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Class of 2020 nursing students were recognized for their achievements with a virtual Honors and Pinning Ceremony on May 22. The 43 graduating nursing students were the second cohort of Carthage’s Nursing Program.

A group photo of the Class of 2020 nursing students standing outside Lentz Hall.

Each graduate was awarded a pin to honor their accomplishments, a tradition started by the founder of modern nursing Florence Nightingale more than 150 years ago. To this day, most nursing schools provide a pin upon graduation as a sign of service, dedication, and accomplishment, and Carthage is proud to adopt this tradition. 

The pin given to Carthage nursing graduates was designed with Carthage’s mission of “seeking truth, building strength, and inspiring service — together.” Each graduate received their pin in the mail prior to the virtual Honors and Pinning Ceremony, and family members of the graduates were invited to pin their student.

During the Honors and Pinning Ceremony, students and faculty were awarded honors for their exceptional achievements throughout the 2019-20 academic year. The following received awards:

Student Awards

  • Exemplary Clinical Experience Award — Emma Koepitke ’20
    Presented to a senior who has displayed exceptional professionalism, confidence, and critical thinking ability in the clinical area, demonstrating compassion, inquisitiveness, and self-motivation.
  • Leadership in Nursing Award — Declan Weaver ’20
    Presented to a student who consistently displays leadership in the classroom and/or clinical area, demonstrating sustained professionalism, independence, and provided mentorship and guidance to their colleagues. They are seen by their colleagues as a leader of the class.
  • Outstanding Undergraduate Nursing Student — Rachel Johnson ’20
    Presented to a senior who has displayed exceptional academic and clinical achievement throughout the program, particularly in their dedication and commitment to their academics. This student ranks in the upper 10 percent of the class, demonstrates dedication to their academic pursuits, and willingly shares their knowledge with their colleagues.

Faculty Awards

  • Excellence and Innovation in Clinical Teaching Award — Clinical Instructor Mark Lang
    Presented to a nursing faculty member who contributes a professional and comfortable environment for students; helps them hone their clinical judgment and reasoning with questions, post-conference activities, and role-modeling; demonstrates outstanding skills in directing learning, advising students; and facilitates effective interaction between faculty and students.
  • Excellence and Innovation in Academic Teaching Award — Prof. Cheryl Petersen
    Presented to a nursing faculty member who consistently provides innovative teaching strategies, challenges students with rigorous course materials, and encourages students to ask questions, work hard, and excel in nursing practice. The recipient is instrumental to the success of this nursing program and never fails to demonstrate exceptional skills when directing learning, advising students, and facilitating teamwork and interactions among students.
  • Educator of the Year “Crystal Flame Award” — Prof. Patricia Flannery
    Presented to an exemplary member of the nursing faculty who facilitates creativity and enthusiasm both in the classroom and in the clinical setting. This educator has had a significant impact on all of the students in the class and is a strong student advocate. The recipient consistently provides an interesting and engaging environment that allows students to grow into their roles as professional nurses.

Congratulations to our second cohort of nursing graduates!


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Commencement 2020