SPRINGFIELD, Mo. 鈥� Nearly 150 students graduated from the Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences
of 欧美视频 during a commencement ceremony Thursday, Dec. 17,
at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield.
Degrees awarded included 85 associate of science in nursing (ASN), 58 bachelor of
science in nursing (BSN) and two health science degrees.
Highlights of the ceremony include:
- Brenna Stanley of Wheatland, ASN graduate, sang 鈥淔orever Young鈥� by Bob Dylan.
- Elizabeth Day of Marionville, ASN graduate, was the commencement speaker.
- Renee Bentley of Springfield, ASN graduate, led ASN graduates in the Florence Nightingale
Pledge, a professional mission statement that reflects the vision and values of nursing
and invokes the many professional rights and responsibilities of the practicing nurse.
- Lisa Person, vice president and chief nurse executive of Mercy Hospital, lead the
Blessing of Hands, a tradition that was started several years ago as a way of asking
God鈥檚 anointing on graduates as they embark on, or continue the practice of the nursing
profession.
Academic awards presented to ASN students include:
- Alyce Smart and Wongell Mengiste, both of Springfield 鈥� 鈥淗ighest Academic Recognition鈥�
award, which is given to the student in each fourth semester nursing course with the
highest course grade.
- Emily Dobson of Willard and Katy Finch of Springfield 鈥� 鈥淩ecognition for Clinical
Excellence鈥� award, given to the student in each fourth semester course who best meets
the clinical course objectives in an exemplary manner.
- Renee Bentley of Springfield 鈥� 鈥淔lorence Nightingale Award,鈥� awarded based on leadership,
professionalism and self-directed learning and is voted on by the entire ASN faculty.
Academic awards presented to BSN students include:
- Laura L. Smith of Springfield 鈥� 鈥淭he Judy Mitchell Christian Walk Award,鈥� given to
a student who exemplifies the Christian walk in both personal and professional life.
- Cheryl D. Shultz of Springfield 鈥� 鈥淭he D鈥橶ayne and Venita Eldridge Highest BSN Academic
Achievement Award,鈥� given to the student with the highest institutional GPA in the
graduating class.
- Valorie A. Packingham of Springfield and Karyn J. Mitchell of Republic 鈥� 鈥淏SN Clinical
Excellence Award,鈥� given to students who demonstrated persistence, dedication and
excellence in BSN clinical experiences.
- Brittany N. Connell of Marshfield 鈥� 鈥淏NS Leadership Award,鈥� given to a student who
has demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities throughout BSN courses.
Master of science in nursing graduates will be recognized during the Graduate Commencement
ceremony on the Bolivar campus in May.
Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences of 欧美视频 offers a master鈥檚 degree in nursing,
bachelor degrees in nursing and health sciences, and associate degrees in nursing,
radiography and health sciences. For more information, go to mercy.欧美视频niv.edu or call
(417) 820-2069.
