School of Nursing

School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony 2013

As the Dean of the School of Nursing, I invite the this year's bachelor of science in nursing graduates, family and friends to attend the University of Portland School of Nursing pinning ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2013, 8:30am in the Earle A. and Virginia H. Chiles Center.  

The pinning ceremony is designed to celebrate the accomplishment of completing the baccalaureate program and the transition into professional practice. Family and friends, School of Nursing faculty and staff, clinical partners and other university members join together to honor the graduating students.

The pinning ceremony is a proud nursing tradition with roots as far back as the time of the Crusades and continued in modern times through the accomplishments of Florence Nightingale. The first nursing pins were awarded in America in 1880. Nursing students receiving their nursing pin at this ceremony will join over 4,000 University of Portland graduates who marked their transition from student to professional nursing practice with this event. Our nursing pin is unique with rich and meaningful symbolism that represents the special characteristics of our University and program. [Note the side bar description of the pin on this page.]

Two 2013 graduates selected by their peers will host the program. Highlights include the invocation given by a senior nurse selected from the graduating class, a keynote speaker address, the announcement of senior award recipients, the presentation of pins and closing remarks by a graduate from each cohort selected by their peers. Beautiful live music enhances the celebration and tradition of the event. Graduates select a special person who has played a significant role in their life to pin them after the ceremony.

Academic gowns are required for this event. Jostens will be on campus mid February 12, 13 and 14 in the Pilot House to take cap and gown and invitation orders. Cap and gowns may also be ordered through University Events. Orders are due Friday,  March 22. Under the graduation gown, it is suggested that men wear a suit or slacks and a collared shirt, tie is optional, dress shoes. Women may wear a suit, slacks and blouse or dress/skirt and blouse, dress shoes. In respect of the event, we ask that graduates not wear jeans, flip flops, or tennis shoes. Class photos will be taken prior to the ceremony (see details below). The gowns are not required for the photo.

For those whose name is often mispronounced, please help the name readers pronounce your name correctly at pinning and commencement by completing a name pronunciation form.

Graduates, please help us select this year's Carly Hansen Distinguished Clinical Instructor who will be honored during the pinning ceremony. The Carly Hansen Distinguished Clinical Instructor award was established after the death of Carly Hansen, a UP BSN graduate and DEU clinical instructor at Providence Portland 4L. In her honor, the School established this award, which would be given to a deserving clinical instructor annually at the UP SON pinning ceremony.  The clinical instructors are nominated by students and faculty and the final selection is decided by the Committee on Students committee members. This year's nomination form can be found HERE. Please nominate a clinical faculty who you think exemplifies excellence in teaching by March 22.  

Important Pinning Dates