Spring is the season for academic recognition. In the spirit of such recognition, NVCC hosted ceremonies to mark the pinning of students in both Nursing and Respiratory Care.

The Nursing Class of 2016 held their annual pinning ceremony on May 19. The ceremony ends with the “blessing of the hands”. This is a tradition that is practiced around the world. It is often done during pinning ceremonies and during Nurse’s week in May.  It is an interfaith, non-denominational ceremony. This blessing has been done since the time of Florence Nightingale, a 19^th-century nurse, who is considered the founder of modern nursing. It is meaningful to not just nurses but to all healthcare providers because their hands will touch many lives. The students’  hands have endured the study it requires to have made it this point, now their hands will perform countless hours in healing those that they touch.  For them, it provides a spiritual experience that is symbolic to the art and science of nursing.

The President challenged the graduates to make the world a better place through their experience at NVCC. “Please go forth, mindful of the need to continue to engage in the learning process and plan to use your degree, and all the knowledge and skills you have attained to contribute generously and in meaningful ways to the communities you inhabit and to the larger world family.  We are all expected to make this a better world for our children and our children’s children, and for all who come after us.  Enjoy widening your circle of compassion and action!  NVCC has been your launching pad!”

Graduates from the Allied Health Division of the Respiratory Care Program hosted their annual pinning ceremony on May 18 in the Mainstage Theater of the Waterbury Campus. Program director, Margaret Guerrera noted that “This is the largest class to graduate from the NVCC Respiratory Care program in at least the last 15 years. I am very proud of how they all worked together and supported each other during their two years with us.  I believe this contributed, at least, in part to their success.”

NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., spoke to the graduates congratulating them and encouraging their future in such a noble profession. “What a meaningful road you have chosen to take.  You are receiving your pin this morning. A symbol of your commitment to a noble profession.  This is the first day of the rest of your life--- you took a decisive step towards a better future and you have succeeded.  Congratulations to all of you, and thank you to our dedicated faculty and staff for their professional and outstanding support and guidance of your efforts.”

Following the President’s remarks, certificates were presented by Susan Anderson, MS, RRT, Professor, Clinical Coordinator, Respiratory Care Program and then the pinning by clinical instructors from Saint Mary’s Hospital, Waterbury Hospital, Hospital of Saint Raphael, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, and Danbury Hospital. The 2016 Class President, Shonna Sheck addressed the class followed by closing remarks from Respiratory Care Program Director, Margaret Guerrera.