Building Bonds, Shaping Futures: The 2024 RVC Nursing Pinning Ceremony

• Events
• 05/20/2024

“Nursing school has been a horrifically stressful experience,” said Rock Valley College Nursing graduate Kyle Olesen. “And it is one I’m going to miss so much.”

 

Olesen, president of the nursing honor society Alpha Delta Nu, was one of the student speakers at the 2024 RVC Nursing Pinning Ceremony. He confessed that he and his classmates would stay so late studying in the Health Sciences Center they often thought they would be locked in. Better yet, sleeping in the hospital beds in the lab seemed like a good option.

While they never actually slept overnight in the building, this cohort of nursing graduates shared many long days in clinicals, lots of SnapChats, and an overabundance of take-out.

Olson's speech highlighted the support and camaraderie among the students, emphasizing how they lifted each other up through the grueling program. His reflections resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing the unique and profound connections formed during their time at RVC.

By lifting each other up, 15 of the 23 nursing graduates were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu nursing honor society.

The ceremony also featured an emotional speech by fellow student speaker Cameron Swimelar, who vividly described the collective journey marked by sleepless nights and relentless pursuit of their passions.

"We have weathered the storms of uncertainty and navigated the labyrinth of self-discovery," Swimelar said. "Two years ago, we walked into this program as a group of strangers, and now we are a family. I can truly say I have created dozens of lifelong relationships."

Swimelar expressed profound gratitude to the faculty, praising their dedication and mentorship. "You have challenged us to think critically, act with compassion, and strive for excellence. You have not only equipped us with the knowledge and skills needed in nursing but also instilled in us the values of empathy, resilience, and lifelong learning. Thank you for believing in us, pushing us beyond our limits, and preparing us to make a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare."

To his classmates, Swimelar said, “We are architects of tomorrow, visionaries who will shape our future.”

In their speeches, both Olesen and Swimelar emphasized the importance of the support they received from their families, friends, and the faculty. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by their loved ones and the unwavering belief of their instructors, which played a crucial role in their success.

As the ceremony concluded, the graduates looked forward to their future careers with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. The RVC Nursing Pinning Ceremony not only marked the end of a challenging chapter but also celebrated the beginning of their professional journeys as compassionate and skilled nurses ready to make a difference in the world.

The Rock Valley College Nursing Class of 2024 includes:

• Yalo Gill-Floriane Assagoua*
• Celeste Brenner*
• Tatiana Carranza
• Annastasia Castro*
• Megan Earlywine*
• Alexander Edmundson*
• Bojana Elez
• Danielle Emery*
• Kaylee Gahm
• Bobi Garner
• Rachel Green*
• Hannah Griffin*
• Meredith Hall*
• Kisha Hughes*
• Trinity Keck*
• Jude Molina
• Kyle Olesen*
• Gonzalo Lopez Ortega
• Sara Stone
• Cameron Swimelar*
• Nevaeh Torrance*
• Katrina Urban
• Zachary Wittmus*

*denotes an inductee into Alpha Delta Nu

Congratulations to RVC’s Nursing class of 2024.