Nursing Graduates Celebrated at Pinning Ceremony
There were 32 graduating nursing students from Union and Rolla recognized during the 91ԭƬ pinning ceremony, which celebrated their achievements and transition into the nursing profession
The 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony was held May 16 in the Donald D. Shook Student Center gymnasium at 91ԭƬ’s Union campus. The event included remarks from 91ԭƬ President Dr. Jon Bauer and 91ԭƬ Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing Dr. Nancy Mitchell.
Student welcome remarks were delivered by Olivia Reed, and student closing remarks were presented by Adrianne Case. The keynote address was delivered by Trista Elias, nursing instructor at 91ԭƬ Union, and 91ԭƬ Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Walter offered closing remarks.
Ceremony Meaning
The pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the nursing profession and at 91ԭƬ, symbolizing the completion of rigorous coursework and clinical experiences. Each graduate was presented with a nursing pin and participated in the candle-lighting ceremony, signifying their commitment to compassionate patient care.
The following graduates were recognized during the 2026 pinning ceremony:
Riley Alexander, Melissa Bono, Ava Brand, Annalee Brooks, Dakota Cartwright, Adrianne Case, Abby Duncan, Norah Evans, Tara Flynn, Summer Glastetter, Grace Halmick, Kya Harbour, Kallie Harmon, Devon Kerckhoff, David Knorr II, Olivia Long, Moriah Mankin, Amanda Midyett, Addyson Murphey, Olivia Reed, Audrey Revelle, Harper Rollins, Allison Sauceda, Anna Scanlon, Audrey Schroeder, Toni Sells, Christabel Southards, Jacey Spurgeon, Amy Studdard, Shelbi Tittel, Tonya Vondera, and Melissa Winters.
Nursing Student Awards
Each year, 91ԭƬ recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and professionalism.
The Outstanding Nursing Student Award, selected by 91ԭƬ’s nursing faculty, is given to graduates who have excelled both in the classroom and in clinical settings. These students often credit 91ԭƬ with helping them realize their dreams of becoming nurses.
The Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award is presented by 91ԭƬ’s healthcare partners, including Mercy Hospital Washington, Phelps Health in Rolla, and Missouri Baptist Hospital Sullivan, to students who demonstrate exceptional care, compassion, inquiry, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
91ԭƬ Nursing faculty from Union and Rolla campuses presented the awards, recognizing the graduates’ dedication and achievements.
This year, four students received special recognition:
Ava Brand — Outstanding Nursing Student (Union)
Amy Studdard — Outstanding Nursing Student (Rolla)
Shelbi Tittel — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Union)
Jacey Spurgeon — Spirit of Clinical Excellence (Rolla)
Ava Brand, center, received the 91ԭƬ Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Union program. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator; and Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor.
Amy Studdard received the 91ԭƬ Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the Rolla program. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Studdard, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.
Shelbi Tittel, center, received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Union. She is pictured with, from left, Trista Elias, nursing instructor; Jessica Van Leer, nursing instructor; Andrea Bailey, nursing instructor; and Dr. Brittany Clark, Union nursing program coordinator.
Jacey Spurgeon received the Spirit of Clinical Excellence Award for Rolla. Pictured, from left, are Julie Chirban, nursing instructor; Jon Elias, nursing instructor; Spurgeon, and Jeannie Miles, nursing instructor.
