Rollins School of Nursing celebrates Class of 2015 graduation
The Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare recently celebrated the Class of 2015 graduation with 16 graduates at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach.
The ceremony honored the graduates for their accomplishment and marked another milestone for the school that next year will celebrate its 95th anniversary. It is the only hospital-based nursing program in Delaware. In July, the school will open the doors of its new and expanded facility, which is bringing the latest in nursing education technologies to the area. The school’s expansion will also allow for a growing student body. Over time, class size is expected to double.
At the graduation ceremony, Bridget Buckaloo, MSN, RNC-OB, executive director of Women’s Health Services at Beebe Healthcare, was the commencement speaker. Rachael Springer, president of the Class of 2016, presented congratulations to the graduates. Shelby Collins, vice president of the Class of 2015, shared class reflections and a video with her classmates.
The Hon. William Swain Lee, chair of Beebe Medical Center’s Board of Directors, presented the Board of Directors’ Award for the highest academic achievement to Christina Hanna. The Beebe Healthcare Medical Staff sponsored the Salutatorian Award for the second-highest academic achievement, which was presented by Dr. R. Alberto Rosa to Chloe Charlsen. The Alumni Award, given for Medical-Surgical Clinical Excellence in District Nursing, was presented to Megan Draper. The Patient Care Director’s Leadership Award was presented to Paige Norvell.
The Beebe Auxiliary presented its award honoring the graduate who excelled academically, clinically and in community involvement to Brynn Thompson. Shelby Collins received the Maternal Child Award, given by Eleanor Cordrey in memory of her sister Virginia Cottingham to the graduate demonstrating an interest in maternal-child nursing. Caitlin McGroerty received the Dr. David Howard Memorial Award. The Bayside Health Association Award, honoring the memory and characteristics of Alison Trout, was presented to Kelly Goodwin. Nicole Gilmore was honored with the Faculty Award recognizing the attributes of diploma education.
Cancer in Common of Rehoboth honored Caitlin McGroerty with its award recognizing the graduate with an interest in cancer. Chloe Charlsen was the recipient of the Delaware Hospice Award honoring an exemplary graduate exhibiting a compassionate philosophy in all aspects of care. Jesse Balis and Brynn Thompson were honored for their perfect attendance. The Rev. Constance Hastings shared the invocation and the benediction.
Karen Pickard, MSN, RN, CNE, program administrator of the School of Nursing, along with class advisors Morgan Mast, MSN, RN, CNE, and Alison Watson, MSN, RN, CEN, presented the graduates with their school pins. Lee presented the diplomas.
Reception and fellowship was shared following the graduation in the Epworth United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
