For the 78 students in the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing program, the ceremony on November 7 in 1CW was an opportunity to celebrate the past and look forward to the future. During the ceremony, they each received a pin to acknowledge the completion of their generalist coursework and a white coat to mark their entrance into the advanced practice portion of the program. 

In her address to the Class of 2026, Dr. Patricia Reidy, the interim dean for the School of Nursing, explained what the pin and white coat represent. 

“Today, we come together to celebrate you, our students, and to welcome you into the esteemed profession of nursing and the role of a nurse practitioner,” said Dr. Reidy. “This marks the beginning of a lifelong journey in nursing, the most trusted of all professions. The pin and white coat are powerful symbols of their commitment to excellence in nursing. They represent dedication to integrity, honesty, and the betterment of society. Access to primary care remains a significant challenge, and there is a growing demand for primary care providers.”  

She also acknowledged the two class representatives, Christina Fergiste, Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan NP track, and Ramon Yang, Family NP track, who was chosen to be the student speaker for the event by his peers. The class also heard from Dr. Karen Hunt, who was the Faculty Keynote Speaker. 

Members of the MGH Nurses’ Alumni Association, Ann Quealy, MGH Class of 1964 

Shelia Burke, MGH Class of 1981, MGH Institute Class of 2008, and Jo-Ann Quigley, MGH Class of 1981, presented awards to three members of the Class of 2026. The Adele Corkum Award, for a student who demonstrates outstanding compassion and caring toward classmates, patients, and families, went to Fiona Tsang. The Mary Flannery Caira Award acknowledges dedication to professional nursing and was given to Emma Newton. The Ruth Sleeper Award honors Ruth Sleeper, a distinguished nurse leader and is given to a student who exemplifies excellence in nursing theory and practice. It was given to Yuen Tung Lee. 

Professor Talli McCormick presented the fourth award, the Stephanie Macaluso’88 Leadership Award to Jessica Lyons. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies leadership, creativity, and outstanding skill in clinical care, especially in the use of technology in healthcare.