From Students to Nurses

Nursing graduates honored at winter 2026 pinning ceremony

On March 18, Clark celebrated the 152nd cohort of nursing graduates. Gaiser Hall was packed with family and friends, their support echoing in every cheer, clap, and whistle. 

Twenty-seven nursing students were honored during the quarterly pinning ceremony, joining more than 4,500 nurses who have graduated from Clark’s nursing program. 

Throughout the evening, faculty, staff, and fellow students shared words of encouragement, highlighting the graduates’ hard work, the challenges yet to come, and their confidence in each student’s success. 

Clark Vice President of Instruction, Dr. William ‘Terry’ Brown, emphasized the impact nurses have on others, calling the work of caring for fellow human beings an important calling. When students had expressed concern about whether they were cut out for the profession, he told them, “If you’re good enough to get in [to the program], you’re good enough to get out... and if you’re good enough to get out, you’re good enough to change lives, one patient at a time.” 

Professor Halina Brant-Zawadzki shared a poem about self-care, “My Brain and Heart Divorced” by John Roedel, which also references many anatomical concepts that the students studied. The poem, she said, serves as a reminder to take care of your whole self. 

Student speaker Tim Klyuchnik had the audience roaring with laughter as he shared stories from his cohort, highlighting the bond and support they built together. He was followed by fellow student Kelly Janecki, who delivered a heartfelt speech about the impact the program had on her.  

“The program slowly changes how you think, your habits, your perspectives,” Kelly said. “We weren’t just completing assignments — we were becoming nurses. And we don’t just leave here with knowledge — we leave with confidence.” 

During the ceremony, Chloe Gunderson was presented with the Clinical Excellence Award, which honors a student who demonstrates excellence in professionalism, communication, clinical preparation, use of the nursing process, and organization.  

Professor Heather Reynolds explained the significance of the nursing pin, a tradition dating back more than 150 years that symbolizes educated professionals prepared to serve the health needs of society. Each nursing school has a customized pin — Clark’s blue-and-gold pin (pictured right) was designed by the program's first graduates in 1962.

Each student selected a loved one to join them on stage and present their nursing pin. Whether a partner, parent, child, or sibling, each had shown their graduate immense support throughout the journey. 

After receiving their pins, the graduates stood together and recited the nursing pledge, promising to dedicate themselves to the profession, provide compassionate care, and respect the dignity and beliefs of those in their care. Nurses and former nurses in the audience were also invited to stand and recite with them.

The Nursing Pledge

In full knowledge and understanding, I dedicate myself to the profession of nursing. I promise to provide compassionate care with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status. I will spare no effort to preserve quality of life, alleviate suffering, and promote health. 

I will respect at all times the dignity and beliefs of those within my care. I hold in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refrain from any action, which may endanger life or health. 

I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and work in collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. 

I will do my utmost to honor the International Code of Ethics applied to nursing and uphold the integrity of the nurse. 

About Clark's Nursing Program

Clark College’s Nursing Program prepares students for in-demand careers in health care through a rigorous blend of classroom instruction, simulation, and hands-on clinical experience. Students gain the knowledge and skills to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care across a variety of settings, while developing strengths in critical thinking, patient-centered care, and collaboration. 

Since 1964, the program has graduated more than 150 nursing cohorts and remains grounded in a mission to serve the holistic needs of a diverse community. It fosters a nursing workforce of trusted advocates committed to advancing collaborative practice, delivering equitable and ethical care, and working to eliminate health disparities. Learn more about Clark's nursing program here. 

Clark College has a long-standing reputation as a premier educator of health care professionals, preparing students for a range of settings including home care, hospitals, medical offices, pharmacies, and dental offices. The Allied Health program inspires the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on career exploration opportunities in areas such as dental hygiene, emergency medical services, health information management, medical billing and coding, medical assisting, nursing, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy and surgical technology. Explore Clark Health Care & Biosciences here. 

Featured photo: April Williams Photography

Photos: Clark College/Malena Goerl

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing