Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts was filled with family, friends, and supporters of this year’s Accelerated Second-Degree BS/Certificate of Entry into Nursing (CEIN) graduating class on Tuesday, Dec. 16.

The program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. It is a rigorous one-year accelerated program—the longest-running of its kind in the state—that provides a pathway for students of all ages to join the nursing profession.

Achieving this feat in such a short time frame requires an enormous level of dedication, persistence, and strength. The Accelerated Second-Degree BS/CEIN commencement brings together family, friends, faculty, staff, and students to celebrate this remarkable accomplishment.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony began with a greeting from Del Siegle, Ph.D., MS, BS, university marshal, who serves as the Lynn and Ray Neag Endowed Chair for Talent Development.

The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing’s Dean, Victoria Vaughan Dickson, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN, led the processional welcome and introduced Cheryl Ficara, RN, MS, NEA-BC, this year’s commencement speaker and recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award.

The Pellegrina (Peggy) Lacovella Stolfi Clinical Teaching Awards were presented to Kristie Bowdy, MSN, RN (Fundamentals/Health Assessment instructor); Sherene Fagon, MSN, RN, C-EFM (Population-Based instructor); and Denise Morris, MSN, CMSRN (Community Health instructor).

The CCNW Peer Leader Awards were presented to one graduate from each campus: Jennefer Park (Avery Point), Gallerie Quezada (Stamford), Ashley Ware (Storrs), and Jillian Barbarito (Waterbury). Each recipient demonstrated a clear commitment to the nursing profession through their values, philosophy, and actions.

The candidates were presented by Elizabeth Mayerson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, director of the Prelicensure Programs and president of the Sigma Theta Tau Mu Chapter, the School’s honor society. Graduates received their nursing pins, a tradition that may be performed by a fellow nurse who may be a significant person in a graduate’s life. The history of the nursing pin dates back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale recognized nurses for their courageous service.

More than 60 CEIN students in this class had previously been inducted into the international honor society, a distinction recognizing exceptional scholarship and leadership, and were acknowledged during the ceremony. Five students were also recognized for their veteran or active-duty service, and students with a 4.0 GPA received recognition for excellence in academic achievement. After the conferral of degrees by Senior Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Initiatives Amy Gorin, Ph.D., the UConn Nursing PRAXIS pledge was led by Diana Filipek-Oberg, president of the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing Alumni Board.

Dean Dickson concluded the ceremony with closing remarks. “As UConn nurses, you are essential to the future of nursing and the future of health care. You are well prepared to care for individuals, families, and communities from diverse backgrounds in ways that alleviate suffering, promote health, and optimize well-being,” Dean Dickson said. “As you transition from nursing student to professional nurse, always remember that you are UConn nurses—our best and our brightest—and that we will always be proud of you.”

The Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing congratulates the Accelerated Second-Degree BS/CEIN Class of 2025 and the recipients of this year’s awards.

To learn more about our Accelerated Second-Degree BS/CEIN program visit Home | Accelerated Second-Degree CEIN/BS Program.