LHSON Celebrates Summer 2025 Pinning and Recognition Ceremony

In the spirit of commemorating the success of our 2025 graduates, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) hosted its Pinning and Recognition Ceremony on August 15, 2025 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. “Whether the new graduates realize it or not, they have chosen a noble and vital profession that requires immense dedication and compassion. And I have no doubt that each one will rise to the challenge, bringing their unique talents and perspectives to their practice, and making a positive difference in the world of healthcare.”

Highlighting the day, the LHSON shared several special recognitions. The Learn.Lead.Serve. Award was presented by Dean Plank to the student who most exemplified the core mission of the Baylor LHSON: Shannon Lee, DABSN track. 

The second recognition included the 2025-2026 Student Daisy Awards presented to the following recipients: Tara Anderson, Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) track; Abby Wilson, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Program (APRN) and Melanie Foltz, Executive Nurse Leadership (ENL) DNP track. Dr. Plank also awarded the 2025-2026 Faculty Daisy Award winners to Courtney Campbell, Undergraduate and Emily Sundeen, Graduate.

The next recognition was an award given to the students who developed and implemented the most Outstanding DNP Project. The faculty reviewed all projects and selected the one that best represented the applications of leadership and systems process improvement to impact the care and outcomes of patients. The Summer 2025 Outstanding DNP- APRN Project Award was given to Victoria Matthews for the project titled: “Confronting Chlamydia: Addressing Pediatric Primary Care Practice – Level Barriers to Chlamydia Screenings in Adolescent Girls.”

We also congratulated the highest ranking GPA student in DABSN for August 2025, Aliyah McCane, with a 3.94 Nursing GPA who graduated Magna Cum Laude.

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 in Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and for the Baylor Student Nurses Association.

The class addresses were given by: Shannon Lee for the DABSN track; and Angelia Lloyd-Busby for the DNP track who also read remarks provided by fellow classmate, Colonel C. Kirk Shamblin, who was unable to attend due to a family emergency. 

The presentation of Undergraduate DABSN pins were presented by Dr. Ethany Howden, Clinical Associate Professor; and Graduate pins and hoods were presented by Dr. Deborah Shirey, Associate Dean for Online Graduate Program & Clinical Associate Professor.

In closing the ceremony offered a Blessing of the Hands given Dr. Kathryn Osteen, Associate Dean for the Prelicensure Program & Clinical Associate Professor, 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 a group of graduating seniors who led the audience in singing “That Good Old Baylor Line.”

To view event photos click here.