August graduates walk across the stage to receive their pins during the College of Nursing’s Graduation Awards and Pinning Ceremony last Wednesday in the ED Collabitat. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)
Pietro Parrilla remembers the anxiety he and his family felt when he was 14 years old and was involved in a bike accident in his home state of Washington.
He got transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and suddenly found himself under the care of a dear friend who had also served as his Sunday school teacher.
Accelerated BSN graduate Pietro Parrilla delivers the student speech at last week’s Graduation Awards and Pinning Ceremony.
“I don’t believe it was a coincidence,” Parrilla told his fellow summer graduates of the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Nursing on Wednesday evening during a Graduation Awards and Pinning Ceremony in the ED Collabitat. “I remember the comfort and assurance my mom felt when she saw a familiar face in the midst of panic and shock. I’m sure we’ve seen or heard similar stories of patients and families who felt that way when a trusted, loving nurse walks into the room.”
Chosen by his peers to deliver the student speech at Wednesday’s event, Parrilla shared that story as a way of reminding his classmates of the important role they will now get to play as they move into the next phase of their careers after completing their degrees.
Parilla was one of 35 undergraduate students in the Accelerated BSN program who joined 10 Doctor of Nursing Practice students in celebrating their August graduation alongside family members, friends and members of the faculty in the College of Nursing at the evening ceremony and reception.
Each graduate received a nursing pin and diploma cover as part of the ceremony. The College of Nursing also presented awards to six students:
- Shirley A. Martin Distinguished Nurse Award: Sophie Besancenez, BSN; and Brianna Olsen, DNP
- Excellence in College Leadership Award: Miranda Eggemeyer, BSN
- Excellence in Professional Nursing Award: Robert Blackmon, BSN
- Mary Reardon Castles Award: Stacy Smith, DNP
- Innovations in Clinical Practice Award: Tara Kemper, DNP
The College of Nursing celebrated the graduation of 35 students from the Accelerated BSN program and 10 students from the Doctor of Nursing Practice program in a celebration at the ED Collabitat.
Interim Dean Alicia Hutchings offered her congratulations along with some words of wisdom to all the graduates.
“Remember that every patient you will meet will teach you something,” Hutchings said. “Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences and allow those moments to shape the nurse you will become. Approach each day with confidence, humility and commitment to serving others. Remember that nursing is a team profession. Support one another, celebrate others’ successes and be there for your colleagues during challenging moments. The relationship that you build throughout your career will be one of your greatest strengths.
“Your education here at UMSL has prepared you to critically think and to advocate for your patients, so continue to grow as lifelong learners. Carry forward the knowledge, compassion and the values that you’ve gained here as you make a difference in the lives of those you serve. I am incredibly proud of each of you and excited to see all that you will accomplish.”
