Pinning Ceremony Recognizes Wegmans School of Nursing December Graduates
December 17, 2025
On Friday, Dec. 12, 41 December graduates of the Wegmans School of Nursing celebrated an early graduation and received their nursing pins, marking their official entrance into the nursing profession.
The pinning ceremony was held in the Cleary Family Auditorium. Dr. Lori Dambaugh, associate dean for undergraduate affairs, served as the ceremony emcee. Dr. Tricia Gatlin, dean of the School, offered remarks before welcoming a student to the podium to share reflections.
“You are now part of a proud lineage of Fisher Nurses—individuals known not only for their clinical excellence but for their compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to patient care. This pin you receive tonight is more than a piece of metal. It is a badge of honor, a testament to the countless hours of study, sacrifice, and perseverance that brought you here,” said Gatlin. “As you move forward, remember this: You are not just nurses. You are Fisher Nurses. I urge you to embrace your profession—remembering what it truly means to be a nurse. Uphold the values of integrity, empathy, and excellence.”
During the ceremony, graduates read aloud the Nightingale Pledge to symbolize their commitment to the profession. The pledge is named in honor of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.Jayda Galmer was chosen as the student speaker and addressed her classmates. “I wanted to say how inspiring it was seeing everyone navigate this time. Each of us carried our own individual challenges and still found a way to push through them on top of everything else, and I am proud of you all for finding the strength to get yourselves here. I would also like to thank the amazing professors we had to guide and support us throughout this program, they truly wanted nothing more than to see us succeed.”
Several students also received awards recognizing their academic achievements, service to the profession, and leadership in the School of Nursing. Jennifer Meyers received the Highest Undergraduate GPA Award while Victoria Kathryn Barnes, Hannah Jo Eagley, Jennifer J. Lamb, and Terryn Mackenzie Minotti received the Undergraduate Award for the Highest RN/BS GPA in recognition of academic excellence. Stephen Zawodzinksi was the recipient of the Clara H. Wagner Excellence in Clinical Practice Award for demonstrating excellence in clinical practice with high-quality safe patient care, excellent organization and time management, effective communication, and a patient-centered approach to holistic care. The Glover-Crask Simulation Center Experiential Learning Award recipient was Sydney Minier for her significant accomplishments in the experiential learning environments in the School of Nursing.
In addition, three student-nominated awards were presented during the ceremony. The Caring Award – “Teach Me Goodness” recognizes a student who continually provides emotional and physical support to both student colleagues and patients, regardless of circumstances and was presented to Lauren Gangarossa. The Mentorship Award – “Teach Me Discipline” recognizes a student who conducts themselves in a professional and proficient manner in theory and practice. This year’s recipient was Laura Smith. The Spirit Award – “Teach Me Knowledge” was presented to Natalie Wessie and recognizes a student who shows dedication to the profession of nursing as evidenced by a positive attitude toward learning and excitement to provide for others.
December graduates earning their pins included: Victoria Kathryn Barnes, Leah Calcagno, Kerstin Kerina Taylor Carlson, Kayla Valerie Coughlin, Olivia Anna DiSanto, Madelyn Nicole Donlin, Hannah Jo Eagley, Guiliana Christine Everts, Jayda B. Galmer, Lauren Gangarossa, Johanna MacKenzie Gozelski, Chitra Maya Gurung, Yadu Maya Gurung, Monica Catherine Hamel, Sydney Mae Hurlbut, Reece R. Joint, Sophie Rebecca Kartzman, Alivia Jayden LaClair, Jennifer J. Lamb, Jennifer E. Meyers, Sydney Minier, Terryn Mackenzie Minotti, Regan Leigh Moody, Abbie Gail Mostrianskii, Madison Rose O’Donnell, Diaanna Phiravong, Jordan Jevon Rainey, Anna Patricia Riek, Kyler Grady Ringgold, Jaden Emanuel Rosario, Annabelle Schroeder, Adam J. Smith, Laura Smith, Jessica Tabachuk, Blair Niccole Walton, Skyllar Willow Makenna Weigert, Natalie Lynn Wessie, Hailey Rose Withers, Sarah Elizabeth Woods, Stephen Zawodzinski, and Kaylee Ziemniak.
