BSN Students Honored at Kay Carpenter Pinning Ceremony
Wednesday, Oct 01, 2025
On September 30, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing held the Kay Carpenter Scholarship Pinning Ceremony for more than 20 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students. The event honored these scholars with pins representing the late Kay Carpenter, whose vision and generosity established the scholarship fund.
The evening was emceed by the college’s Director of Development Jillian Baker and featured speeches from an alumna and two Freshman Direct Admit students. Dean Cameron Duncan highlighted Carpenter’s legacy, stating, “Since its inception in 2018, this scholarship has enabled nearly 150 students to pursue their dreams of becoming nurses.”
Michelle DeVera, a two-time alumna of Florida Atlantic, emphasized the importance of scholarship recipients paying it forward and donating to the scholarship fund.
Elizabeth Kazel, one of this year’s scholars, expressed deep appreciation for the late Kay Carpenter and scholarship co-founder B G Carter. “Scholarships like this truly make a difference in the lives of nursing students. Not only do they help us to overcome our financial burdens to focus on our education, but they also share with us the support of others towards our academic success.”
Student scholar Lilian Krechnyak spoke about the impact the scholarship has had on their educational journey. “As a first-generation college student, and the first in my family to pursue nursing, this journey has been both exciting and challenging. The generosity behind this scholarship has truly lifted a weight off my shoulders. Your kindness is shaping my life in ways I will carry with me forever.”
The evening concluded with remarks from B G Carter, who honored the memory of Kay Carpenter. He encouraged scholars to embrace the spirit of giving back to ensure the scholarship fund continues to thrive for future generations.
Each student scholar was presented with the Kay Carpenter pin, engraved with her guiding motto: “Honor, reciprocity and joy.”
View photos of the event HERE .
To learn more or contribute to the Kay Carpenter Scholarship, please visit the Florida Atlantic University Foundation webpage.
The Kay Carpenter Scholarship recipients for the 2025-26 academic year
| Abigail Molter | Julia Meleqi |
| Alivya Spangler | Karlee Moody |
| Alyssa Le | Lehna Prophilien |
| Amaya Wilson | Lilian Krechnyak |
| Amelia Cline | Maria Sanchez Herrera |
| Ava Demo | Mariapaula Hoyos |
| Chanel Jackson | Melannie Cardona |
| Charlotte Russell | Melyssa Mitchell |
| Eda Maye De Dios | Nashley Louidor |
| Elizabeth Kazel | Samantha Leiva Cordova |
| Hedya Dominique | Sayuri Segura |
| Jamal Mckenzie | Sydney Gibbons |
| Jordan Searwar | Zechariah Riddle |