Last Updated on May 8, 2017 by cassnetwork
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo welcomed more than 120 new medical professionals to the field, with recognition ceremonies hosted by the School of Nursing and Division of Allied Health Sciences Thursday, May 4.
Receiving their pins were 103 nursing graduates, including 36 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), 66 R.N. to B.S.N., and one Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.). They also recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, signifying their acceptance into the profession.
n the Division of Allied Health Sciences, faculty saluted 14 students earning the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology, and 12 who received the Associate of Science in Radiography.
John Hughey, chairperson of the Division of Allied Health Sciences, noted that all MIT graduates seeking employment have found jobs. Dean Linda Wallace commended nursing graduates for a first-time pass rate of 97 percent on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) required to be a registered nurse.
The graduating class of nurses honored Wallace, who is retiring at the end of the academic year, by inviting her to be their guest speaker. She commended the graduates for their hard work and success, and reminded them of the honor and responsibility that comes with being a nurse.
“We walk on the sacred ground of people’s lives,” she said, urging each one to be present in each moment as they care for patients. “As a nurse, your presence is the best you can give them.”
Students in both programs celebrated their classmates as the community that helped them get to graduation.
Caleb Patty, who earned an A.S. in Radiography, said his degree is the first step toward his goal of being a radiation oncologist. Next, the Royal Center resident will start IU Kokomo’s M.I.T. program. He also has a job at IU Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette.
“It feels great to have this degree completed,” he said. “I have a long way to go, but it’s a good start.”
Kris Murphy, who previously earned an A.S. in Radiography, is thrilled to have completed her B.S. in Medical Imaging Technology, focusing on M.R.I. She’s worked in X-ray while earning her degree, and now has a job lined upon graduation.
“My passion lies in M.R.I., and I am thankful IU Kokomo offers this program,” said Murphy, from Atlanta. “I love how student-oriented the campus is. It’s a fantastic place to be and graduate.”
The Medical Imaging Technology class included three international students: Jean-Pierre Priso, Cameroon; Behnaz Younesi, Iran; and Flavio Zampilli, Italy.
Nursing graduate Daisy Valdez, Frankfort, is proud to be the first in her family to graduate from college.
“I’m ready to help change the world and be the best nurse I can be,” she said. “It feels amazing.”
The best part of the program was the lifelong friendships she made while earning the degree of her dreams.
“They’ve been a big support and they’ve helped me get through,” she said, while classmate Meghan Yocum agreed.
“They are a great support system,” Yocum, from Tipton, said. She’s applied for jobs, and hopes to hear back from interviews soon.
“It doesn’t quite feel real yet that I’m a college graduate,” she said. “I’m excited for what the future will bring. I’ve worked so hard for this.”
School of Nursing
R.N. to B.S.N.
Alexandria: Dawnetta Gullion
Anderson: Joanne Smith
Brownsburg: Andrea Brooks
Camden: Carla Lee
Cicero: Lacey Cole
Daleville: Karen Finley, Donna Grady
Elwood: Brenda Singer
Fishers: Lilian Mwamba, Michelle Powell, Monica Roberts
Fort Wayne: Kylee Leonard
Greentown: Kimberly Allen
Hartford City: Pamela Johnson, Charity Koenemann, Sandy Williamson
Hemlock: Jeff Glick
Indianapolis: Annie Huntley, Sara Johnson, Cilicia Morman, Sally Roossien
Jamestown: James Murdock
Kokomo: Melissa Booth, Denese Davis, Allison Jarvis, Tonya Lemons, Rhonda Lipinski, Michele Martin, Aaron Roe, Pia Strong, Mirachelle Weir
Lafayette: Varouschka Pomart
Logansport: Rebekah Gearhart
Marion: Richard Martin
Michigantown: Madonna Smyser
Monticello: Mary Oliver
Muncie: Billy Anderson, Laura Anderson, Kyra Blankenship, Brittany Brand, Leah Bynum, Tammy Hicks, Holly Pierce, Kari Richardson, Shellie Sewell, Tina Smith
New Castle: Kellie King
Noblesville: Stephanie Adams, Juliet Mills
Parker City: Amy Fields
Peru: David Cunningham, Jenny McBride, Amanda Shively
Portland: Tessa Stephen
Rochester: Kelly Tribbey
Selma: Norma Perkins
Sharpsville: Shannon Pickett
Tipton: Melody Barnett
Upland: James Lakin Jr.
Wabash: Tara Leland
Whitestown: Erica Sheets
Winamac: Regina Dilts
Windfall: Cynthia Moreman
Yorktown: Rachel Harbison, Rachelle Phillips, Hannah Whiteman
B.S.N.
Camden: Kaley Sherman
Elwood: Alison Ashbaugh, Zachary Hartman
Fishers: Jessica Cartmel, Mikayla Howell
Forest: Ashley Taylor
Fort Wayne: Kaleigh Ensley
Frankfort: Peter Hemmerling, Abby Lidester, Shelley Martin, Daisy Valdez
Galveston: Morgan Lowe
Indianapolis: Tabitha Newlun
Kokomo: Shawn Gabriel, Brooke Grider, Micheal Grippe, Heather Huey, Stephanie Killings, Harlee Phillips
Lafayette: Ashley Pearson, Ashley Rice
Marion: Laura Mitchell, Natalee Williams
Mexico: Sarah Herbst
Noblesville: Ashley Goslee, Alisha Hobbs, Amy Rutledge
Rochester: Jenna Crispen
Sheridan: Ashley Gibson, Marika Singleton
Tipton: Travis Miller, Nicole Sigler, Meghan Yocum
Wabash: Felicia Freeman
Winamac: Danielle Schmicker
Winter Haven, Florida: Breanne Robertson
M.S.N.:
Greentown: Michael Hulse
Division of Allied Health Sciences
A.S. in Radiography:
Frankfort: Elizabeth Simmons
Kokomo: Abigail Berghoff, Amber Graves
Knightstown: Ciara Dellinger
Macy: Damon Hoffman
Monticello: Lindsay Nelson
Peru: Taylor Larson, Delaney Pitts, Abigail Stuber, Thomas White
Royal Center: Caleb Patty
Winamac: Stephanie Shorter
B.S. in Medical Imaging Technology:
Atlanta: Kris Murphy
Aurora: Hannah Teaney
Indianapolis: Jean-Pierre Priso (Cameroon)
Kirklin: Kaylea Eli
Kokomo: Amanda Alexander
Logansport: Bryanna Bowman, Tammy Gibson
Muncie: Taylor Richardson Behnaz Younsei (Iran), Flavio Zampilli (Italy)
Peru: Brianna Saylor,
Thorntown: Ila Robinson
Walton: Mendy Hadley
Westfield: Heidi Wells
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.