Berkeley College Healthcare Graduates Pursue Nursing Vocation with 'Intellect and Heart'

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 16, 2024

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Photo Caption: The Berkeley College School of Health Studies recognized 27 graduates of the College's Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Practical Nurse programs during a pinning ceremony on Friday, April 12, 2024.

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See the Photos:Click here to view photos from the Berkeley College School of Health Studies pinning ceremony for nursing graduates.

The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored a new generation of healthcare heroes entering the workforce at a pinning ceremony for its nursing graduates on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. The ceremony recognized 27 graduates of the College's Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) and Practical Nurse (PN) programs.

Eleven students also received nominations for the DAISY Award, a program that recognizes nurses for their care and compassion. Recipients of the award included Yara Hassan of East Rutherford, NJ, and Josette Andre of Union, NJ.

Patricia Greer, JD, Berkeley College Provost, spoke about the courage, strength, and professionalism of the graduates.

"When you came to Berkeley College, you had the courage to start something new," Greer said. "You had to take that first step to make a difference to others and also in your own lives."

Photo Caption:Eleven Berkeley College students received nominations for the DAISY Award, a program that recognizes nurses for their care and compassion. Pictured (back row, L to R) are Brulan Exantus, Mercedes Perez, Latoya Belser, Ashley Lopez, Yara Hassan, and Tiffany Richards. Pictured (front row, L to R) are Brandon Gibaja-Rondon, Eunice Bond, Gloria Valdez Ceballos, and Josette Andre. Not pictured is Marcia Santiago. Recipients of the award were Hassan and Andre.

"These challenges may have tested your self-confidence, but you persisted and finally succeeded," said Christopher de la Victoria, DNP, RN, Professor, Nursing, Berkeley College School of Health Studies, who served as the Faculty Speaker for the ceremony. "You continued to pursue your lifelong dream, and I applaud you for your dedication and endurance."

Isabela Iscoa of Iselin, NJ, and Jessica Bettridge of Highland Lakes, NJ, served as Student Speakers for the LPN to BSN and PN graduating classes, respectively.

"Today, we gather not only to commemorate the culmination of our hard work, but also to honor a group of individuals who have chosen a career path that demands both intellect and heart," Iscoa said. "Nursing isn't just a profession; it is a commitment to care for others during some of their most vulnerable times. It is an act of selflessness that expects no repayment."

"My classmates have helped me in so many ways," Bettridge said. "It is comforting to know your nursing family is right there beside you in the trenches, going through the same struggles you are going through."

"This is not an easy profession," said Angelica Delacruz, DNP, CPNP-PC, RN, CNE, CHSE, Chair, Nursing, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. "Hold your head high, because you are joining a profession of honor, strength, caring, but most importantly, a profession that is full of heart."

After receiving their nursing pins, the graduates recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, promising to uphold the integrity of the nursing profession.

Photo Caption: Isabela Iscoa of Iselin, NJ (left), and Jessica Bettridge of Highland Lakes, NJ, served as Student Speakers during a pinning ceremony for nursing graduates on Friday, April 12, 2024.

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,500 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor's Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans, for 11 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

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