Summer 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 summer Pinning and Recognition Ceremony on August 14, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, 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 Tanya Sudia, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN, Dean and Professor, 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 Sudia to the undergraduate student who exemplified the motto and core mission of the Baylor LHSON: Sophia Polisetty, Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) track. 

The second recognition included the summer 2026 Student Daisy Awards presented to the following recipients: Sloane Weber, DABSN track; Jordan Ellis Black, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) DNP track and Abigail Falbo, Executive Nurse Leadership (ENL) DNP track. Dr. Sudia also awarded the summer 2026 Faculty Daisy Award winners: Dr. Katy Bartlett, Undergraduate and Dr. Laure Marino, 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 ones that best represented the applications of leadership and systems process improvement to impact the care and outcomes of patients. The summer 2026 Outstanding DNP Project Award for the APRN track was presented to Hillary Holmes for the project titled, “Nurse-Driven Electrolyte Protocol: Empower, Engage, and Improve.” The Outstanding DNP Project Award for the ENL track was presented to Brenda Pinder for the project titled, “A Business Plan for Virtual Night Shift Supervision.”

During this festive occasion, nursing students received their nursing school pin and honors cords prior to Baylor University Commencement in Waco. Each pin is distinctive; symbolizes honorable completion of a rigorous and physically demanding nursing program. The LHSON nursing pin is a beautiful gold layered design incorporating Baylor University. The cords signify membership in Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society and for the Baylor Student Nurses Association.

Further recognition included the Highest Ranking GPA for the summer 2026 graduating DABSN cohort. Congratulations to Sophia Polisetty, DABSN student, with a nursing school GPA of 3.93.

The class addresses were given by: Eric Hill for the DABSN track; and LTC Lani Passe for the DNP program. 

The presentation of Undergraduate DABSN and Graduate pins were presented by Dean Sudia, and DABSN names were read by Dr. Shelli Ellis, DNP, RN, NE-BC, Clinical Assistant, Professor, LHSON; and Graduate names were ready by Dr. Deborah Shirey, Associate Dean for Online Graduate Program & Clinical Associate Professor, LHSON.

In closing the ceremony offered a Blessing of the Hands given by Reverand Tony Brown, Chaplain and Student Ministries Coordinator, 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.