The MCPHS School of Nursing held a virtual pinning ceremony on the Boston, Manchester, and Worcester campuses to celebrate the milestone accomplishment of our 375 BSN and 74 MSN student graduates on February 26th. Graduates were pinned at home by themselves or family members live or sent in video footage of the event at home. Nursing faculty were in attendance to congratulate our graduates from the May and December graduating classes of 2020. Awards were also announced for the BSN program graduates on each campus.
History of the Pin
The modern pinning ceremony dates back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George medal in recognition for her tireless service to the injured during the Crimean War. After receiving the honor of the red cross, Nightingale decided to share the honor and started the tradition of presenting a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates. This practice was extended to honor all graduates of nursing training.
Our MCPHS School of Nursing Pins
Our pins at MCPHS display the college seal. It evokes a long history associated with the education of health professionals. At the top of the pin you’ll see a mortar and pestle on a scroll representing the university’s original mission as the nation’s oldest college of pharmacy. The bottom of the pin shows a scale symbolizing the balance of scientific reasoning and critical thinking. The final area on your pin is the book of knowledge. Representing the integration of your education in arts and sciences with your professional nursing education. Encircling your pin is the name of the university and the founding date of MCPHS Boston’s oldest institution of higher education, steeped in history that graduates are now a part of. By 1916, the ceremony awarding pins to new graduates was standard throughout the U.S.
BSN Student Awards
Academic Achievement Award
- Given by the MCPHS University Alumni Office
- commitment to academics
White Coat Award
- Awarded to the graduating BSN student, who best exemplifies professionalism and demonstrates the ability to inspire and lead others for the benefit of fellow students.
Florence Nightingale Award
- Awarded to the graduating BSN student who has exemplified clinical excellence throughout their tenure in the SON
- Based on information on student clinical performance from adjunct clinical faculty and preceptors as well as lab/simulation faculty
Commitment to Service Award
- Awarded to the graduating BSN student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the SON, Community and University (or campus)
President’s Commitment to Diversity Award
- Awarded to the graduating BSN student who best exemplifies cultural competence in relationships with patients, families, peers, and the community
Boston BSN Student Awards
The academic achievement award recipients were Grace Weintraub (05/20)and Jilian McCormack (12/20). The White Coat Award recipients were Kayla Garguilo (05/20) and Veronica Malinn (12/20). The Florence Nightingale Award recipients were Hayley Bean (05/20) and Delanie Burgess (12/20). The Commitment to Service Award recipients were Michael Kennedy (05/20) and Catherine Minahan (12/20). The President’s Commitment to Diversity Award recipients were Prudence Kubiwamana (5/20) and Hyun Hwang (12/20).
Manchester BSN Student Awards
The academic achievement award recipients were Anne Browne (05/20)and Kristen Morgan (12/20). The White Coat Award recipients were Graham Phelps (05/20) and Ian Samuelson (12/20). The Florence Nightingale Award recipients were Jessica Lemos (05/20) and Jason Chen (12/20). The Commitment to Service Award recipients were John Fahey (05/20) and Jacob Esparza (12/20). The President’s Commitment to Diversity Award recipients were Alejandro Baltazar (5/20) and Ann Klitsch (12/20).
Worcester BSN Student Awards
The academic achievement award recipients were Grace Weintraub (05/20)and Erik Meskin (12/20). The White Coat Award recipients were Christian Broom(05/20) and Jamaal Gary (12/20). The Florence Nightingale Award recipients were Megan Bossie Capowski (05/20) and Samantha Bonfiglio (12/20). The Commitment to Service Award recipients were Philip Duncan-Emmons (05/20) and Brittany Yoder (12/20). The President’s Commitment to Diversity Award recipients were Akie Toyama (5/20) and Xavier Simon (12/20).
Congratulations to all of our graduates and award recipients. We are so proud of your accomplishment and welcome you all into our wonderful profession of nursing.
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