RSU Assistant Professor of Nursing Samantha Rhea (left) congratulates nursing graduate Haylie Jones.
Rogers State University honored its 43rd class of graduating nurses at the 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony held Friday, May 9, at First Baptist Church in Claremore.
RSU Associate Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Carla Lynch welcomed the graduates, their guests, and members of the audience before addressing the nursing students.
“Graduates, once again we are making history,” Lynch said. “This past December we had our first ever fall graduates from RSU nursing. Today, we celebrate our spring 2025 graduates that hail from our Claremore campus, but also, our first Saint Francis extended campus. Partnerships such as this have allowed us to accept more students and positively impact the nursing needs for this region. Saint Francis has generously provided faculty, classroom, lab and simulation space for an additional 16 students every semester. Today we will see the first fruits of this labor.
“Regardless of your home campus, each of you were likely challenged by nursing school in ways you never dreamed of when you began this journey,” she continued. “You have expanded your mind and spirit, and have tested your will repeatedly, and I am so pleased to be the first to congratulate you on a job well-done.”
After Lynch’s remarks, a live musical performance of “You Raise Me Up” by Rolf Lovland (arranged by Uwe Roessle) was presented, with Josia Haker on violin, Amelia Ivory on cello and Cathy Venable on piano.
Following this, Rebekah Inman recognized Emily Smith as the Outstanding Graduate and LeeAnn Sipes recognized Toss Fourkiller as the Distinguished Graduate.
Nursing pins were then presented to graduating nurses by nursing faculty Caitlyn Thomas, Sheryl Klenovich, Samantha Rhea, Mary Utsler, Shaylene Chatham, Tamra Luna and Janet Jackson.
Spring 2025 nursing graduates included Richard Arce Cornejo, Sean Asauskas, Sophia Atkinson, Josiah Baker, Alex Bartlett, Cole Beets, Paris Dishmon, Brynnlee Dryden, Madison Elkins, Toss Fourkiller, Elena Fries, Bonnie Garner, Elizabeth Gerritson, Jimi Green, Kylie Jancich, Bailey Johnson, Haylie Jones, Jenna Knecht, Michael Lamont, Savannah Lira, Madison Mancell, Macey Marrs, Diane Mbetsi, Paige McCabe, Kaci Meerbeek, Caitlin Parker, Ella Parrick, Mason Peery, Katie Quaid, Morgan Rabehl, Eric Ragan, Chloe Ramsey, Autumn Riggs, Emily Smith, Erica Snyder, Justin Stocker, Emily Talbot, Vashea Thomas, Morgan Thompson, Emily Tucker, Emily Tuttle, Hope Van Cleave, Sarita Walters, Kenneth Ward, Macy Whittenburg, Sonia Wilbanks, and Xiong Yang.
After the presentation of pins, Assistant Professor Tonya Ballone led the graduates in the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, in which, the group pledged to practice their profession faithfully, do all in their power to maintain and elevate the standards of the nursing profession, and to dedicate themselves to the welfare of those committed to their care.
Lynch then congratulated the newly pinned nurses and wished them much success in their chosen profession and in life.
Learn more about RSU’s degree options in nursing.