Future health care professionals receive recognition at Indiana University Kokomo

Last Updated on May 9, 2022 by cassnetwork

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Indiana University School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions celebrated the accomplishments of its graduates, both in nursing and radiologic sciences, at recognition ceremonies Thursday (May 5).

Faculty and staff congratulated 47 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates, 18 from the RN to BSN program, 10 Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology graduates, and 12 from the Associate of Science in Radiography.

Radiologic Science

Christine Rassel, clinical assistant professor of radiologic sciences, congratulated the graduates on their achievement during the ceremony, in Kresge Auditorium.

“May you continue to be inspired, passionate, and dedicated to the profession and your patients,” Rassel said. “Today, as you stand proud, take a moment to let your accomplishments resonate within themselves, and know the faculty and staff are proud, and look forward to hearing about your future endeavors. It is with great honor we call you our professional peers.”

Shaton Hill, who completed an Associate of Science in Radiography, is excited to have finished and looks forward to beginning her bachelor’s degree in August. She has lined up a job at IU Health Arnett, Lafayette, and plans to study Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI).

“We all worked so hard for this goal, and it’s finally here,” she said. “I’m excited to start a new career. I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”

Jennifer Serratos said it felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders now that she’s finished her Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology. She will work at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Lafayette.

“It feels like I can accomplish anything,” she said. “It was a very challenging program, and very fast paced. It feels nice to have completed it.”

School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions

Nursing faculty hosted its annual pinning ceremony, a storied tradition in that profession, in Havens Auditorium.

Dean Susan Hendricks welcomed graduates and families to the ceremony, and reminded students that being pinned adds them to, “the long tradition of persons who have provided exceptional nursing care and leadership throughout history.”

“Nurses bring an important ethical imperative to their work wherever we serve, and we add value wherever we work,” Hendricks said.

She encouraged graduates to think on the legacy they will forge in their careers especially as IU nurses.

“You are an IU nurse. IU nurses are distinctive. We lead from where we stand, and we leave behind us a legacy worthy of Hoosier pride recognized around the globe,” she said. “The competent practice, goodwill, and care you generate as an IU nurse will echo into the future in ways that you cannot predict but will always matter.”

Student nurse leader Lilith Jay highlighted the accomplishments of her cohort members, several of whom have already accepted positions in a variety of nursing fields. She went on to praise the diversity shown in the positions accepted by her fellow students, adding, “Each of us has a skill set that flourish within those areas.”

Jay thanked family and friends their support over the past four years, often shown through home-cooked meals, words of encouragement, and babysitting services. “Our success and accomplishments are not ours alone,” she said. “We have been encouraged and sustained through our family, friends, and significant others.”

Kokomo resident Tish Cannon, who earned her BSN, is excited to begin a new job at IU Health Methodist in Indianapolis. 

“I’ve been a medical assistant for 12 years, and I wanted to advance my career,” she said. “The possibilities are endless.”

The ceremony also included presentation of the Daisy Award, recognizing the commitment and care given to students by faculty, and for the compassionate care provided to patients by students during clinical rotations. Bridget Whitmore earned the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty, while students Alyssa Bitzel, Carley Conwell, Alexis Dukes and Karyna Lohinova received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students.

Graduates honored included:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing:

Carmel: Monique Laura Mabona Kanoha Wessi, Alena Nusbaum, Claudia Shelbourn

Fairmount: Ashley Ingram

Flora: Madison Graybill

Frankfort: Hanna Alqueza, Jessica Munoz, Alexis Schrimsher

Gas City: Mackenzie Skeens

Goldsmith: Melynda Phalen

Indianapolis: Aubrey Hauenstein

Kokomo: Ayah Abdallah, Nakia Brigham, Tish Cannon, Ashley Cone, Christiana Hopper, Cassidy Hoppes, Tramone Howard, Cindy Inglehearn, Courtney Jones, Maryam Lawal, Destiny Parkison, Grace Roberts, Kaitlyn Sanders

Lafayette: Camryn Goodin

Lapel: Kim Joest

Logansport: Salem Hanawalt, Lilith Jay, Erika Mullins

Marion: Madeline Nall, Trevor Timmons

Noblesville: Meghan Bartelson, Katie Goldstein, Lyndsey Weaver, Lily Welch

Peru: Kirsta Davis, Ayris Gilbertson, Abby Jewell, Julia Petzold

Rochester: Lexi Gohn

Rossville: Darci Mohler

Russiaville: Alivia Beachy

Tipton: Rachel Majors

Wabash: Morgan Owens, Alicyn Sheets

Walton: Elizabeth Eurit

Westfield: Benjamin Walker

RN to BSN:

Avon: Lina Ahmed

Brownsburg: Silvia Satula

Carmel: Brittani Gray

Fishers: Simret Tesfamicael, Maly Webster

Frankfort: Rebecca Sietsma

Indianapolis: Doris Prather, Tamara Shropshire

Kokomo: Dayna Damewood

Lafayette: Samantha Music, Marques Rayford

Rochester: Brenda Purkey

Rossville: Corah Bricknell

Summitville: Carrie Lamb

Waynesville, North Carolina: Amber Stingley

West Lafayette: Natalie Hawn, Quirsten Nixon

Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology

Alexandria: Mary Sayre

Bringhurst: Briley Blocher

Churubusco: Amanda Papenbrock

Fort Wayne: Sarah Khaing

Frankfort: Madalynn Wyrick

Macy: Lizzy Deeds, Samantha Tims

Monticello: Jennifer Serratos

Star City: Jo Runk

Twelve Mile: Alexa Quillen

Associate of Science in Radiography

Frankfort: Kallie Schultz

Greentown: Allison Hanner, Isabel Shepherd

Kokomo: Jocelyn Andrews, Claire Pepka, Monica Zavala

Lafayette: Christine Biang, Shaton Hill

Marion: Megan Althouse

North Manchester: Halie Wampler

Peru: Adhir Patel

Wabash: Hope Unger

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.