Just as the sun was setting on a warm August evening, more than 100 students gathered with their families and loved ones to celebrate their completion of IHP’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 

Steeped in tradition, dating all the way back to Florence Nightingale, the ceremony recognizes and celebrates students’ hard work in their studies and serves as their welcome into the nursing profession. 

School of Nursing Dean Ken White provided welcome remarks, encouraging the audience not to hold back their enthusiasm and exuberance. 

“It’s one of the best, most committed ABSN cohorts we have ever graduated,” White said. 

Assistant Professor Samantha Bernstein provided the faculty address. Bernstein, who teaches the student’s Maternity course during their third semester, encouraged students to be steadfast in their commitment to themselves and the professions. 

It was a fitting topic for Bernstein to cover. During the ceremony she was awarded the DAISY Faculty Award, which is given each year to a nursing faculty who has had a profound impact on the future practice of their students through their commitment and inspirational influence. 

Citing the students’ ups and downs of becoming a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bernstein shared that steadfastness was something the students had already mastered. “You all decided this path, continued on this path during a global pandemic,” she said. “You have already decided to run towards the fire.”

This practice, she explained, will serve the students well as they move from the classroom to the bedside. “Showing up isn’t just about physically coming to class,” she said.  “You did that, but you also brought your whole selves to class, and you’ll bring your whole self to this profession. You have been steadfast in your dedication, and you will continue to do so.” 

The evening’s student speaker was Collin Montgomery. A U.S. Army veteran, Montgomery encouraged his fellow students to “be the nurse you were excited to see at clinical,” and to “never underestimate the impact that you will have on your patients’ lives.” 

Montgomery, who recently accepted a position in the Surgical ICU at the University of Vermont Medical Center, finished his remarks by reminding his classmates that they were now a part of the country’s most trusted profession, and with that comes a responsibility to advocate for and serve those around them. 

The pinning ceremony also recognized several outstanding students with awards and honors: 

Maya Collins received the “Faculty Recognition for Academic/Clinical Excellence,” an award that combines an outstanding grade point average with strong faculty recommendations. “I’m a first-generation college student completing my second bachelor's degree,” she said. “It is an honor to be recognized for my academic and clinical performance during this program.” 

Elisabeth Grills was honored with the “Student Recognition for Class Leadership” in recognition of her class leadership skills with faculty and students.  

Ian Syblis received the “Wetherill Award.” Dating back to the McLean Hospital School of Nursing in 1936, the award was established in memory of Marion Wetherill Abbott and her mother and honors a student who has demonstrated significant thoughtfulness for others. 

Caroline Daley was honored with the Miriam “Mim” J. Huggard Scholarship. Sponsored by the MGH Nurses' Alumni Association, it is given to a student who has previously worked at MGH, demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and the capacity to become a significant nurse leader. Daley said the award, “symbolized not only [her] own hard work, but the support [she] received from faculty, mentors, peers, and family.” Daley encourages her fellow Black and Brown peers to continue breaking the class ceiling and looks forward to not only beginning her nursing career this fall, but also returning to IHP as a Teacher’s Assistant. 

Khadijah Fofanah was honored with the “Quinn Award.” Established by Dr. Lisa Quinn in 2020, this award honors a Black student who has demonstrated academic and social leadership, while also excelling in their studies. “My goal as a nurse is to always encourage my colleagues to do better when working through a social justice lens,” she said. 

Fofanah, a first-generation American, was parthially inspired to become a nurse after witnessing the challenges her family members faced due to the language barriers they encountered when accessing care. “I want to give my patients what healthcare providers in the past have failed to give, not only my parents, but so many others,” she said.  

See photos from the event in our dropbox.

Do you have a story the Office of Strategic Communications should know about? If so, email me at: cbarrett1 [at] mghihp.edu (cbarrett1[at]mghihp[dot]edu)

Dr. Rebecca Hill greets Ian Syblis as she presents him with the "Wetherill Award."

IHP's Pre-Licensure Faculty Celebrated 111 new ABSN graduates.