WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 5, 2023— West Liberty University nursing students preparing to graduate tomorrow took part in the annual pinning ceremony Thursday to mark their admission into the profession field of nursing.
The WLU Nursing Pinning Ceremony took place at 5 p.m., Thursday, May 5 in Kelly Theatre. Twenty students make up the nursing class of Spring 2023.
Department Chair Dr. Rose Kutlenios, welcomed graduates and guests. Interim President Dr. Cathy Monteroso then delivered opening remarks and best wishes to the soon-to-be nurses.
The Class of 2023 nursing graduates earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree include: Trey Ankrom, Sistersville, W.Va.;Allyson Berletch, Benwood, W.Va.; Kalyee Blake, Moundsville, W.Va.; Hailey Cerreon, Wheeling; Jacob Clark, St. Clairsville, Ohio; Lindsey Fries, Washington, W.Va.; Mikayla Ging, Bridgeport, Ohio; Victoria Hawkins, Hundred, W.Va.;Jordyn Hughes, Moundsville, W.Va.; Stephanie Hughes, Natrona Heights, Pa.; Sidney Little, Carroll, Ohio; Callie O’Neil, Moundsville, W.Va.; Claire Palmer, Shadyside, Ohio; Sara Pay, Powhatan Point, Ohio; Erin Schumacher, Parkersburg, W.Va.; Shay Straughn, Glen Dale, W.Va.; Ryan Wilson, St. Marys, W.Va. and Alexa Yoho, Moundsville, W.Va.
Graduates earning the RN to BSN degree include: Kathryn Dutton, West Alexander, Pa. and Victoria Shenton, New Cumberland, W.Va.
Student speaker was Jordyn Hughes, who reflected on the last two years of nursing school and the friendships enjoyed by members of the class.
The Class of 2023 then took time to present Dr. Rose Kutlenios with a card and flowers in recognition of her service to the profession of nursing. Kutlenios is retiring at the end of the semester after 11 years of service at WLU and many more at other locations.
The pinning ceremony was led by Dr. Kutlenios. All graduates also recited the professional nurse’s pledge by Marion G. Howell, R.N.
Awards were then presented to several seniors, listed below:
- Wheeling Hospital Human Touch Award: Victoria Hawkins
- Wheeling Hospital Sally H. Eberhard Award: Claire Palmer
- Outstanding Academic Service award (presented at Honors Convocation): Trey Ankrom and Jordyn Hughes
Closing remarks were made by Interim Provost Dr. Mark Schulman.
WLU’s nursing program consistently ranks as one of the best in the region. There are many awards to assist students with tuition and fees for incoming students in both the traditional nursing baccalaureate program and the BA-BS to BSN or second-degree program.
For more information, please visit the website: westliberty.edu/nursing or call 304.336.8108.