Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Fall 2025 Nursing Graduates
Friday, Dec 12, 2025
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing hosted its Fall 2025 Pinning Ceremony, honoring graduates from the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track in Boca Raton and Davie, as well as the RN-to-BSN program.
The ceremony, held Thursday, December 11, opened with remarks from Dr. Michelle Broadbent, assistant dean for undergraduate programs, congratulating the graduates for completing their journey as students. Dean Cameron Duncan followed with an address reflecting on his own path in nursing, encouraging graduates to “take up space” and pursue their purpose in the profession.
Student speakers Barbara Khabbaz and Carlos Valladares described the joys and challenges of navigating the coursework with their peers. Carlos recalled Dr. Broadbent’s early prediction that nursing school would be the hardest work many of them would encounter in their lives. Despite the demands of the program, he acknowledged that the cohort’s shared experiences and support for one another made a difference.
“We studied together, cried together, laughed together - a bond like ours is indescribable,” he noted. “I hope we help shape the future of nursing into something even stronger than what we inherited.”
Barbara expressed appreciation for the help of the faculty and instructors throughout the program. “Thank you for pushing us, believing in us, and holding us to a standard we didn’t always know we could reach,” she said.
Nursing isn’t just a career, Barbara added, but “a calling that asks us to show up even when we’re tired, to care deeply even when the day is long, and to remember that every patient is someone’s whole world.”
Faculty speakers Dr. Wanda Morancy and Instructor Danielle Steele-Mendez provided tips for graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce. Dr. Morancy emphasized the importance of self-care and building confidence, while Steele-Mendez reminded graduates to lead with kindness and center patient needs in their practice.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards recognizing academic achievement, leadership, service, and compassionate care.
Leadership Excellence Award
Undergraduate
Valerie Huber, Rupuni Haque, Julia Kessel, Eddy Jean Pierre, & Tyler Birch
Graduate
Ashley Noel & Roslyn Pechet
Clinical Excellence Award
Undergraduate
Widnerline Dorneson, Lyndsey Gensoli & Amaury Rivas
Graduate
Dina Giovanetti & Anya Pennycooke
Scholar Award
Undergraduate
Lillianna Hymans, Chanel Jackson & Lourdes Sprinckmoller
Excellence in Service Award
Undergraduate
Barbara Khabbaz, Michelle Ferree Mansueto & Lourdes Sprinckmoller
Graduate
Shanice Clayton & Ashley D'Anna
Touhy Award
Undergraduate
Kristen Flood & Valery Joseph
DAISY Award
Undergraduate
Lillianna Hymans & Ana Furtado
Graduate
Ashley Noel