Nine students recognized at Associate Degree Nursing Program Pinning

by Gerard Flanagan, news writer/photographer/social media, Office of University Communications

Campbellsville, KY (01/14/2022) — Campbellsville University's School of Nursing pinned nine nursing students during the Associate Degree Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony Dec. 9 at Ransdell Chapel.

The ceremony recognized students who have completed the requirements for the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.

Dr. Michele Dickens, dean of the School of Nursing, welcomed everyone to the event. Dickens said the candidates for pinning have encountered difficulties, but they have not been alone.

"Friends and family have helped you in numerous ways, from lifting you up in prayer, providing you meals, helping you with childcare, just to name a few," Dickens said.

Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, told the crowd the pinning ceremony is especially meaningful for her, since her mother and daughter-in-law have both served in nursing.

"Ultimately, it is a life of service," Hedgepath said. "That is to be commended. It's not for everyone. It's a calling."

Morgan Miracle of Lancaster, Ky., who completed the ADN program and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, was the class speaker for the event.

"Some of us in here tonight went through more than we cared to share, but we made it," Miracle said. "Some of you in here tonight were full-time mothers and wives, but you made it. Some of us in here are full-time athletes, but we made it. All of us on this stage made it, and we are going big and beautiful places."

During her speech, Miracle recited Isaiah 43:2: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

"I know that I have felt God's solid, gentle and guiding hand on me leading me on this journey, and I am so blessed that I have a Savior that I know is with me each and every day no matter what," Miracle said.

The following students received pins during the ceremony: Abigail Leigh Beck of Louisville, Ky.; Kathleen Lee Cox of Columbia, Ky.; Destany Dakota Dailey of Elizabethtown, Ky.; Megan Isabella Graham of Campbellsville, Ky.; Riley Ann Hurst of Bloomington Springs, Tenn.; Chloe Dale May of Lebanon, Ky.; Morgan Faye Miracle of Lancaster, Ky.; Brittany Nichole Pendleton of Columbia, Ky.; and Brandon Scott Pierce of Campbellsville, Ky.

The following nursing students received special awards during the ceremony: Kathleen Cox (Award of Excellence), Brittany Pendleton (Clinical Excellence Award), Riley Hurst and Brittany Pendleton (Academic Award), Chloe May (Franklin D Cheatham Award) and Morgan Miracle (Servant Leadership).

Rhonda Vale, clinical and lab coordinator, oversaw the white coat presentation.

Dr. James E. Jones, member of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees and pastor at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, blessed the hands of each student.

The event began with an invocation from Rita Reynolds, instructor in nursing.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 12,000 students offering over 100 programs of study including doctoral, masters, bachelors, associate and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

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