On Tuesday, May 14th, the Toccoa Falls College Fetterman School of Nursing held the Pinning Ceremony for its inaugural graduating class.  The class of twenty seniors, surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, and well-wishers, were welcomed by Dean of Nursing, Deborah Alvater who spoke on the significance of the nursing elements. These included the conceptual model of the FSN seal, the pin, the blessing of the hands, and the lamp.  She shared their meaning and the responsibility the graduates hold in moving forward to deliver compassionate, patient-centered care as Christian nurses.

President Dr. Bob Myers congratulated the graduates on their success, thanked the many supporters of the nursing program, and spoke on the historical impact of being the first graduating class of the Fetterman School of Nursing.

Keynote address speakers were Drs. Andrew and Ester Kim, Co-founders of Ethne Health from Clarkston, Georgia. Both spoke on the pioneering mentality the graduates had displayed and encouraged them to draw close to patients as they delivered care and look to God for strength in the future.

The ceremony continued with the presentation of student awards to the following: Nursing Student of the Year – Danielle E. Pottorff, Nursing Leadership Award – Melinda R. Ivey, Nursing Servanthood Award – Sarah N. Holcomb.

Following the awards, the pinning ceremony concluded with each student receiving their nursing pin from the nursing faculty. Dean Alvater provided the “blessing of the hands,” followed by the graduates lighting their lamps and reciting “The Nightingale Pledge” together.  The benediction was provided by Toccoa Falls College Provost, Dr. Brian Shelton.

View photos of the pinning ceremony here: Zenfolio