Butler Recognizes December 2017 Nursing Graduates

Butler Community College recognized 58 nursing graduates Thursday evening during its December 2017 Pinning Ceremony. The Dec. 7th event was held on Butler’s El Dorado campus.

The ceremony included a welcome by Anita Mills, Dean of Butler’s Nursing program and greetings from Eileen Dreiling, Butler Board of Trustees; Kim Krull, Ph.D., President of Butler Community College; and Lori Winningham, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Since 1965, hundreds of Butler graduates have received a pin upon graduating with an associate in applied sciences in nursing degree. The pinning practice of nurses began in the late 19th century in London. By 1880, this symbolic rite was brought to Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Since then, the practice has become commonplace at nursing school graduations.

“This night has not come without tremendous effort, dedication and perseverance,” Mills told the graduates.

Krull emphasized how proud the school was of the graduates and their achievements. They are going into pediatrics, labor and delivery, ICU, ER and orthopedics.

“You have achieved a huge milestone. It takes a really special person to choose nursing as a profession,” Krull said. “You’re going to be there with healing hands and a healing heart.”

The president of the class, Brandi Warden, gave a passionate speech to her fellow students, family and faculty.

“For many of us this has been more than school; it was a journey,” Warden said. “Make no mistake, it’s rigorous and challenging. Each of us has had our bumps and speedbumps. We never gave nor took any excuses.”

Besides receiving their graduate nursing pins, seven graduates were recognized for volunteer efforts by members of the American Red Cross, Central Plains Blood Services Region. Six students were commended by Butler faculty for participating in a mentoring program that enables third and fourth semester nursing students to mentor first and second semester nursing students.

Pinning Graduates December 2016 and Hometowns

(All cities are in Kansas)

 

Andover:

Alyssa Canfield+

Jana Phillips

Meghan Weldon +M

 

Arkansas City:

Rachel Torrez

 

Derby:

Crystal Bush

Sean Rutkowski

 

El Dorado:

Sarah Clemons

Taci Hill

Ashley Horyna

Bailey Killgore

Moriah Wiklund

Misty Gomez +M

 

 

Goddard:

Taylor Wenzel

 

Haysville:

Ashley Wayne

 

Maize:

Tiffany Grantham

Amber Duncan

Audrey Stingo M

Maddie Higgins

 

Marion:

Megan Richmond

 

Manhattan:

Nichole Meyer

 

Park City:

Brynden Annis

Leslie Robertson

 

Potwin:

Katheryn Peters

 

Rose Hill:

Crystal Henry+

Kayla Umholtz

 

 

Topeka:

Sean Morrow

 

Towanda:

Shelby Graves

Brandi Warden+M

 

Valley Center:

Emily Albright

Channing Luff

Emily Weese

 

 

Wichita:

Tisha Alvarez

Wende Banda

Michelle Barr

Brandon Bogner

Abby Brookshire+

Angela Bueno +M

Crystel Callins

Sophie Carmen

Tanaya Carthen

Angela Cline

Drew Conger

Melanie Denning

Ashley Dilorenzo-Bird

Morgan Eckley   M 

Jessica Edgerle

Alexander Fugate

Ashton Hoffman

Lucas Hyslop

Ashli Lawson

Calvin Lies

Tracy Mundell

Christina Parker

Charity Paxson

Alexa Peters

Kyeri Pyon

Brandy Voegeli

Jaycee Yokom

 

+    American Red Cross Recognition

M  Mentoring Recognition

 

Cutline: Butler Nurses’ Pin & Brandi Warden, nursing student president, receiving a hug.