Denmark Technical College held their annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony on August 12, celebrating the 11 nursing graduates who are about to enter the workforce, surrounded by hundreds of family members, friends, educators, staff and administrators in an overwhelming show of support.
The pinning ceremony, a time-honored tradition in the nursing profession symbolizing the transition from student to professional nurse, has roots dating back to the 1860’s, when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of Saint George in recognition for her service during the Crimean War.
“The 2023 Denmark Tech nursing class deserves to be commended for their exemplary achievements. They have shown tremendous dedication to their studies and to the nursing field while facing personal challenges and taking on clinicals during a global pandemic,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., Denmark Technical College president and CEO. “Through their rigorous courseload and grueling clinical schedules they have shown that they not only have what it takes to survive, but to thrive as healthcare professionals.”
“These nursing students have come to us from all walks of life and entrusted us to provide them with the skills they need to make it in the nursing profession. They have put in countless hours of studying and supported each other like a family. I’m so proud of all they have accomplished and am honored to be a part of their journey,” added Karen Myers, dean of nursing at Denmark Tech.
Three students were recognized with special awards during the ceremony. Zandra Cross was honored with the Academic Excellence Award, Quotasia Mingo Rowe received the Outstanding Clinical Performance Award and Natalie Wright Mixon was named Best All-Around Student.
The centerpiece of the evening was the presentation of pins and ceremonious capping followed by the lighting of the Nightingale Lamps and the Florence Nightingale Pledge. The pledge is a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath where the newly pinned nurses commit themselves to ethical and principled work throughout their careers.
This year’s nursing class includes Rachel Craven, Zandra Cross, Betsy Jennings, Natalie Wright Mixon, Patience Pace, Quotasia Mingo Rowe, Dessie Savage, Alexis Smith, Roberta Smoak, Dimani Tatum and Zakiyah Folks Washington.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our newest Panther Nursing Alumni. I have no doubt that they are going to do amazing things,” said Todd. “Our School of Nursing is growing by leaps and bounds and I encourage anyone looking for a phenomenal college with a family environment to come check out Denmark Tech.”
