Edison State Community College honored 43 recent nursing graduates on December 12, 2024, with a pinning ceremony held in a gymnasium filled with family and friends.
The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which the College presents graduate nurses to family and friends as a professional about to practice nursing. Faculty members who have worked with students throughout their studies have the honor of pinning the graduates. Each school has a unique pin, which serves as a symbol of the successful completion of a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates to administer to the sick and injured and promote health through the practice of nursing.
“Nursing is a noble calling that requires intelligence, dedication, and compassion. Each of you embodies these qualities, and I’m honored to be here to celebrate your pinning ceremony,” Edison State Provost Dr. Melissa Wertz told the nursing graduates. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the entire college community. You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and your efforts have paid off. As you progress in your careers, I encourage you to remember the values you’ve learned at Edison State. Remember the importance of compassion, collaboration, and advocacy for your patients. Thank you in advance for all the work you will do to ensure your patients receive the best care, comfort, and support.”
Guest speaker Dalton Blosser, DNP, RN, CPN, graduated from Edison State’s nursing program in 2017. He’s currently a Clinical Logistics Coordinator at Dayton Children’s Hospital and working to obtain his Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner license. He has lectured locally and nationally on a multitude of nursing topics within pediatric care and is an active member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP). Blosser received his Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Cincinnati in 2023.
“Today is a momentous occasion—a celebration of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment,” Dr. Blosser said. “As you stand here, ready to receive your pin and take your next step in the nursing profession, it’s important to reflect on the significance of this achievement—not just for you, but for the numerous patients whose lives will be touched by your care, expertise, and compassion.”
He added, “What really is a nurse? It’s a lot of things wrapped up in a rather small word. It’s about being calm in the storm, being a detective that picks up on subtle signs and symptoms, being an advocate for patients while ensuring their voice is heard and valued, and—let’s be honest—being a multitasking champion of the universe.”
Dr. Blosser encouraged graduates to embrace lifelong learning. “Seek opportunities to expand your expertise, whether through formal education, workshops, or simply seeking wisdom from your peers and mentors. As you grow, so will your ability to transform lives.”
Following the successful completion of the nursing program, graduates will prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses (RNs).
Edison State’s nursing program has maintained full accreditation and approval throughout its history. In 2023, the Ohio Board of Nursing granted Edison State’s Associate of Nursing a full five-year approval. In 2019, the program earned an eight-year continued accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the highest level a program can receive. Edison State received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in 2024 to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, allowing RNs to pursue further education at the College.
Edison State’s Registered Nursing program is accepting applications until January 31, 2025, for the fall 2025 semester. For more information about the program, visit www.edisonohio.edu/health.
Edison State is proud to recognize the following nursing graduates:
Natalie Bair, Fletcher
Morgan Baughman, Springfield
Sydney Blevins, Troy
Ethan Braun, Piqua
Paige Bray, Piqua
Arianna Brazel, Englewood
Jessica Bultman, Piqua
Tamara Callicoat, Fairborn
Katie Clark, Sidney
Sara Cook, Dayton
Madison Dingey, West Liberty
Soleil Drinnen, Sidney
Amirah Etayem, Springfield
Tracie Fleming, Sidney
Emily Fyffe, Greenville
Addyson Halcomb, New Madison
Destiny Harris, Piqua
Chelsea Harrison, Hollansburg
Hunter Herkins, Tipp City
Alexa Hesson, Greenville
Kylie Roswell Houk, Tipp City
Gina Hurley, Anna
Destiny Johnson, Huber Heights
Arica Jutte, Botkins
Alivia Kelley, Tipp City
Caroline Kress, Arcanum
Shelly Lavender, Greenville
Alyssa McCarty, Union City
Julia Newman, Troy
Miranda Pleiman, Sidney
Cassidy Poland, Troy
Kathleen Rollins, Urbana
Teresa Ross, Troy
Aisha Schoen, Troy
Grace Shaffer, Greenville
Ashly Shellhaas, Union City
Jasmine Smith, Port Jefferson
Traci Sparks, Lewisburg
Chad Suitts, Union City
Courtney Turner, Ansonia
Madison Warner, Rossburg
Jeremy Willoughby, Troy
Abigail Yoder, Greenville
Photo: Guest speaker Dr. Dalton Blosser addresses recent nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony held in their honor.