College of Nursing & Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony

Texas A&M International University and the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing hosted the Annual Pinning Ceremony for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences on May 10, 2012 in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The ceremony was initiated with a processional march, music was performed by Dr. Friedrich C. Gecther. As the processional march came to an end, the Dean of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing and Sciences Dr. Regina C. Aune introduced and hosted the evening as the master of ceremonies. Provost and Vice-President of Academics Affairs Dr. Pablo Arenaz, welcomed all present and congratulated the students for their achievements. There was an invocation in honor of the graduating students. Like every year there were two student responses, this year Jose Ramon Lara and Kristina Salazar had the honor in representing the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing graduating class of 2012. The presentation of awards was conducted and followed by the presentation of candidates.

The pinning ceremony is significant for those students graduating from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as it is one of the final ceremonies held before students graduate. The presentation of Canseco School of Nursing Pins was done by Carmen Bruni and Belva Gonzales. A total of 39 students received their pins recognizing their graduation with a Bachelor's  Degree of Science in Nursing; two additional students graduated as Registered Nurses. The readers and hostesses of the ceremony were Natalie Burkhalter and Marivic Torregosa. The Nurse's Pledge was recited by Carmen Bruni. The ceremony was concluded with a benediction and recessional prayer.

Nursing students who received their pins without becoming registered nurses can practice nursing for up to three months. After the three month grace period, the graduates are required to take their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) examination. When the students pass their NCLEX examination, they will then become full-fledged registered nurses.

(For more information Evelyn Camero may be contacted at evelyn_camero@dusty.tamiu.edu.)