LHSON Pinning & Recognition Ceremony - August 2023

In the spirit of commemorating the success of our 2023 graduates, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) hosted a Pinning and Recognition Ceremony on August 11, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church in Sunnyvale, Texas.

“Congratulations Baylor nurses! As these amazing students now embark on their professional journey the administration, faculty, staff, and alumni of the LHSON are incredibly proud,” said Linda Plank, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, Dean, LHSON.

Highlighting the day, the LHSON shared several special recognitions. The Learn.Lead.Serve. Award was presented by Dean Plank to the students who most exemplified the core mission of the Baylor LHSON, Aime Baldree, DABSN. The second recognition included the 2023 Student Daisy Awards presented to the following recipients: Bryan Sullivan, DABSN; Michael Williams, FNP and Lisa Mendez, ENL.  Additionally, an award was given to the students who presented the most Outstanding DNP Projects. The winners were: Michael Williams, for his project titled: “Utilizing PHQ-9 Depression Screening for LGBTQ+ Patients.”

We also congratulate Juliana Kuntz with the highest GPA of 3.95 for the August 2023 DABSN graduating cohort.

During this festive occasion, nursing students received their nursing school pin and cords prior to Baylor University Commencement in Waco. Each pin is distinctive; and for the nurse, it also symbolizes honorable completion of a rigorous and physically demanding nursing program. The cords signify membership into Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and for the Baylor Student Nurses Association. The verbal induction ceremony for the Eta Gamma Chapter of Sigma was presented by Dr. Katy Bartlett, President of Eta Gamma Chapter of STTI and Clinical Assistant Professor, LHSON.

The DABSN class address was given by Rebecca Wang followed by the presentation of Undergraduate pins announced by Dr. Brandy Brown, Associate Dean for Pre-Licensure Programs and presented by D. Ethany Howden, Clinical Assistant Professor and DABSN Coordinator. The DNP class address was given by Melissa Fritz followed by Graduate pins and hoods presented by Dr. Deborah Shirey, Associate Dean for Online Graduate Program & Clinical Associate Professor.

The ceremony continued and offered a Blessing of the Hands given by Dr. Sahr Mbriwa, Chaplain and Coordinator of Campus Ministry, LHSON. The special message represented the blessing of our nurses to be the hands of Jesus to bring comfort and healing to those they care for, and a dedication to a ministry of caring. The memorable day concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Brandy Brown and a group of graduating seniors who led the audience in singing, “That Good Old Baylor Line.”