Pinning & Recognition Ceremony for Class of 2026
In the spirit of commemorating the success of our 2026 graduates, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) hosted its Pinning and Recognition Ceremony on May 15, 2026 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 two students who most exemplified the core mission of the Baylor LHSON: Keri Krivograd, Traditional Track; and Ellie Bush, FastBacc®.
The second recognition included the 2025-2026 Student Daisy Awards presented to the following recipients: Liam Nitzan, Traditional Track; Julianne Savage, FastBacc Track; and Sarah Latcham, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Program (APRN). Dr. Plank also awarded the 2025-2026 Faculty Daisy Award winners to Dr. Rebecca Puchkors, Undergraduate and Dr. Renee Flippo, Graduate.
The next recognition was an award given to the students who developed and implemented the most Outstanding Student Translational Research Project. This award is recognized through the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Foundation and is presented to a senior nurse or team of anesthesia student/resident from a nurse anesthesia program. The Award recognizes the student’s/resident’s work in research and commitment to the profession of nursing anesthesia to advance the art and science of anesthesia. The Spring 2026 Outstanding Student Translational Research Project Award was given to Major Zane L. Amrein and Captain William I. Liebhard for their project Evidence-Based Oxygen Stewardship for the Hamilton-T1 in an Austere Environment.
This next award was sponsored by the LHSON United States Army Program and is specific to a student’s operational readiness. The “Jim Reed Award for Clinical and Operational Excellence” is awarded to the student that best exemplifies the critical thinking and adaptability needed for the battlefield nurse anesthetist. The Spring 2026 Jim Reed Award for Clinical and Operational Excellence was given to Captain Samantha Mazarella.
The final award recognition was given to the student 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 Spring 2026 Outstanding DNP-APRN Project Award was given to Mikelle Aaron for the project titled: “The Significance of Screening for Hereditary Renal Disease in Pediatric Patients: A Study on the Clinical Benefits of Early Screening and Referral for Renal Genetic Testing in Patients with Risk Factors for APOL1 Variants and Alport Syndrome.”
Further recognition included the Highest Ranking for the Spring 2026 Graduating Class (Traditional & FastBacc ®). Congratulations to Celia Huelskoetter, Traditional student, with a nursing school GPA of 3.98 and there was a tie for FastBacc® that included Hannah Bianez with a nursing school GPA of 3.96 and Rylee Moore with a nursing school GPA of 3.96.
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 class addresses were given by: Brennen P. Merriam for the Traditional Track; Alanis Meza for FastBacc; Major Brent Turpin for USAGPAN and Anna Moore, for APRN.
The presentation of Undergraduate Traditional pins were presented by Dr. Lisa Jones, Associate Dean for Pre-Licensure Programs; FastBacc pins were presented by Dr. Beth Hultquist, Clinical Associate Professor and Graduate pins and hoods were presented by Dr. Deborah Shirey, Associate Dean for Online Graduate Program & Clinical Associate Professor. In addition, USAGPAN pins and hoods were presented by Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Post, USAGPAN Deputy Director.
In closing the ceremony offered a Blessing of the Hands given Tony Brown, Chaplain, 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.”