Clinton Community College (CCC), one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), is excited to celebrate the achievements of its 2025 nursing graduates at the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the CCC Auditorium, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton. You may also view the event online at eicc.edu/CCCPinning2025 via livestream.
This meaningful tradition recognizes the dedication and compassion of CCC’s nursing students as they prepare to begin their professional journeys in healthcare. A highlight of the event will be the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, a powerful commitment to patient care and professional ethics that connects generations of nurses across the globe.
About the Nursing Pinning Ceremony
The Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a time-honored event that marks the transition of nursing students from academics to professional practice. Unlike a formal graduation, this ceremony focuses exclusively on the nursing profession and its unique responsibilities. It symbolizes not just the completion of coursework, but the beginning of a nurse’s role in patient care and community health.
- Symbol of Achievement: The pinning ceremony honors the students’ successful completion of their nursing program and symbolizes their official entry into the nursing profession.
- Dedication and Recognition: Each will dedicate their nursing pin to someone who has made a significant impact on their journey—whether a mentor, family member, or faculty member.
- Pledge Recitation: Students affirm their commitment to ethical and compassionate care by reciting the Nightingale Pledge.
- Not a Graduation: While deeply meaningful, the pinning ceremony is separate from graduation. Graduates must still pass the NCLEX licensure exam to officially practice as registered or practical nurses.
Ceremony Program
- Welcome – Brian Kelly, PhD, Clinton Community College President
- Faculty Speaker – Lesley Phillis, Nursing Instructor
- Student Reflections – Kyra Dague and Kennedy Tichler
- Presentation of Pins – Erin Adams, Nursing Instructor
- Closing Remarks – Lori Haugen, Associate Dean of Nursing
- Refreshments – Provided by D’lectable D’lites
Celebrating Our 2025 Graduates
Nursing Associate in Applied Science
- Morgan Bork
- Kassandra Bushman
- Kyra Dague
- Rubey Gallentine
- Mackenzie Jackley
- Beth Nichiporuk
- Carson Nichol
- Haley Papke
- Isabel Petersen
- Kelsi Shea
- Kennedy Tichler
Practical Nursing Diploma
- McKenna Santee
At EICC, our healthcare programs are built to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving medical field. By combining hands-on experience with expert instruction, we prepare graduates to provide high-quality, compassionate care across our region.
The public is also invited to attend the college’s graduation ceremony on Monday, May 19, at 6 p.m. in Clinton High School’s Yourd Gymnasium, 817 8th Ave S., Clinton. Guests are kindly asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m.
For more information on this year’s commencement ceremony, visit eicc.edu/grad25.