Hundreds packed the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on April 28 as the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing recognized its spring graduating Class of 2023.
Nearly 200 students from the Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Johnstown campus received their BSN degrees, while two received their PhD’s, seven received DNP’s and four earned their MSN degrees.
“This feeling you have with you right now, in the celebration of this moment, will help power you through your career,” said Dean Christine E. Kasper, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACSM, during the ceremony. “Remember this feeling of empowerment and success and use it to drive you forward.
UPMC Chief Nurse Executive Maribeth McLaughlin was the keynote speaker and said nursing was “a calling” and that graduates are about to embark on a “wonderful and fulfilling profession.”
“Each day as you leave your shift, think of one thing you did that touched a patient, family, or peer,” said McLaughlin. “Maybe you eased someone’s pain, helped them through a procedure, made a good catch keeping a patient safe, held someone’s hand, let a family member spend time with their loved one, taught a mom how to care for her new baby, or helped someone end their suffering. Every day you will make a difference in the lives of those you care for and their families. Be a difference maker.”
Three undergraduate students were recognized during the ceremony. Alexa Fasone was honored with the Nursing Student Association Professionalism Award, Kaitlyn Eastburn was recognized with the Nursing Student Association Leadership Award and Sabella Prime was awarded the Black Student Nurses’ Association Leadership Award.
The graduates joined 13,000 other Pitt Nursing alums.