Lincoln University Nursing Students to be honored at Dec. 10 Pinning Ceremony

On Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at 7 p.m., the Lincoln University School of Nursing will recognize 21 new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates during a pinning ceremony. A time-honored tradition, Lincoln University School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony is an initiation of individuals into the profession of nursing. The ceremony will be held at the Richardson Fine Arts Center (820 Chestnut St. Jefferson City, MO 65101) on Lincoln's campus and livestreamed via Lincoln's Facebook page.

"A pinning ceremony differs from graduation because graduation signifies completion, an educational program's end. Pinning, however, marks the beginning of a nurse's career," said Jennifer McCord, School of Nursing Department Head. "Lincoln University nursing students rank above national average on National Licensure Exam pass rates, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments with this ceremony as they launch their healthcare careers."

According to McCord, every school of nursing has a unique pin, and once students receive their Lincoln University School of Nursing pin, they are forever identified as Lincoln graduates.

The following BSN graduates will receive their pins at the Dec. 10 ceremony:

Madison Shelby Backes

Gunner Nash Baquet

Latricia Veronica Maria Bush

Janae Antoinette Davis

Pretty Naa-Koshie Geneyan

Kellyann Marie Hale

Jeffrey Daniel Hargrove

Tiana Janay Harley

Allyson Breann Harris

Mary Kate Hentges

Lashonda Renee Johnson

Ali Lauren Juergensmeyer

Bailey Shay Lofaro

Jenna Grace Luebbering

Macie Michelle Moeller

Sydney Renae Nivens

Maigen Faye Quinn

Emma Leigh Richardson

Alexis Nicola Rivers

Justin Luke Sherrell

Macey Marie Stockman

Nursing pinning ceremonies date back to the 1860s, the tradition stemming from when Florence Nightingale presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates. By 1916, the practice of pinning new graduates had become standard throughout the U.S.

The pin of the Lincoln University School of Nursing was originally designed for the department's first graduates in 1969. The gold pin is composed of two concentric circles. The center of the inner circle contains a profile of Abraham Lincoln encircled by the words "School of Nursing." The lower quarter of the inner circle contains a lamp which is superimposed upon an opened book. The outer circle of the pin contains "Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri" and is printed in gold letters on a blue background.

In addition to acknowledging the person after whom Lincoln University was named, the pin also symbolizes the value of knowledge and vision in a steadfast approach to the future.

Gold represents a valued resource, and blue is one of the Lincoln University colors. The opened book represents nursing's continuing quest for knowledge; the lamp symbolizes Florence Nightingale, the founder of professional and modern nursing.

Each is expected to wear the unique Lincoln University pin as a part of his or her uniform, as a constant reminder of the high levels of achievement and commitment required for nursing practice.

The Lincoln University School of Nursing offers a BSN degree and an online registered nurse (RN) to BSN degree. In addition, the school offers a part-time Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree at Fort Leonard Wood, with evening courses and weekend clinical options for local, active-duty military personnel and their dependents.

Lincoln's AAS and BSN program options are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and are approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The Lincoln University School of Nursing is known for providing professional advising and significant academic resources to help their nursing students succeed, plus small class sizes taught by dedicated faculty, clinical opportunities and hands-on training, acute and critical care training, affordable tuition, competitive scholarships and more.

For more information, visit lincolnu.edu/web/school-of-nursing/.