshfield
Elizabeth Schindler – Wisconsin Rapids
Brianne Schoechert – Wisconsin Rapids
Halle Schueler – Tomah
Teresa Story – Stevens Point
Sabrina Strasser – Weston
Brooke Wayerski – Pittsville
Learn more about Mid-State’s Nursing program at mstc.edu/programs.
