The ETSU College of Nursing honors spring graduates at their Hooding and Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 8.
The East Tennessee State University College of Nursing’s spring Hooding and Pinning Ceremony featured several changes that made this year’s celebration especially meaningful.
The ceremony opened with a processional led by the Appalachian Highlands Nurses Honor Guard, accompanied by live musicians Matthew Haagen on hammered dulcimer and Joe Cangelosi on guitar. The Honor Guard also led graduates in reciting the Nightingale Pledge.
Their participation was especially fitting as the ceremony took place during National Nurses Week, celebrated annually from May 6-12.
Clad in traditional white uniforms with capes and lamps reminiscent of Florence Nightingale, members of the Nurses Honor Guard embodied the history, compassion and excellence that have defined the nursing profession for generations.
“National Nurses Week is both a moment of celebration and reflection,” said Dr. Dena Evans, dean of the College of Nursing. “Our profession is rooted in a powerful history – one shaped by courage, advocacy and an unwavering commitment to care.”
Evans welcomed graduates and guests before taking a moment to honor two faculty members, Leonard Cortese and Dr. Sharon Loury, who passed away during the spring semester.
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland also commended the Class of 2026 on their accomplishments.
Several students were recognized with awards during the ceremony:
· Ellise Rodriguez received the Excellence in Empathy Award, recognizing a nursing student who demonstrates exceptional compassionate, human-centered care through deep listening, respect and dignity in every patient interaction.
· Corinne Geffen received the Torchbearer Award, which honors a graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service through nursing-related student organizations.
· Kendall Bare and Brie Abram received the Outstanding Thesis, Dissertation, or Scholarly Project Award for academic excellence and scholarly work with the potential to advance nursing practice, policy or research.
· Zachary Marley and Lee Gourley received the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award, recognizing graduate and undergraduate nursing students who exemplify evidence-based care, professional integrity and compassionate service.
· Dr. Whitney Tisdale then presented more than 200 graduates for hooding and pinning.
The ceremony concluded with a recessional led by the Appalachian Highlands Nurses Honor Guard, accompanied by live music from Haagen and Cangelosi.
View photos from the ceremony here.
