“Today is a time of great joy, transition, and maybe even some nervousness about the future. God goes with us and God celebrates you,” declared the opening prayer at Olivet Nazarene University’s nursing graduation, encapsulating the spirit of the occasion. This ceremony wasn’t just a formal event; it was a heartfelt celebration of future nurses as they step into a world filled with opportunities and challenges.
Dr. Tiffany Greer, Associate Dean for the School of Nursing, addressed the assembly of graduates, faculty, family and friends, emphasizing the sustained support that has culminated in this day. “Family and friends are great at showing up for their graduates, and I know that didn’t start today…we know that you supported them financially, emotionally, spiritually, and you will continue to do that,” she stated warmly, acknowledging the collective effort behind each graduate’s journey.
The ceremony also highlighted the deep-rooted tradition of nursing education at Olivet, tracing back to the first graduates in 1971. Dr. Greer remarked, “We’ve had a long history of supporting and championing nursing, from our RN-to-BSN program to our three master’s program tracks and certificates.” Her words painted a picture of Olivet’s commitment to advancing nursing education and adapting to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Amid the formalities, the graduates were reminded of their unique role as carriers of light and hope. Professor Karen Smith, chosen by the graduates to speak, drew an inspiring parallel between the physical properties of light and the metaphorical light that nurses bring into the darkest moments. “Light creates beauty, safety, comfort, and joy. It is something we often take for granted, yet a world without it would be a sad and dreadful place to be,” she explained.
She continued, bringing this metaphor back to scripture, “As you graduate and head into the field of nursing, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.” Her message underscored the graduates’ role in not just administering healthcare but also in being a beacon of hope and comfort to their patients.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional pinning, symbolizing the transition from nursing students to nursing professionals. Each graduate, called by name, was pinned by a family member, faculty, or a mentor, marking their official entry into the nursing profession. This act of pinning is not just a rite of passage but a poignant moment of realization for each graduate about the responsibilities they are about to embrace. As the ceremony ended, the sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the future was palpable, a testament to the journey these graduates have embarked upon, fueled by knowledge, compassion, and the guiding light of their faith.
To view the full ceremony, click here.
