Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo served as commencement speaker for the Fall 2021 Graduation and Pinning ceremonies of the 91视频 College of Nursing.
鈥淣ursing isn鈥檛 just a profession; it is a value statement,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e always known nursing is noble, honorable and important, but nurses are a crucial link between their industry and the community.鈥�
The event took place at the UH Cullen Performance Hall. Seventy-nine new nurses from the College鈥檚 RN to BSN program, Second Degree BSN program and graduate MSN program crossed the stage following rigorous academic study in the midst of a pandemic.
鈥淲e know the unprecedented times we鈥檙e living in, the toll of COVID-19 on our communities, families, friends and ourselves,鈥� said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the College. 鈥淏ut we are passionate about our profession. Congratulations, graduates. You did it.鈥�
Hidalgo spoke about the need for strong leaders, talented and confident in their abilities. She reminded students that choosing to enter a profession in the midst of a pandemic spoke volumes about their leadership skills.
鈥淒on鈥檛 let anyone tell you you can鈥檛 lead or you鈥檙e not ready,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen you find yourself in complex situations--when you know what is right but unpopular--stand your ground. We will be well served by leaders like you.鈥�
Hidalgo is the first woman to be elected county judge and has been recognized with numerous awards and national honors.
鈥淟ean into the drive that brought you here,鈥� she said. 鈥淕uard your heart, nurture your passion and lean in to the ignorance of limitations. You are what our community needs.鈥�
Tart announced that all of the graduates leave with jobs waiting for them.
Special student accolades included:
- Outstanding Graduate Student/Academic Excellence: Sara Shelton Campbell
- Outstanding Undergraduate/Academic Excellence: Alejandra Garcia
- Outstanding Undergraduates: Alejandra Garcia & Michelle Tat
- Outstanding Leadership for Class Representatives: Michala Coffman & Cristin Rodrigues
- Thresiamma Sebastian Outstanding Undergraduate for Clinical Excellence Award: Misha Nguyen
The Clinical Excellence award was named for the mother of a College of Nursing faculty member who succumbed to COVID-19 this year. It also carries a $300 award.
As is tradition, students receive a nursing pin in addition to their diploma. The pin is unique to UH. At the center of the circular pin is the, interlocking UH that represents the student鈥檚 journey and partnership with the 91视频 and relationships along the way. A red border inscribed with 鈥�91视频 Nursing鈥� represents passion, advocacy, love, caring and leadership鈥攖he values of UH Nursing. Finally, a banner at the bottom indicates the degree (BSN or MSN) the student has earned and the culmination of their studies.
Also, in keeping with tradition, students received a 鈥淟amp of Learning鈥� and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which states their commitment to the profession and to safeguarding and promoting 鈥渢he health and happiness of humankind.鈥�