NASHUA – Nashua Community College celebrated its 18th annual Pinning Ceremony for the Class of 2021 on Thursday, May 13. The Nursing Pinning ceremony is a tradition marking the completion of the nursing education program. Nursing graduates will also join NCC’s Commencement Friday, May 14 at 1 PM.

The NCC Nursing Class of 2021:

Tamara Amador, Karyn Bantul, Ashley Boudreau, Taysia Boyson, Rachael Desmond, Lisa Dillon, Angela Downey, Cynthia Gaudreault, Tamara Genest, Emily Claire Grund-Gillespie, Blake Jambard, Dina Katanga, Benjamin Klaessig, Ruthenee Nhem, Julie Pawlik, Kahli Philibotte, Courtney Phillips, Rebecca Quimby, Krystine Reardon and Krista Schofield.

NCC Nursing Director Lisa Gray said the graduating class showed a lot of character. “This class had to deal with COVID from last spring and throughout the previous two semesters,” said Gray, and lauded the group’s flexibility, “Usually, we inform our students that nurses must be flexible, but this group made being flexible look easy.”

Nursing instructor Theresa Williams praised graduates’ determination. “The grit and determination to get through this, and to sustain the academic rigor – they are survivors. This is not an easy program, and COVID complicated life.”

Graduates are now off to the workforce, and to continue their education. “Many of the students are planning to start school within the year either for their BSN or MSN at SNHU, Granite State College, and UMass Boston,” said Gray. “We have a few students with positions at Bedford Hills Rehab & Long-Term Care, Brightstar Home Health-Pediatrics, CMC Open Heart Unit ICU, Monadnock Community Hospital, and Cheshire Medical Center.”

At the Pinning Ceremony, Honorary Guest Speaker and NCC Nursing Professor Erin Beck gave the graduates her full confidence. “Your ‘Professor Beck’ is now ‘Erin’ to you. I consider you a colleague and would work beside you any day of the week.”

Graduate Rachael Desmond spoke to the challenges of the program, and praised her peers. “I could not have asked for a kinder group of people to take this journey with, you are all going to be incredible nurses.”

NCC President Lucille Jordan also addressed the graduates, “You have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day. There is no doubt that each nursing candidate here today is truly needed.”

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About the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing

The Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is a 2-year program that prepares students to take the national licensing exam to become a registered nurse. Graduates are prepared to begin work in the healthcare field, but many choose to transfer to four-year Bachelor’s programs and beyond. NCC maintains strong nursing transfer pathways with local institutions, including Rivier University, SNHU, Granite State College, and most recently; Colby-Sawyer College.

To learn more about Nursing at NCC, visit the program page online.

About Nashua Community College

Since 1970, Nashua Community College has been successfully meeting the educational needs of Greater Nashua through high quality post-secondary education and accelerated career training. Graduates leave the college prepared to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution and beyond. Nashua Community College works closely with industry partners to keep pace with changing technology and best practices. Partnerships with area businesses and organizations also provide students with internship and networking opportunities, allowing for real-world experiences to enrich their education. Students can choose from more than 50 associate degree, certificate, and workforce development programs. Nashua Community College is a member of the Community College System of New Hampshire. The seven community colleges in the system are committed to working with businesses throughout the state to train and retain employees to develop a robust workforce across all sectors and embraces the “65 by 25 Initiative,” which calls for 65 percent of New Hampshire citizens to have some form of postsecondary education by 2025 to meet future workforce demands. Learn more about Nashua Community College online at nashuacc.edu.

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