Perseverance and hard work finally paid off for many of the 2012 graduates of the Texas A&M International University Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing, this past Dec. 13 in the Student Center Ballroom. The Masters of Science in Nursing and Registered Nurse Bachelors of Science in Nursing Hooding and Pinning Ceremony awarded those who graduated top of their class by presenting them a pin or a hood over their regalia.
The evening was set off by the mistress of ceremony, Natalie Burkhalter, RN, MS, CS, FNP, ACNP, Interim Dean of College of Nursing and Health Sciences. A warm welcome was given by Dr. Pablo Arenaz, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the invocation by former student Michael A. Tijerina, RN, BSN.
Thereafter, attendees were addressed by Whitney Bischoff, D.Ph., and RN. Bischoff stated that graduation was not only essential for the students but for society, since they would increase the health education in United States. She explained that although this is a scary time frame for healthcare, this time in history presents varied opportunities for nurses to shape healthcare in all levels. She also emphasized to the graduates that the ceremony did not signify the end, but the beginning of their careers. She added, “I want to challenge you to become an expert in one area of clinical interest, read all the literature, know the new advances on treatment choices and which one is the best for each type of patient.”
Whitney Bischoff and Marivic Toregosa presented the eleven MSN graduates with their hoods. The graduates were: Andres A. Arreguin, Sandra M. Espinoza, Michael A. Flores, San Juanita Hernandez, Maria I. Liendo, Rosa A. Martinez, Rosa I. Perez, Mayra J. Pliego, Michael Tijerina, Veronica Valle- Sullivan, Maria D. Villarreal. In addition, Natalie Burkhalter and Belva Gonzalez presented the three RN/BSN graduates with their pins which included, Jan Merck F. Demasiado, Raúl Lozano and Oscar Villarreal.
The evening was full of strong emotions as the awards were presented to the graduates. Mothers, husbands, wives, and daughters joined the stage and assisted with the award presentations. Graduates’ personal statements were read out loud to enforce the extremity of their commitment towards their degree. The evening concluded with words of wisdom from Michael A. Tijerina, RN, BSN. Attendees were later invited to delight with refreshments and food.
(Neguif Angeles may be reached at neguif.angeles@dusty.tamiu.edu)