New Nurses Take the Pledge in Traditional Candlelighting Ceremony
It was a full house in the Humanities Theatre as future caregivers graduating from Queensborough’s nursing program lit their candles and devoted themselves to the welfare of their patients during the traditional Candlelighting Ceremony.
The ceremony on January 5 marked the graduation of 37 nursing students, of which a full 22% were men—higher than the national average of 9.6% for male nursing graduates.
Students in the Class of 2017 hail from the U.S., Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, South and Central America and the Caribbean.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Diane B. Call, President of Queensborough Community College congratulated the graduates and expressed her enormous pride in their accomplishments. “Each of you has demonstrated the extraordinary discipline, sacrifice and determination necessary to successfully complete this competitive program and go on to succeed in one of the most demanding fields in healthcare.”
“As you leave Queensborough those who need you most have yet to present themselves—your patients,” said Anne Marie Menéndez, Professor and Chairperson, Department of Nursing. “My wish for you is that your career is meaningful and that you are ready to serve for the common good.”
Queensborough’s nursing program is renowned for its diligence in keeping pace with technology, addressing the needs of veterans and offering Dual/Joint programs with CUNY’s Hunter College, York College and CUNY School of Professional Studies.
The invocation for the Ceremony was given by Dr. Carol Soto, RN, Professor, Nursing; and the congratulatory address given by Dr. Cheryl Spencer, RN, Associate Professor, Nursing.
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