Georgia Gwinnett College Pins First Nursing Class

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Georgia Gwinnett College pinned its first-ever group of new nurses on Tuesday.

In all, 24 new nurses received pins at the ceremony, marking the inaugural completions of GGC's new nursing program.

"Each nursing school or program has unique aspects to the (pinning) ceremony, but typically, it includes the presentations of the pins and recitation of a variation of the Nightingale Pledge," said Diane White, dean of the School of Health Sciences. "It is deeply meaningful, as the responsibility for caring for others in times of need is not just a career choice; it is a life’s calling."

The nurses will graduate Wednesday with the rest of the GGC class of 2016, making them the first of the charter nursing class to earn their bachelor’s degrees. The rest of the charter class is expected to graduate later this year.

Gina Micourt-Glenn, of Lawrenceville, spoke on behalf of the nurses receiving pins Tuesday evening.

She referenced the nursing program’s caring faculty and cited the close relationships that developed among nursing students.

"Strangers became friends and friends became family," she said.

The ceremony included four special awards, presented by Eastside Medical Center, a charter nursing partner. Ivori Miller, of Snellville, received the Clinical Excellence Award; Susan Yoon, of Duluth, received the Nursing as Caring Award; Amelia Jones, of Lawrenceville, received the program’s Professional Leadership Award and Jordan Rudnicki, of Dacula, received the Pillar Award.

The Pillar Award recognizes excellence in GGC’s four pillars of scholarship, leadership, creativity and service.

The GGC nursing program is highly selective.

Only up to 32 students are accepted into the program each fall and spring semester. Applicants must have completed their first two years of college and have an excellent academic record.

(Photo courtesy of Georgia Gwinnett College)