The Indiana University East Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Class of 2022 was welcomed into the nursing profession through the time honored tradition of receiving their nursing pins.

Olivia Ripberger, Centerville, Indiana, is the recipient of the Nightingale Award. This award is given by the IU East School of Nursing and Health Sciences to the student/students who demonstrate the attributes, knowledge, clinical skill and professionalism consistent with professional nursing.

The IU East School of Nursing and Health Sciences held its pinning ceremony in Vivian Auditorium to present the graduate students with their pins. This year, 43 nursing students received Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.

Graduates wear their pin on their regalia for the IU East Commencement Ceremony held following the pinning at the Richmond High School Tiernan Center. Also at the Pinning Ceremony, graduates received nursing awards.

Karen Clark, dean of IU East’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences and Michelle Malott, deputy chancellor and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, welcomed graduates and guests to the pinning ceremony. Audrey Reed, Cedar Grove, Indiana, read the Nurse’s Prayer.

Abbigayle Jacobs, Greenfield, Indiana, and Jessica Holt, Liberty, Indiana, delivered a speech on behalf of the B.S.N. Class of 2022.

The Nightingale Award is given to the student/students who demonstrate the attributes, knowledge, clinical skill and professionalism consistent with professional nursing. This year’s recipient was Olivia Ripberger of Centerville, Indiana.

During the pinning ceremony, students inducted to the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Alpha Chapter, were recognized. Bachelor of Science in Nursing student inductees to the honor society are Rachel Kroger, Lindsey Peavie, Spiceland, Indiana; Baltazar Larano III, Richmond, Indiana; and Olivia Ripberger, Centerville, Indiana.

The IU East School of Nursing and Health Sciences hosts its pinning ceremony for Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates ahead of the Commencement Ceremony on May 13 in Vivian Auditorium in Whitewater Hall.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences recognized the students who received outstanding awards during the Honors Convocation held April 21.

Students recognized for their leadership in the National Student Nurse Association are Audrey Reed, Cedar Grove, Indiana, president, and Madison Wilson, Richmond, Indiana, vice president.

Students who served as mentors for the B.S.N. Mentoring program were recognized for their service. Each mentor volunteered to to work with one or more incoming sophomores, sharing their experiences and building leadership skills along the way. Senior mentors were Meghan Byrd, Knightstown, Indiana; Chloe Eggers, Connersville, Indiana; Olivia Harmeyer, Connersville, Indiana; Tonya Haskett, New Castle, Indiana; Larano, Richmond; and Kara Pugh, Milan, Indiana.