Nurses are needed as Michigan faces a serious shortage
Davenport University recently held pinning ceremonies on four campuses, honoring 85 nursing program graduates. This tradition celebrates students finishing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN-PL) degrees and formally entering the nursing profession. These nurses are needed in the workforce; the Michigan Health & Hospital Association reports hospitals in the state have more than 20,000 open nursing positions.
“We’re incredibly proud of each of our graduates,” said Amy Stahley, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Nursing is a noble profession, and we’re honored to have so many exceptional students come through our program. These graduates are entering the workforce equipped with both the technical expertise and the compassion needed to make a difference in the lives of their patients.”
The presentation of graduates for each campus was led by faculty, followed by the symbolic pinning of students by faculty, staff and guest nursing pinners. The pinning tradition represents both accomplishment and the beginning of a nurse’s professional journey rooted in service and compassionate care.
This year’s nursing graduates included:
Sixteen students who traveled to Istanbul, Turkey for a study abroad trip, spending 11 days exploring, learning and serving in Istanbul.
Senior students from the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus who organized a winter clothing drive to support the Refugee Education Center.
From Davenport’s Lansing campus, 12 students were pinned on Friday, May 1 at Kinawa Middle School in Okemos.
“Overall, it was a memorable night filled with pride, gratitude and celebration of the hard work and dedication of our graduates,” said Samantha Wilber, Davenport Lansing Campus nursing program director. “We were fortunate to have several graduates serve as special speakers, including Liz Brinks, Chloe Romero, Abigail Cunningham and Anna Scaling. Their reflections added a meaningful and personal perspective to the celebration.”
In addition, two students were recognized with an additional pin for their participation in the study abroad experience in Turkey, highlighting their global engagement and commitment to expanding their nursing perspectives.
Davenport’s Warren Campus pinning event took place Friday, April 17, on the Macomb County Community College – Center Campus in Clinton Township.
“The event was well attended and a great celebration of this class,” said Rebecca Pines, Davenport Warren campus nursing program director. “Twenty-one nurses graduated and received their nursing pins. Special recognition was given to our Student Nursing Association leaders, members and Helen Coston who received two Pawscars Awards,” which are .” Named after Davenport’s mascot, Paws, the Pawscars are awarded to outstanding students and student organizations.”.
Speakers at the Warren ceremony included SNA leaders Helen Coston, Cheryl Blair, Dorinda Gordon, Jeryn Washington and Rayven Collins.
“It was a beautiful event,” said campus director Susan Crkovski.
Davenport’s Great Lakes Bay Campus – Midland celebrated 13 graduates. The nurses were pinned Friday, May 1, at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library auditorium in Midland.
During the festivities, five students were honored for academic excellence and six for clinical excellence. Five students were recognized for their Study Abroad participation and received a travel pin featuring USA and Turkish flags. A memory video, created by Morgan Ware and Ashly Saxton, was also shared.
Michelle Hagstrom, Davenport Great Lakes Bay – Midland campus nursing program director, said “The pinning ceremony is one of my most cherished moments as an educator. It is a privilege to officially induct our students into the nursing profession before their family and friends, recognizing both the dedication of our graduates and the invaluable support of those who helped make this achievement possible.”
Finally, the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus pinning was held on Saturday, May 2, in the Student Activity Center. Thirty-nine students from the Mable Engle Nursing Program were pinned.
“It was an honor to showcase the heart, dedication and excellence of our nursing students,” said Debbie Bosworth, the Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus nursing program director. “The ceremony reflected not only academic achievement, but also the heart of Davenport University nursing, developing future nurses who lead with service, compassion, clinical excellence and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Eight students were recognized for their Study Abroad participation and received a travel pin featuring USA and Turkish flags. Thirteen students were also recognized for high academic honors, achieving a 3.9 grade point average or higher in the nursing major.
Student speaker Jennifer Pyka delivered reflections on the cohort’s shared experiences, challenges and accomplishments. Pyka also created a special student video presentation that captured memories and milestones from the students’ time in the program.
To learn more about Davenport’s nursing program, visit davenport.edu/academics/areas/health-professions.
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Nurses are needed as Michigan faces a serious shortage
Davenport University recently held pinning ceremonies on four campuses, honoring 85 nursing program graduates. This tradition celebrates students finishing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN-PL) degrees and formally entering the nursing profession. These nurses are needed in the workforce; the Michigan Health & Hospital Association reports hospitals in the state have more than 20,000 open nursing positions.
“We’re incredibly proud of each of our graduates,” said Amy Stahley, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Nursing is a noble profession, and we’re honored to have so many exceptional students come through our program. These graduates are entering the workforce equipped with both the technical expertise and the compassion needed to make a difference in the lives of their patients.”
The presentation of graduates for each campus was led by faculty, followed by the symbolic pinning of students by faculty, staff and guest nursing pinners. The pinning tradition represents both accomplishment and the beginning of a nurse’s professional journey rooted in service and compassionate care.
This year’s nursing graduates included:
Sixteen students who traveled to Istanbul, Turkey for a study abroad trip, spending 11 days exploring, learning and serving in Istanbul.
Senior students from the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus who organized a winter clothing drive to support the Refugee Education Center.
From Davenport’s Lansing campus, 12 students were pinned on Friday, May 1 at Kinawa Middle School in Okemos.
“Overall, it was a memorable night filled with pride, gratitude and celebration of the hard work and dedication of our graduates,” said Samantha Wilber, Davenport Lansing Campus nursing program director. “We were fortunate to have several graduates serve as special speakers, including Liz Brinks, Chloe Romero, Abigail Cunningham and Anna Scaling. Their reflections added a meaningful and personal perspective to the celebration.”
In addition, two students were recognized with an additional pin for their participation in the study abroad experience in Turkey, highlighting their global engagement and commitment to expanding their nursing perspectives.
Davenport’s Warren Campus pinning event took place Friday, April 17, on the Macomb County Community College – Center Campus in Clinton Township.
“The event was well attended and a great celebration of this class,” said Rebecca Pines, Davenport Warren campus nursing program director. “Twenty-one nurses graduated and received their nursing pins. Special recognition was given to our Student Nursing Association leaders, members and Helen Coston who received two Pawscars Awards,” which are .” Named after Davenport’s mascot, Paws, the Pawscars are awarded to outstanding students and student organizations.”.
Speakers at the Warren ceremony included SNA leaders Helen Coston, Cheryl Blair, Dorinda Gordon, Jeryn Washington and Rayven Collins.
“It was a beautiful event,” said campus director Susan Crkovski.
Davenport’s Great Lakes Bay Campus – Midland celebrated 13 graduates. The nurses were pinned Friday, May 1, at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library auditorium in Midland.
During the festivities, five students were honored for academic excellence and six for clinical excellence. Five students were recognized for their Study Abroad participation and received a travel pin featuring USA and Turkish flags. A memory video, created by Morgan Ware and Ashly Saxton, was also shared.
Michelle Hagstrom, Davenport Great Lakes Bay – Midland campus nursing program director, said “The pinning ceremony is one of my most cherished moments as an educator. It is a privilege to officially induct our students into the nursing profession before their family and friends, recognizing both the dedication of our graduates and the invaluable support of those who helped make this achievement possible.”
Finally, the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus pinning was held on Saturday, May 2, in the Student Activity Center. Thirty-nine students from the Mable Engle Nursing Program were pinned.
“It was an honor to showcase the heart, dedication and excellence of our nursing students,” said Debbie Bosworth, the Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus nursing program director. “The ceremony reflected not only academic achievement, but also the heart of Davenport University nursing, developing future nurses who lead with service, compassion, clinical excellence and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Eight students were recognized for their Study Abroad participation and received a travel pin featuring USA and Turkish flags. Thirteen students were also recognized for high academic honors, achieving a 3.9 grade point average or higher in the nursing major.
Student speaker Jennifer Pyka delivered reflections on the cohort’s shared experiences, challenges and accomplishments. Pyka also created a special student video presentation that captured memories and milestones from the students’ time in the program.
To learn more about Davenport’s nursing program, visit davenport.edu/academics/areas/health-professions.
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