Nursing graduates honored at BC3 pinning ceremony
BUTLER TWP — A record 106 graduates of Butler County Community College’s registered nursing program took a big sigh of relief Thursday evening, May 14, as their hard work was honored in a pinning ceremony.
“It was a long experience, but I liked it a lot. I got a lot of experience. I met great people, great opportunities,” graduate Renee Young said.
The pinning ceremony is a long-standing tradition traced back to 12th century knights. When a knight vowed to tend to wounded soldiers, they were given a Maltese cross to wear. Now, hundreds of years later, BC3 awards their unique pin, designed in 1974, to their graduating registered nurses.
The new nurses spent the ceremony reflecting on their time at the college, while also looking forward to their career paths.
“I’m going to ACMH in the emergency room, so I’m excited for the adrenaline rush and to help people, of course. I think that’s gonna be really rewarding.” Casey Sarver, a graduate of BC3 said.
Kadeon Austin received the Autumn Rose Cooper ‘18 Nursing Award. The award is funded by the BC3 Education Foundation through 2018 graduate Autumn Gressly. Recipients of the award have their post-graduation licensing and testing fees paid for through the foundation.
“The world needs critically excellent nurses, but it especially needs compassionate human beings and I truly believe that is who you are becoming.” Belinda Richardson, provost and vice president for academic affairs told the graduates.
